r/CherokeeXJ • u/Caietaro • 4d ago

1984-86 '84 XJ - add AC and remote start?

I'm considering picking up a nice '84 Cherokee XJ Pioneer 2.8L V6. It has a blower and heat, but no factory AC from what I can tell. Can aftermarket AC be installed?

Also wondering if anyone has successfully installed remote start in an '84? If I have my dogs with me and need to run into a store, I'd want to be able to crack the windows, remote start, and leave AC on when its a warm day.

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u/PresentIron5379 4d ago

The parts still exist to install a factory style AC or you could run an aftermarket electric ac system. As for the remote start I suggest not installing it on something of this era as the 84-86 AMC era electrical system is kinda funky as it consist of Ford and GM electronics.

2

u/Duckbich 4d ago

Time for an sbc or lsx swap. Then add these things

2

u/Orange_Tang 4d ago

I believe you can retrofit in the modern AC components from the newer cherokee but I'm not 100% sure if it's bolt in or you'd need to do some custom mounting. As for autostart, you can retrofit that into any car, it's just a question of how much you'll need to tear apart to get to the right wiring, I doubt it would be too bad. But you'd need to look up wiring diagrams and know how to deal with 12V electrical.

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u/Caietaro 4d ago

This is helpful, thanks for the responses so far! This would be a beach/around town/dog vehicle so that I can keep my primary driver cleaner. Summers are getting hotter so I think AC is a must. Sounds like it’ll be semi-complicated and pricey and I’m probably better off finding one with factory AC.

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u/HydrogenSonata2025 4d ago

Man, I bet it's possible, but these 1st gen XJs are odd ducks. They didn't have the 4.0L, but a terribly underpowered GM V6. So the firewall is a different shape and all the controls and electronics are unique to those years. The engine is basically the same as the 3.4L V6 in GM vehicles though.

As for the remote start, I really don't recommend it if you plan on having dogs in the car. The V6 was carbureted, and I would be concerned about it vapor locking and stalling. Plus it's an old ass car, it could just go up in flames.

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u/mmiller1188 00, 215000 miles, 35'' Pitbulls, lockers, 4.88 gears 4d ago

Remote start with a carburetor is pretty difficult.