Introducing project 'Grape Ape'
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Port Richey, FL
Posts: 648
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Project Grape Ape
Hey guys. Picked up a '98 XJ last night. 163k miles, power, tow, etc. for $2k. I figured I'd make a build thread as I have lots planned for this as budget allows. Ordering my lift today and going to start going through it to get things in order.
I'm getting the RC 4.5" Lift KIT X-SERIES, Rugged SYE, and Woody CV shaft. to start. Plenty of pics to follow as we progress.
I'm getting the RC 4.5" Lift KIT X-SERIES, Rugged SYE, and Woody CV shaft. to start. Plenty of pics to follow as we progress.
Last edited by kickice24; 03-07-2012 at 09:40 PM.
#4
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Port Richey, FL
Posts: 648
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
I was originally thinking going 33's, but I think I'm gonna run 32's to save a little on rotational mass and run an 8" wheel as well. Sucker has death wobble over 50, so I am gonna go through the whole front end when I do the lift so I'm starting with a clean slate. Seriously looking into one of those beefier tie rods from either rusty's or Iron Rock, unless there's something better for roughly same money. It's my 1st Jeep/Truck, so I am learning as I go, but I've built/rebuilt many Newer VW's, so I am quite handy with a wrench.
#5
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Port Richey, FL
Posts: 648
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Not too much to report yet, waiting on parts to arrive. Just starting to go over it and see what needs attention. Replaced the battery, lift gate struts, cleaned the throttle body, and decided to mod the airbox. Didn't come out too bad. Dunno how much it help flow wise, but you can sure hear it growl under the hood a lot more! Also, the struts ended up being cheap. I think the girl at Advanced liked me because she only charged me for one of them. Makes an old guy feel pretty good!
Last edited by kickice24; 02-18-2012 at 05:31 PM.
#6
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Port Richey, FL
Posts: 648
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Well, the RC X-series kit is enroute, along with the Rugged Ridge SYE, and Woody's Shaft.
Also, got 15x8 Pro Comp Xtreme Rock Crawler Series 52
and Mud Claw Radial M/T 32x11.50 R15
Electrician coming today to wire in my new 60gal 2-phase compressor so I can do the work!
Also, got 15x8 Pro Comp Xtreme Rock Crawler Series 52
and Mud Claw Radial M/T 32x11.50 R15
Electrician coming today to wire in my new 60gal 2-phase compressor so I can do the work!
Trending Topics
#8
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Port Richey, FL
Posts: 648
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
#9
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Port Richey, FL
Posts: 648
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Small update. Ordered a Rugged Ridge crossover steering conversion kit. $222.78 shipped.
So, let's run up a total so far:
'98 XJ $2000.00
Wheels and center caps $260.00
Tires $630.00
Lift kit with sye and d/s $1230.00
Total so far $4343 with Jeep!
So, let's run up a total so far:
'98 XJ $2000.00
Wheels and center caps $260.00
Tires $630.00
Lift kit with sye and d/s $1230.00
Total so far $4343 with Jeep!
#10
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Port Richey, FL
Posts: 648
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
#13
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Port Richey, FL
Posts: 648
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Thanks guys. I tried to buy everything I could, including the Jeep, with the $4500 I got for my Jetta. Still have $100 left. LOL.
@JKW, you going to Truck Fest? We'll be there tomorrow.
@JKW, you going to Truck Fest? We'll be there tomorrow.