ROADLESS

One of best improvements for a 4 cyl. would be to replace the OEM type of spark plug wires with some high performance ones. Preferably a set with less than 1,000 ohms of resistance (per foot). You might also consider a new coil (performance one if available) along with new spark plugs.

87manche, Good call on checking the fuel ballast resistor. However, I have to disagree with you on the CPS/spark issue. I believe that he can have spark with a bad CPS. That is why his engine starts (and shortly dies). The CPS is no longer receiving/transmitting the proper amperage to keep it running. Ben-88Comanche, I still believe you have a bad CPS. here's a good link to sensor diagnostics. Page down near the end for CPS diagnostics: http://www.lunghd.com/Tech_Articles/Eng ... ostics.htm

Sounds like a bad crankshaft position sensor (CPS) to me. Normally I don't condone replacing suspect parts because it can turn out to be a 'hit and miss' game and thusly expensive. However, because this is a common problem, and difficult to test, it's a good idea to have a spare one on hand anyway. The CPS is located on the upper portion of the flywheel cover on the drivers side and yes it is a PITA to R&R :eek: .

There are essentially two ways to do it. A complete conversion (the one that I highly recommend), and a 'budget' conversion which retains most of your original equipment. For the complete version i used Craig's writeup located here: http://www.olypen.com/craigh/rad.htm Craig even includes part #'s :D ! Here is the budget version by Joe Thompson (MADXJ): http://www.madxj.com/ It is under his engine writeup section. I have done both of these on various XJ's and my MJ. IMO the complete conversion is the only way to go. However, if your on a budget and need something 'temporary' then Joe pretty much covers what ya need. Good luck :wrench: !

Did not mean to go off topic, just trying to put some 'outside the box' ideas to help the OP, who seems to want to keep amount of lift down from a SOA setup :???: . When you look at a 'compressed' revolver, it appears shorter (less lift) than a standard MJ shackle. This is only 'theoretical' as I have not run them, but thought it was worth mentioning :hmm: .

Would something like Z-boxes or revolvers work instead of a regular shackle :dunno: ?

Although the 150-160 lb spring rating I mentioned is 'unofficial' I do feel these ratings are pretty close :yes: . I base this on our 88 XJ that has RE coils up front. They are rated at 175lbs (confirmed by RE) and are WAY stiffer than stock springs :brows: ! BTW, our XJ is 4WD with the 4.0L engine.

Anybody ever consider replacing those plastic panels with glass for a more 'custom' look :hmm: ?

86FUBAR IIRC the factory coils are about 150-160 lbs/. Can't remember what the rears are however :dunno: ?

If he has one on his 96 (XJ?) it is probably an after market one. Like i said before, Jeep discontinued the power/comfort switch in models newer than 91 :brows: .

IIRC they quit installing them on the 91+ years. I assume your XJ is newer than a 91 :dunno: ?

lostissues, IIRC the speedometer cables are different between the 84-86 and 87-90's. I believe you will need the upper cable from the donor vehicle (or vice versa) in order to do this swap. here's a link that does a pretty good job of describing the differences and what to do about it: http://www.jeepin.com/features/gaugeswap/ Hope this helps :chillin: !

Most of the calibration involves adjusting the antenna. You will need a SWR meter from Radio Shack ($25 +/-) to do so. here's a good link that describes what is involved to calibrate: http://jeephorizons.com/tech/swr.html It's not that hard, especially if you pick up a SWR meter and follow their steps . Hope this helps.

CW, Is that a 19 DX IV radio and if so how do you like it? The reason i ask is that i picked one up on sale for $32 but haven't mounted or calibrated it yet :dunno: .

I would clean and check your battery ground, and the engine to firewall ground strap. I just threw ours away and put in a heavy duty ground cable in place of the POS weaved one. Bad grounds can contribute to weird little gremlins too. My oil pressure pegged out when i turned another power source on (headlights). After cleaning the firewall ground it no longer malfunctioned :nuts: !