We started Project Code Yellow by searching for a proper donor vehicle, we wanted a Jeep Cherokee for this project as we have lots of previous experience with this model Jeep.  After searching Craigslist and other online sources for a cheap Jeep we found one that was about 100 miles away, the advertisement stated that it ran good and that the transmission slipped. The seller preferred to sell it to someone that would fix it rather then dismantle it, so we had priority in the sellers mind. After looking over the Jeep we discovered that the torque converter was bad and the transmission condition was unknown, the seller did not allow us to test drive it as he was afraid it would not make it back in the driveway. 

While looking over the vehicle we where constantly making mental notes on the condition of different systems and what would be needed to get it to a running state.

Here is what we immediately noticed while inspecting the vehicle:

The bad:

• Transmission condition unknown – reported to slip but could not conduct a test drive
• Engine ran but needed assistance to start, indicating fuel delivery system issue 
• The Jeep was being used to store personal items and the suspension was worn out because of the weight 
• Gas tank filler neck was slashed preventing us from filling the tank
• Tires had been sitting and began to dry rot
• Paint had been redone with a rattle can 
• Interior had smokers smell and many stains 
• Tint was fading and turned purple
• No Keys for the door locks 

The Good:

• NP242 transfer case – 5 selection modes 
• 4.0 inline six engine 
• Renix Engine Control system 
• Pre-Chrysler we prefer the AMC era Jeeps as they seem to rust less and quality control seems a little better 
• Laredo Edition – Power windows, locks, AC 
• Body in mint condition minus the dodgy paint job

Getting the Jeep home was a different story, because it was 100 miles from our garage so we had to get it towed. Our first option was to rent a tow dolly and tow it with our other Jeep, this is not the safest option but we have towed a Ford Explorer before this way. But before we rented a dolly we decided to call AAA, as we have a Plus account that includes towing of up to 100 miles, so after a quick call we had a flatbed truck show up. The driver told us that we are not suppose to use the AAA towing for new vehicles that are previously disabled, but he knew that we where going to use it for off-roading and he also was into that sport, therefore he towed it without a problem. We went over the 100 miles by just 8 miles and had to pay $40 to the driver, we also gave him a nice tip for the help. 

Now that the Jeep was at our garage we had a chance to start the process of getting it on the road, the first thing we did was put some fresh gas in the tank and got the engine to start and run smooth. The next step was pulling into the garage and preparing for the transmission swap, but we will cover this in a later article. 

Now that we have the Jeep in our possession, it was time to register it; well it turns out that that was not as easy of a task as it sounds. We discovered that the previous owner had not registered it and there had been over $300 in DMV fees. After paying the fees and standing in the DMV for over 2 hours we finally got the Jeep registered. One thing we learned from this process is to always request a current registration when buying a vehicle, having known this before hand would have saved a lot of time and hassle. About 3 weeks later we received the title to the Jeep.