The Golden Heep

lightfighter

NAXJA Forum User
Location
Nevada County CA
Hey everyone. I've been browsing on here for about the last six months and figured I'd finally show my rig. This is my 2nd 99 Cherokee. My first was beat up, stock, with more miles. I decided to buy a 2nd rig as I always liked my first, not to mention my wife has always had a soft spot for them as her first car was an '86.

I bought my golden heep in October 14. It was pretty much as you see it here except EVERYTHING needed replacing or refreshing. The lift was in poor condition, the exhaust leaked, a motor mount was bad, and it was dirty. I've spent too much money on it and I'm definately not able to get what I have into it back out :*( This diminishing return on what was a good deal lead me to almost sell it. I decided not to sell it as I thought I should probably have some fun with it first.











I've COMPLETELY replaced the exhaust as everything was shot or damaged. It has Banks Torque Tubes and Monster Cat back now.







Found a bad motor mount while I was changing the exhaust... thank god their so cheap.



Also this part had me chasing my tail for a couple days. I'll always remember to shift to neutral and try to start before diagnosing anything else!





In summary, I don't really plan on wheeling my heep too hardcore. Its too small and too clean for me to beat up on. I plan on camping with it, hunting, and taking it up fire roads. It still needs a headliner, the front bump stops have fallen apart, and some other little things. I'd like to get a XJ D44 for the rear, re-gear to 4.10, and lockers. Maybe if I come into some money, bumpers and a rack. We will see...

Thanks for all the good articles and write ups. I get a lot of inspiration from everyone else's hard work.
 
Nice looking rig! great plans for it! Keep it, once you work out the kinks it will be smooth sailing for a long time...
 
RE Super Flex 3.5", 31" BFG AT, Dana 30 HP front, Dana 35 LSD rear, NP242 Transfer case, 3.55 gears

- Banks Torque Tube header
- Banks Monster Cat Back Exhaust
- Cleaned K&N FIPK (fuel injection performance kit)
- All exhaust - up pipe, catalytic converter, and hardware
- RE Shocks all four
- RE Sway Bar Disconnects
- RE Upper Control Arms - Super Flex
- Front Axle Bushings
- RE Track Bar Bushings
- RE Lower Control Arm Bushings/Heims
- Rusty's Skid Plates - gas tank, transfer case, engine/trans
- Battery cables new - Optima Redtop
- Mean Green battery hold down
- Cleaned Neutral Safety Switch (NSS)
- Husky Liner Floor Mats - Front/Rear/Cargo
 
Yeah looks amazing! Super clean.. and I too love the gold!

Not sure if you have smog or what smogging is like where you live. But clamping the cat will fail visual inspection if you got a stingy smog guy.
 
Don't tell my smog guy that, then I might actually have to weld mine on. Clean looking rig you've got bud! If I were you I'd back away slowly, these things have a way of getting out of hand... Welcome to the club!
 
Just out of curiosity what did that exhaust set up run you? I think mines ready for replacement and might as well do the whole thing. Love the gold color, it will look sweet with some black bumpers/sliders
 
Finally got around to replacing the headliner. Material is suede-ish and lighter than stock. One wrinkle and one spot where glue bled through. Not too bad for my first try. Had a friend to help with smoothing the material helped a lot.





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