Opinions on fixing up a 1989 Cherokee Laredo 4x4
 

My parents bought this truck in the early 90's and it has served both
them and I very well. My dad is about to junk it but I am trying to
save it. Like I said it is an 89 with the 4L inline 6 with an
automatic transmission and about 160,000 miles. The engine is still
really strong and the transmission is smooth and crisp on shifts. 4x4
works without any problems.

There is nothing major wrong with it. The rocker panels are rusting
out along with the rear bumper. Those are the only three spots of
rust that I know of. People said that the driver's side floor can
also rust but I have never seen any there.

I am pretty sure that the power steering pump is on its last legs.
The steering wheel wobbles very badly at low speed, but the wheels do
not. I looking in the service manual and went through all of there
diagnostics and it sounds like the pump.

The driver's side swing window (not really sure what it is called, the
one that rotates) leaks and has killed the speaker. The rear speakers
die and then come back when I hit bumps so I think there is a loose
wire or a short someplace.

I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions about fixing the rust
and the power steering pump.
I have found rocker panels online for about $30 each and a chrome
bumper for $60. Does anyone have any good websites to look for parts?
Also I am curious about how to install new rocker panels. Once I cut
the old ones off how do I protect the new ones from rust, You can not
prime them before you weld them on, so how do you protect the exposed
metal inside the panel? I do not know how to weld yet but I am going
to try to learn at the shop at my school, but what type of welder
would I need for such a job, Tig? Any suggestions on a cheap yet
adequate welder for my job? On to the bumper, is that just held on
with bolts? What about suspension, we put new shocks on a long time
ago but they are on their way out, any suggestions? I just want this
to be an all around good reliable vehicle. Minor offroading, Cape Cod
beaches, snow, and the occasional muddy field, nothing extreme.
Although I have a lot more questions I will leave it at that for now.

Thank you for the help.
Paul

Re: Opinions on fixing up a 1989 Cherokee Laredo 4x4
 

One way to rust protect bare metal before painting is to use a zinc bath.

Paul wrote:


> I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions about fixing the rust
> and the power steering pump.
> I have found rocker panels online for about $30 each and a chrome
> bumper for $60. Does anyone have any good websites to look for parts?
> Also I am curious about how to install new rocker panels. Once I cut
> the old ones off how do I protect the new ones from rust, You can not
> prime them before you weld them on, so how do you protect the exposed
> metal inside the panel?
> Thank you for the help.
> Paul

--
__________________________________________________ _________
tw

03 TJ Rubicon - Rubicon Express 4.5"
01 XJ Sport

There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
-- Dave Barry

Pronunciation: 'jEp
Function: noun
Date: 1940

Etymology: from g. p. (G= 'Government' P= '80 inch wheelbase')
A small general-purpose motor vehicle with 80-inch wheelbase,
1/4-ton capacity, and four-wheel drive used by the U.S. army in
World War II.

(Please remove the OBVIOUS to reply by email)
__________________________________________________ _________

Re: Opinions on fixing up a 1989 Cherokee Laredo 4x4
 

One way to rust protect bare metal before painting is to use a zinc bath.

Paul wrote:


> I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions about fixing the rust
> and the power steering pump.
> I have found rocker panels online for about $30 each and a chrome
> bumper for $60. Does anyone have any good websites to look for parts?
> Also I am curious about how to install new rocker panels. Once I cut
> the old ones off how do I protect the new ones from rust, You can not
> prime them before you weld them on, so how do you protect the exposed
> metal inside the panel?
> Thank you for the help.
> Paul

--
__________________________________________________ _________
tw

03 TJ Rubicon - Rubicon Express 4.5"
01 XJ Sport

There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
-- Dave Barry

Pronunciation: 'jEp
Function: noun
Date: 1940

Etymology: from g. p. (G= 'Government' P= '80 inch wheelbase')
A small general-purpose motor vehicle with 80-inch wheelbase,
1/4-ton capacity, and four-wheel drive used by the U.S. army in
World War II.

(Please remove the OBVIOUS to reply by email)
__________________________________________________ _________

Re: Opinions on fixing up a 1989 Cherokee Laredo 4x4
 

One way to rust protect bare metal before painting is to use a zinc bath.

Paul wrote:


> I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions about fixing the rust
> and the power steering pump.
> I have found rocker panels online for about $30 each and a chrome
> bumper for $60. Does anyone have any good websites to look for parts?
> Also I am curious about how to install new rocker panels. Once I cut
> the old ones off how do I protect the new ones from rust, You can not
> prime them before you weld them on, so how do you protect the exposed
> metal inside the panel?
> Thank you for the help.
> Paul

--
__________________________________________________ _________
tw

03 TJ Rubicon - Rubicon Express 4.5"
01 XJ Sport

There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
-- Dave Barry

Pronunciation: 'jEp
Function: noun
Date: 1940

Etymology: from g. p. (G= 'Government' P= '80 inch wheelbase')
A small general-purpose motor vehicle with 80-inch wheelbase,
1/4-ton capacity, and four-wheel drive used by the U.S. army in
World War II.

(Please remove the OBVIOUS to reply by email)
__________________________________________________ _________

Re: Opinions on fixing up a 1989 Cherokee Laredo 4x4
 

One way to rust protect bare metal before painting is to use a zinc bath.

Paul wrote:


> I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions about fixing the rust
> and the power steering pump.
> I have found rocker panels online for about $30 each and a chrome
> bumper for $60. Does anyone have any good websites to look for parts?
> Also I am curious about how to install new rocker panels. Once I cut
> the old ones off how do I protect the new ones from rust, You can not
> prime them before you weld them on, so how do you protect the exposed
> metal inside the panel?
> Thank you for the help.
> Paul

--
__________________________________________________ _________
tw

03 TJ Rubicon - Rubicon Express 4.5"
01 XJ Sport

There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
-- Dave Barry

Pronunciation: 'jEp
Function: noun
Date: 1940

Etymology: from g. p. (G= 'Government' P= '80 inch wheelbase')
A small general-purpose motor vehicle with 80-inch wheelbase,
1/4-ton capacity, and four-wheel drive used by the U.S. army in
World War II.

(Please remove the OBVIOUS to reply by email)
__________________________________________________ _________

Re: Opinions on fixing up a 1989 Cherokee Laredo 4x4
 

Sounds like a good project since the driveline is ok. I would ride in another
car beside it to see if a tire or wheel wobbles. I can't see the pump causing
the steering wheel to wobble. The rear bumper is held on with two mounts each
having 4 bolts. Laying on the ground they can be reached with a ratchet and
socket, 14mm as I recall but it could be 15mm. Also rocker panels are under the
doors, not by the rear bumper. Rear quarter panels maybe. The back side of
these panels can be reaches after removing the tail lights.

JoBo.
"Paul" <katarn444@rcn.com> wrote in message
news:319414c5.0408041028.4ee1744d@posting.google.c om...
> My parents bought this truck in the early 90's and it has served both
> them and I very well. My dad is about to junk it but I am trying to
> save it. Like I said it is an 89 with the 4L inline 6 with an
> automatic transmission and about 160,000 miles. The engine is still
> really strong and the transmission is smooth and crisp on shifts. 4x4
> works without any problems.
>
> There is nothing major wrong with it. The rocker panels are rusting
> out along with the rear bumper. Those are the only three spots of
> rust that I know of. People said that the driver's side floor can
> also rust but I have never seen any there.
>
> I am pretty sure that the power steering pump is on its last legs.
> The steering wheel wobbles very badly at low speed, but the wheels do
> not. I looking in the service manual and went through all of there
> diagnostics and it sounds like the pump.
>
> The driver's side swing window (not really sure what it is called, the
> one that rotates) leaks and has killed the speaker. The rear speakers
> die and then come back when I hit bumps so I think there is a loose
> wire or a short someplace.
>
> I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions about fixing the rust
> and the power steering pump.
> I have found rocker panels online for about $30 each and a chrome
> bumper for $60. Does anyone have any good websites to look for parts?
> Also I am curious about how to install new rocker panels. Once I cut
> the old ones off how do I protect the new ones from rust, You can not
> prime them before you weld them on, so how do you protect the exposed
> metal inside the panel? I do not know how to weld yet but I am going
> to try to learn at the shop at my school, but what type of welder
> would I need for such a job, Tig? Any suggestions on a cheap yet
> adequate welder for my job? On to the bumper, is that just held on
> with bolts? What about suspension, we put new shocks on a long time
> ago but they are on their way out, any suggestions? I just want this
> to be an all around good reliable vehicle. Minor offroading, Cape Cod
> beaches, snow, and the occasional muddy field, nothing extreme.
> Although I have a lot more questions I will leave it at that for now.
>
> Thank you for the help.
> Paul

Re: Opinions on fixing up a 1989 Cherokee Laredo 4x4
 

Sounds like a good project since the driveline is ok. I would ride in another
car beside it to see if a tire or wheel wobbles. I can't see the pump causing
the steering wheel to wobble. The rear bumper is held on with two mounts each
having 4 bolts. Laying on the ground they can be reached with a ratchet and
socket, 14mm as I recall but it could be 15mm. Also rocker panels are under the
doors, not by the rear bumper. Rear quarter panels maybe. The back side of
these panels can be reaches after removing the tail lights.

JoBo.
"Paul" <katarn444@rcn.com> wrote in message
news:319414c5.0408041028.4ee1744d@posting.google.c om...
> My parents bought this truck in the early 90's and it has served both
> them and I very well. My dad is about to junk it but I am trying to
> save it. Like I said it is an 89 with the 4L inline 6 with an
> automatic transmission and about 160,000 miles. The engine is still
> really strong and the transmission is smooth and crisp on shifts. 4x4
> works without any problems.
>
> There is nothing major wrong with it. The rocker panels are rusting
> out along with the rear bumper. Those are the only three spots of
> rust that I know of. People said that the driver's side floor can
> also rust but I have never seen any there.
>
> I am pretty sure that the power steering pump is on its last legs.
> The steering wheel wobbles very badly at low speed, but the wheels do
> not. I looking in the service manual and went through all of there
> diagnostics and it sounds like the pump.
>
> The driver's side swing window (not really sure what it is called, the
> one that rotates) leaks and has killed the speaker. The rear speakers
> die and then come back when I hit bumps so I think there is a loose
> wire or a short someplace.
>
> I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions about fixing the rust
> and the power steering pump.
> I have found rocker panels online for about $30 each and a chrome
> bumper for $60. Does anyone have any good websites to look for parts?
> Also I am curious about how to install new rocker panels. Once I cut
> the old ones off how do I protect the new ones from rust, You can not
> prime them before you weld them on, so how do you protect the exposed
> metal inside the panel? I do not know how to weld yet but I am going
> to try to learn at the shop at my school, but what type of welder
> would I need for such a job, Tig? Any suggestions on a cheap yet
> adequate welder for my job? On to the bumper, is that just held on
> with bolts? What about suspension, we put new shocks on a long time
> ago but they are on their way out, any suggestions? I just want this
> to be an all around good reliable vehicle. Minor offroading, Cape Cod
> beaches, snow, and the occasional muddy field, nothing extreme.
> Although I have a lot more questions I will leave it at that for now.
>
> Thank you for the help.
> Paul

Re: Opinions on fixing up a 1989 Cherokee Laredo 4x4
 

Sounds like a good project since the driveline is ok. I would ride in another
car beside it to see if a tire or wheel wobbles. I can't see the pump causing
the steering wheel to wobble. The rear bumper is held on with two mounts each
having 4 bolts. Laying on the ground they can be reached with a ratchet and
socket, 14mm as I recall but it could be 15mm. Also rocker panels are under the
doors, not by the rear bumper. Rear quarter panels maybe. The back side of
these panels can be reaches after removing the tail lights.

JoBo.
"Paul" <katarn444@rcn.com> wrote in message
news:319414c5.0408041028.4ee1744d@posting.google.c om...
> My parents bought this truck in the early 90's and it has served both
> them and I very well. My dad is about to junk it but I am trying to
> save it. Like I said it is an 89 with the 4L inline 6 with an
> automatic transmission and about 160,000 miles. The engine is still
> really strong and the transmission is smooth and crisp on shifts. 4x4
> works without any problems.
>
> There is nothing major wrong with it. The rocker panels are rusting
> out along with the rear bumper. Those are the only three spots of
> rust that I know of. People said that the driver's side floor can
> also rust but I have never seen any there.
>
> I am pretty sure that the power steering pump is on its last legs.
> The steering wheel wobbles very badly at low speed, but the wheels do
> not. I looking in the service manual and went through all of there
> diagnostics and it sounds like the pump.
>
> The driver's side swing window (not really sure what it is called, the
> one that rotates) leaks and has killed the speaker. The rear speakers
> die and then come back when I hit bumps so I think there is a loose
> wire or a short someplace.
>
> I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions about fixing the rust
> and the power steering pump.
> I have found rocker panels online for about $30 each and a chrome
> bumper for $60. Does anyone have any good websites to look for parts?
> Also I am curious about how to install new rocker panels. Once I cut
> the old ones off how do I protect the new ones from rust, You can not
> prime them before you weld them on, so how do you protect the exposed
> metal inside the panel? I do not know how to weld yet but I am going
> to try to learn at the shop at my school, but what type of welder
> would I need for such a job, Tig? Any suggestions on a cheap yet
> adequate welder for my job? On to the bumper, is that just held on
> with bolts? What about suspension, we put new shocks on a long time
> ago but they are on their way out, any suggestions? I just want this
> to be an all around good reliable vehicle. Minor offroading, Cape Cod
> beaches, snow, and the occasional muddy field, nothing extreme.
> Although I have a lot more questions I will leave it at that for now.
>
> Thank you for the help.
> Paul

Re: Opinions on fixing up a 1989 Cherokee Laredo 4x4
 

Sounds like a good project since the driveline is ok. I would ride in another
car beside it to see if a tire or wheel wobbles. I can't see the pump causing
the steering wheel to wobble. The rear bumper is held on with two mounts each
having 4 bolts. Laying on the ground they can be reached with a ratchet and
socket, 14mm as I recall but it could be 15mm. Also rocker panels are under the
doors, not by the rear bumper. Rear quarter panels maybe. The back side of
these panels can be reaches after removing the tail lights.

JoBo.
"Paul" <katarn444@rcn.com> wrote in message
news:319414c5.0408041028.4ee1744d@posting.google.c om...
> My parents bought this truck in the early 90's and it has served both
> them and I very well. My dad is about to junk it but I am trying to
> save it. Like I said it is an 89 with the 4L inline 6 with an
> automatic transmission and about 160,000 miles. The engine is still
> really strong and the transmission is smooth and crisp on shifts. 4x4
> works without any problems.
>
> There is nothing major wrong with it. The rocker panels are rusting
> out along with the rear bumper. Those are the only three spots of
> rust that I know of. People said that the driver's side floor can
> also rust but I have never seen any there.
>
> I am pretty sure that the power steering pump is on its last legs.
> The steering wheel wobbles very badly at low speed, but the wheels do
> not. I looking in the service manual and went through all of there
> diagnostics and it sounds like the pump.
>
> The driver's side swing window (not really sure what it is called, the
> one that rotates) leaks and has killed the speaker. The rear speakers
> die and then come back when I hit bumps so I think there is a loose
> wire or a short someplace.
>
> I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions about fixing the rust
> and the power steering pump.
> I have found rocker panels online for about $30 each and a chrome
> bumper for $60. Does anyone have any good websites to look for parts?
> Also I am curious about how to install new rocker panels. Once I cut
> the old ones off how do I protect the new ones from rust, You can not
> prime them before you weld them on, so how do you protect the exposed
> metal inside the panel? I do not know how to weld yet but I am going
> to try to learn at the shop at my school, but what type of welder
> would I need for such a job, Tig? Any suggestions on a cheap yet
> adequate welder for my job? On to the bumper, is that just held on
> with bolts? What about suspension, we put new shocks on a long time
> ago but they are on their way out, any suggestions? I just want this
> to be an all around good reliable vehicle. Minor offroading, Cape Cod
> beaches, snow, and the occasional muddy field, nothing extreme.
> Although I have a lot more questions I will leave it at that for now.
>
> Thank you for the help.
> Paul

Re: Opinions on fixing up a 1989 Cherokee Laredo 4x4
 

twaldron <thomas@OBVIOUSrubicons.com> wrote in message news:<%Y9Qc.315$xe6.74@newssvr23.news.prodigy.com> ...
> One way to rust protect bare metal before painting is to use a zinc bath.
>
> Paul wrote:
>
>
> > I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions about fixing the rust
> > and the power steering pump.
> > I have found rocker panels online for about $30 each and a chrome
> > bumper for $60. Does anyone have any good websites to look for parts?
> > Also I am curious about how to install new rocker panels. Once I cut
> > the old ones off how do I protect the new ones from rust, You can not
> > prime them before you weld them on, so how do you protect the exposed
> > metal inside the panel?
> > Thank you for the help.
> > Paul


I have never heard of anyone galvanizing car parts. Is this feasible?
Can you weld galvanized metal? It sort of sounds like overkill.

Paul