2001 Jeep Cherokee Classic New Build

[RagnarTheDakotan]

My Apologies. My other post didn't format correctly, and I can't figure out how to Delete it.

Hello Everyone.
Just wanted a place to Document the Build!

I just purchased this project March 2025 and am embarking on a comprehensive upgrade project aimed at transforming it into a high-quality Overland vehicle.
My vision is to achieve a 'Grey' or 'Stealth' appearance, ensuring that the vehicle does not overtly advertise its capabilities as an overland rig.
To this end, I plan to replace all available components with upgraded or, at the very least, new parts.
This project will prioritize superior quality in all components to enhance performance and functionality without compromising the vehicle's understated aesthetic.
(I hope)

Here's a link to the Pictures in my drive. I cant get the pictures to share in thread.


As you can see there's rust around the base and the driver/passenger floorboards are rusted through, but I'm not sure how wide the damage is.
I used to do a lot of body work, so I'm not overly sweating the pans or the rust around the base.
The Interior is in GREAT shape, the steering wheel and dash even.
The Headliner has to go, but I have a pretty neat Idea I'm going to work on this next week.

Here's a rough overview of the work list:
I'd be interested to hear thoughts on the project, gear, etc.
I couldn't get the Tables to post here right, they were wonky, here's the links.

Phase 1

Phase 2

Phase 3

Phase 4

Thanks for looking! Look forward to your input.

 

[RagnarTheDakotan]

Moving this comment to this Thread as I'm hoping the other one gets Deleted:

@Anak
Welcome to the forum.

Looking at the pictures I am glad to hear you have experience with body work and are willing to put in the effort to fix the rust. That one looks worthy of the effort. That is a beautiful shade of blue. Are you planning to keep the color?

I note that you plan on replacing the wheels. Do not just toss the factory wheels. Those are "Icons" and as such are some of the most sought after of XJ wheels. They deserve a good home.

I would do some research on the Rugged Ridge header. I was not aware such an item existed. Rugged Ridge is not known for great quality. At this point Banks is the only maker of what I would regard as a quality header for the XJ, and there have even been some reports of quality issues with Banks headers. It is tough to find a well made header. (Speaking as a guy who used to work in that industry.)

Posting pictures is a matter of copying and pasting a link, or you get free hosting if you are a paid member of . Membership is $25/yr, and it happens to be March and March happens to be our annual membership drive. There are raffle prizes for those who sign up in March. If you hunt around in the forums you can probably find a link to the membership drive. The prizes are good--usually things like winches and impact drivers.

I tried to copy and paste a link from your Google drive album, but it won't let me. I am guessing that has something to do with Google's own rules. Photobucket used to be popular until they got stupid and tried to break the internet. I think Imjur is still viable. If you become a member it is just a matter of drag and drop.

I look forward to seeing how your build progresses. It would be especially helpful if you document your rust repairs. There is going to be more of a need for that as these vehicles get older and rust free examples get scarcer. We would all benefit from knowing how to solve the tin worm problem.

Project "Scope Creep": 1996 4wd 4.0L, AX15

The "Varmint-Mobile": 1997 ZJ Laredo, 4wd, 4.0L, Slushbox
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[RagnarTheDakotan]

@Anak
I was in the air about those. Thoughts on these: https://www.quadratec.com/products/...tube-exhaust-manifold-00-06-wrangler-tj-6-cyl The reviews seem good. I'm putting the Titan 4.6 and want better flow.
As for the Rims, They'll get some aggressive snow tires on them for winter. SD can be brutal lol. I love the XJ Rims.. Just want the Beads lol

I'll look into the Membership. Would be real nice to just drag and Drop.
I'm considering Doing a Series of Videos on the repairs (Though the thought of being a 'Youtuber' just doesnt appeal' we'll see
I'm looking into Body Armor for the panels, but still want to make sure the rust is all fixed before I go that route.

If I decide to do the videos, I'll post the link here.


Anything else you see that jumps out at you, let me know. It's a work in progress!

 

[Anak]

For the body armor, you might find something useful in here:

Painstakingly Detailed Quarter Panel Armor Install

I can't give you any advice on the Youtube front. As you can see in the above link I just try to provide photos of relevant details.