Back on the trails

[Blue Angel]

Well, I finally broke down and bought at least a trail rig.....nothing too hard core this go round. Will go on maiden voyage at WFTW in May.
1995 Cherokee with 4" RE lift on 31's. Has the 4.0 HO motor and 5 speed tranny. Cold AC and awesome sound system. Smittybuilt winch works great.

http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w78/BlueAngel_030/Jeep%20stuff/001_zps5b8ab3f1.jpg

http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w78/BlueAngel_030/Jeep%20stuff/002_zpsa741d5cc.jpg

http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w78/BlueAngel_030/Jeep%20stuff/005_zps9ca931ac.jpg

http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w78/BlueAngel_030/Jeep%20stuff/004_zps6e7b701e.jpg

[Mudhog1977]

Man that's a sweet rig!

[05X4X4]

Nice rig, time for some action shots.


Sent from my iPhone4 using Tapatalk

[Stouttrout]

I think it is time for a Break in run :) You did good. Very nice.

[indirocz28]

Looks good! I miss my 98 cherokee

[PondSkum]

Welcome back Jim!!! We missed ya!

[scott]

Nice rig Jim!

Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk 2

[Blue Angel]

Been thrashing to get ready for WFTW. Stuff I have done....

Replaced the front exhaust down pipe and new O2 sensor.
Fixed at least 5 vacuum leaks.....idles much better.
Complete tune up including plugs, wires, cap, rotor.
New fuel filter.
New spare tire and wheel.
New Hi-lift jack.
Installed a bad ass Cobra 25 LTD Classic from my truck driving days. New Firestick antenna with SWR adjusted. Really reaches out...

Planning on opening up the rear diff to see whats in there.....either spool or welded.....fully locked at present. Will open the front as well to take a look. A LockRite in the front is definitely coming soon.
Also going to add plenty of skid plates underneath since I don't plan to get much bigger.

Been a while since I wheeled a rig but one thing is for sure....you spend a LOT of time on your back under your rig.

[Blue Angel]

Opened up the rear diff today....welded spider gears. They did a really good job. Gonna put a Posi back there though.

[Stouttrout]

Sounds like she will be ready to go. I can't wait!!!

[indirocz28]

Throw on a short arm kit, 33s, and trim the fenders. Your Cherokee will be awesome almost anywhere.

Also you're going to want to stiffen that unibody. Cherokee's flex like a mother. Both suspension and the body. After a few good twists in supported you will have to fight the doors to get them open.

[JTM]

Congrats on the new rig.
I've never had the door issue, but I can tell you that it is so much easier to add frame stiffeners before the body and frame get tweeked wheeling. Cleaning and preping is also much easier if you don't have years of baked on red dirt coating everything.

[Blue Angel]

Give me some ideas how to stiffen the unibody "frame".

[indirocz28]

There are companies that make weld on frame stiffeners for the XJ's, Also cutting out the rockers and welding in some beams help, or mini boat sides if you are really serious. But I would just do some rocker rails, and get the weld on stiffeners.

Here is a link to the RuffStuff stiffeners
http://www.ruffstuffspecialties.com/catalog/XJRAIL.html

There area few other companies that make them as well, so you may find different prices. Either one you go with, its worth spending the $ and doing the work if you want to keep that XJ drivable after serious trail use.

One of the other companies is called T&T Customs and here is their website as well:
http://www.tntcustoms.com/xj.aspx

I really recommend a short arm kit and extended stainless steel brake lines. The brake lines were such an improvement over stock once I put the 32" tires and steel bumpers on.

[Blue Angel]

Hey! Really appreciate the links for the stiffeners. Already running the short arm kit and extended braided lines as well as quality sliders. I can see where those stiffners will be needed. The Ruffstuff looks like the way to go. Thanks again.

[JTM]

If you get the RuffStuff stiffeners, be prepared to do a little cutting; at a minimun you will need to cut a few extra holes to weld the stiffener to the frame. Its a good product that I would definately buy again if I got another XJ.

TnT Customs also has their own stiffener set that when you buy both sections (front & rear) covers a bit more of the frame. They also have other products, that will help as well. Personally, I think their Axle Trusses make a Dana 44 swap feel like a bolt in upgrade as far as ease and simplicity.