1988 Jeep Cherokee Cheif from North America - Comments

Engine replaced at about 150,000 miles.

Front suspension/steering problems (wobble at 55mph).

Bad steering damper.

Fuel pump replaced at 175,000 miles.

Paint chipped and worn.

Muffler brackets rusted and broken.

High pressure hose on steering pump leaked at 200,000 miles.

By far the best vehicle I have ever owned. I would reccomend this vehicle to anyone.

Most of the smaller parts on my jeep are very easy to access. All repairs I have done so far have taken less than 2 hours; these repairs include changing the fuel filter, the oxygen sensor, the steering damper, the high pressure line, and the front bumper.

The steering is amazing. My Cherokee corners like a small car. I would reccomend a lift if you ever plan to take a Cherokee offroad. Note that if you lift more than 2 inches, you start running into steering and suspension issues.

I get 16 miles to the gallon on average. There are two current issues I am having with the vehicle. First, it takes a while to start (it turns over, but it acts like its not getting gas). Second, on occasion its rear end will "slip" or "hop" when I am traveling down the highway.

I have to agree with that... I just bought a 1988 Jeep Cherokee, and bought a new fuel pump, and fuel filter, it will start sometimes, but when it doesn't it acts like its not getting any gas to the front,but it is... I do not understand why it is doing that... can anyone help?

I have owned a 1988 cherokee and done extensive mods to the interior exterior engine and suspension.. when I bought it the previous owner had beaten it up pretty badly. (rust everywhere, but luckilly I laugh in the face of body work). My first impression of the vehicle was "wow what an ugly beast!"...Replaced the headgasket and a leaf spring then she fired right up and pulled me up a few hills with a trailer.. The thing took a jump over a little pit with a ramp and when she landed,, no crunching just smooth roll out. Very satisfied with these jeeps they are indestructable I have never seen a vehicle with 500k on the original engine and the only problem I have ever had since I replaced the gaskets was that when I go to start it it has the same symptoms as you have said. This is because of the fuel line connecting to the fuel pressure regulator on the fuel line is leaky and all I had to do to stop it from leaking gas on start (btw it stops leaking after it starts) was to buy a new gas line from canadian tire for a few bucks. if it continues to leak replace the fuel pressure regulator on the fuel rail.