Before hitting the road, make sure all your Jeep Cherokee parts are in good condition.
Make a visual inspection inside and outside the vehicle to determine if your 4x4 vehicle is trail ready and capable of surviving an off-road trip.
Take a look at this check list from "4-wheeler", an online source on Jeeps, to closely inspect the inner workings of your ride.
* Check the axles and differentials including hubs, seals, vacuum lines, shift motors, vent lines, front u-joints.
* Check the batteries for clean terminals and also for damaged or corroded wiring.
* Check the brake system that includes drums, rotors, pads/shoes, fluid, hoses, leaks, check e-brake, brake lights.
* Check the belts and hoses for cracks or bulges.
* Check the body or frame for cracks.
* Check both the cooling and the heating system for leaks and fluid levels. Also clean and repair fins the fins. Include the hoses, thermostat, and radiator cap while inspecting.
* Check the case and transmission of the driveline/transmission. Also see if there are leaks. The fluids, universal and cv joints, and skid plates also need inspections.
* Check the engine which includes the carburetor, fuel injectors, spark plugs, wires, pcv valve, pumps, spark plugs, distributor & wires, belts. Also check for leaks and cracks.
* Check the muffler and tailpipes in the exhaust.
* Check the fluids: oil, transmission, brake, radiator coolant, gear oils, wipers, and power steering.
* Check the headlights, brake lights, and auxiliary lights.
* Check the nuts and bolts. Tighten the axle u-bolts, lug bolts, and the nuts.
* Check the steering alignment, fluid level, belts and hoses, pump and reservoir for leaks.
* Check the suspension springs, shocks, alignment, wheel bearings, and steering linkage.
* Check the tires and tighten lug nuts. Inspect air pressure, tread wear (including your full-size spare), and look for cuts and missing chunks.
* Check wiper wear and fluid level.
All those should be in good working condition and you do not hear any strange noises coming from them.
It is time now to load the necessary gear and equipment on board. You should put some thought into what tools you will need in your off-road toolbox to have enough on hand so if something breaks when you are out on the trail, you will be able to disassemble, repair, replace, and/or reassemble it in order to get yourself back on the road.
As a bare minimum, you will need the following items on hand:
* Air pressure gauge
* Allen wrenches
* Baling wire
* Crescent wrench (small & medium)
* Electrical tape & spare connectors
* Grease (or a grease gun)
* Hammer
* Nuts & bolts (assorted sizes)
* Open end/box wrenches (3/8" to 3/4")
* Pliers - standard, needle-nose and channel lock
* Pocket/utility knife
* Screwdrivers - standard and phillips
* Socket set (3/8") with extensions
* Standard & phillips screwdrivers
* Super glue/epoxy
* Vise grips
* Wire & wire cutters/crimpers
About the Author
Evander Klum is a Business Administration graduate who hails from Alabama. He enjoys extreme sports and he is also a car racing fanatic. At present, he works as a marketing manager at an advertising agency in Cleveland.
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