So my last Cherokee had a dead engine and it went to the junkyard. I didn't make the decision to get rid of it, but came to it gone. Rather not share that story, though, heh
So while I'm looking for a newer one, preferably an '01. I'm doing some sanity checking here, because I figure you guys know best. Plans would be to find a local 01, in any trim level, that isn't all rusted out., and lift it and add components to make it a tough little road-going / mild offroader.
I'm in (southeast) WI so everything tends to be rusted. If I can find something not rusted then it'd be a good base and easy to wrench on. Oh, and also being WI / the midwest, it's not going to be built up to crawl rocks or mud, but definitely needs better than stock off road, bomb down fire lanes, claw through snow and go down the highway smooth.
Probably start out with a RE 3.5" superflex kit, with full leafs in the back (not add-a-leafs). I have a set of very nice welded Teraflex extended shackles that are brand new, so those would go on and net about 4" lift in the rear. Up front some urethane coil spacers to level it out Slip Yoke kit for the transfer case. Steering brace and the C-Rok frame reinforcement plate for the steering box. Debating whether a hydro-assist might be worthwhile to make steering rock-solid. Oh, and probably a heavier tie rod. 31-33" Trxs MTs depending on what fits best, for their superior ice/snow handling.
Rock sliders, dunno what kind yet, but I like the double-tube kind that wrap up by the body. Would definitely need a new front bumper and rear bumper, to get rid of that ugly plastic/fibreglass deal they put on the later cherokees.
Just trying to plan things, I know there's currently no jeep and I'm not working on it yet but the "Sanity Check" is that I don't have a garage. I want to do this all outside in the parking lot (when it is a little warmer, at least) without a dedicated work space or specialized tools beyond what is normally required. Doable?
Also, sorry if this is a confusing, stream-of-consciousness post. So flame if you want. All I can say is, I have bronchitis right now & cold medicine is really interesting :thumbsup:
So while I'm looking for a newer one, preferably an '01. I'm doing some sanity checking here, because I figure you guys know best. Plans would be to find a local 01, in any trim level, that isn't all rusted out., and lift it and add components to make it a tough little road-going / mild offroader.
I'm in (southeast) WI so everything tends to be rusted. If I can find something not rusted then it'd be a good base and easy to wrench on. Oh, and also being WI / the midwest, it's not going to be built up to crawl rocks or mud, but definitely needs better than stock off road, bomb down fire lanes, claw through snow and go down the highway smooth.
Probably start out with a RE 3.5" superflex kit, with full leafs in the back (not add-a-leafs). I have a set of very nice welded Teraflex extended shackles that are brand new, so those would go on and net about 4" lift in the rear. Up front some urethane coil spacers to level it out Slip Yoke kit for the transfer case. Steering brace and the C-Rok frame reinforcement plate for the steering box. Debating whether a hydro-assist might be worthwhile to make steering rock-solid. Oh, and probably a heavier tie rod. 31-33" Trxs MTs depending on what fits best, for their superior ice/snow handling.
Rock sliders, dunno what kind yet, but I like the double-tube kind that wrap up by the body. Would definitely need a new front bumper and rear bumper, to get rid of that ugly plastic/fibreglass deal they put on the later cherokees.
Just trying to plan things, I know there's currently no jeep and I'm not working on it yet but the "Sanity Check" is that I don't have a garage. I want to do this all outside in the parking lot (when it is a little warmer, at least) without a dedicated work space or specialized tools beyond what is normally required. Doable?
Also, sorry if this is a confusing, stream-of-consciousness post. So flame if you want. All I can say is, I have bronchitis right now & cold medicine is really interesting :thumbsup:
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