Maybe you should just sell it and buy something else. I myself find zj's real easy to work on.

 

It's probably just me. I wouldn't sell it to some unsuspecting soul. I'm sure it will all be ok once I work through it. I think it's a learning process that I have to go through. Be patient with me as I grow.

 

I find mine really easy to work on, sorry yours is a lemon.

 

Jeeps are the easiest vehicles to work on. I have worked on cars everyday for the last 15 years and love to see a jeep waiting for me to work on. Try working on a Nissan sometime, you will then love Jeeps forever!

 

I am in the process of trying to stop an oil leak. I believe the leak to be from a bad oil pan gasket. IOT remove the oil pan you have to take the exhaust pipe loose. Simple? Well maybe. IOT remove the exhaust pipe, you have to remove the Transmission mount. I read two different proceedures, one mentions you have to raise the engine, the other doesn't mention raising the engine. I have learned that you must raise the engine. However, upon inspection, I do not see any way to raise the engine more than about 1/2" before the right valve cover hits the AC line coming through the firewall. So, it looks to me like you will also have to drain the AC and remove the line. I elected to not raise the engine so therefore I can't remove the oil pan. I did manage to drop it enough to remove old gasket and install new one. I'm trying to put it all back together now. I hope it doesn't leak any worse than it did before I started. I don't think the rear seal is leaking because the flywheel looked dry. I read on here somewhere a statement that one person made that they could do the oil pan gasket replacement in 3 hours. I do not see any way possible for that to happen. Wish me luck!

 

Just because you have a oil leak does not make a lemon or a pos. Sounds like you need to slow down take a deep breath and think and look and get a good manual. I have a 96 5.2 and I can raise my engine more then 1/2 inch with no problems at all. I had to raise mine up a lot to get new motor mounts in.

 

Let's see, This JGC came into my life in January 2012. Part of the problem appears have been a result of shoddy workmanship in the past. I have had to replace radiator because the top hose neck was broken off and hose would not stay on. Then it was timeing chain cover gasket which blew out. While in there, I replaced timing chain and sprockets even though they appeared to be ok.
The VIC was scrambled so I replaced it. The Power steerin pump was noisy and leaking, so I replaced it. The rear wiper is shot and needs replacing. The side view mirrors have a mind of their own and will not stay programmed to driver 1 or 2. Water intrusion problem that I think I finally fixed. All four inside door panels have seperated vinyl. Steering is not sensitive enough and vehicle wanders. Then the A/C compressor went out and I replaced it and the dryer. Other than that, It's a good vehicle I guess. So far, I have been able to repair the mechanical issues myself, and avoided garages. Parts do seem to be in good supply. I plan on keeping it as it seems to be a go anywhere vehicle. I would not say it was easy to work on. I would say it requires a lot of patience and persistance.

I appreciate everyone's comments, you give me hope.

 

I find the opposite to be true.

ZJ's are some of the easiest vehicles to work on.

 

I own 2 Jeeps because I like them so much. And oil pan gaskets are a piece of cake, mmmm cake!

 

I have a 98 5.9 and a Cobra conv. Lets compare the oil pan gasket as that's what you're working on. On my Cobra, I would first support the engine with an engine support bar, then I can remove the front brakes, suspension, steering rack, convertible structural brace, and now finally I can remove the front K Member(aka entire front subframe that supports both the engine and front suspension)...Now I guess that's all a ton easier than removing some exhaust.

 

Then I would say your Cobra conv had worse designers than Jeep did. That's crazy! IMHO. However, Maybe if your designing with future maintenance fees (assuming the vehicle will be returned to dealerships) maybe yours is a better design for the company.

 

Have you had the privilege of having to change the bypass hose that goes between the water pump and intake manifold? If you're swearing now, just wait...lol. I swear I've done so much automotive work that I just laugh when I run into some things.

 

Or the CPS, or transfer case, or the valve cover bolts, or the number of other things that are more of a pain than the oil pan gasket. Sounds like the OP needs to just grow a pair and man up.

 

If money is an issue then you should look up KBB value and keep track of your expendatures. It also pays to set a monetary limit that you're willing to spend on this rig.

Realize why you have this project vehicle and what you hope to get out of it. If you are tinkering with it as a hobby then tinker on. If you wish to fix it up on the cheap then realize you can fast approach or exceed what "cheap" is or exceed the vehicle's value. This is what gets people in trouble and puts vehicles for sale on Craigslist with plenty of new parts and a fed up owner. I'm 37 and may not be as big a gear head as I was or as big a gearhead as many on here but I've learned many lessons from the 20 vehicles that I've owned.

 

Very well said JosephIV. I agree with all.
Thanks.

 

Oil Leak fixed

I have been away for a few days due to computer problems. I did get my oil leak fixed. It turns out it was oil pan gasket. I never got the pan all the way off but got enough clearance to replace the gasket. The rear crank seal is not leaking thank goodness. My ride is doing good for the time being. It was a real pain to get the exhaust apart and back together due to one bolt being impossible to reach from the bottom. I also had to lower the transmission tail mount cross member in order to get clearance to lower the exhaust pipe. That wasn't too bad. I had to configure a piece of stiff wire around one exhaust pipe nut in order to maneuver the nut into place to fasten passenger side exhaust to manifold flange. I got it done but it took a very long time.

Next thing I need to do is replace front and rear differentual fluids. That should be a snap.

 

You kinda have to feel his pain,lol. Jeep does take a different path sometimes.While "love" is not a word I would use often while dealing with ZJ's I found that the more you deal with them the easier it gets. I have grown comfortable with my I6 and know heaps more than I did when I first started.

A complete FSM,a factory parts manual,and the aid of various forums makes the process a smoother one. Keep plugging,your vocabulary of cuss words wont shrink but you'll find yourself not saying them quite as loud!

 

Next time you try to drop the oil pan, Ty to gain clearance from the axle. IIRC, last one I did (stock height) we used a bottle jack between axle and frame to force it to droop. Gained enough clearance to wiggle it out

 

Learn to Love

Just thought I would post that I am learning to love my JGC POS. It's a good feeling when you are able to actually fix something and get it working as it should. Just understand that it won't be long before you have to work on something else. Fot the time being, all is right with the world, as it relates to my 96 zj.

 

Mixed emotions

Hey, I thought I would update you on my POS. I guess i'm going through a change and it is unsettleing. I'm starting to love my 96 JGC. I think it is the challange I love. Anyway, I replaced all 4 door speakers and audio is awesome now. The radio head has some issues but I don't know if I will worry about it. CD plays, radio plays, Cassette seems to be ok since I play my xm radio through it. But, I can't program the radio presets because the buttons cause weird actions. I might send it off for refurb if I can find a source or I could just replace it with after market. I would prefer to keep it original as much as possible. Next on my to do list is replace the rear wiper motor. I took it apart and the nylon gear is stripped so no repairing it. Tires next? Hmmmm.

 

I have owned many Jeeps and I find them really easy to work on and build up. Especially compared to the diesel Super Duties I have owned.