Project "Turquoise Medallion" 94' XJ

X1994J · 10-31-2009, 01:31 PM

Well, I decided to start a build thread of my rig because as of right now it is sitting in my garage with no axles under it. But before I get into all that I want to show you what I started with, and where I'm at now. Keep in mind I've now had this Jeep a year as of this month.

Here we go... the day I got her.. I liked but, but at the same time thought it was an ugly looking Jeep. The front bumper really bugged me, and the aluminum wheels painted black too.

Pure uglieness...

My first mod was a roof rack, thought I had to have one cause everybody did. And I scored a deal on some sweet wheels so I threw them on. I also cut the ugly hoop and bars off my front bumper. That put me here...

I then decided I wasn't a roof rack kind of guy, and yanked it and sold it. I also threw a set of Hella's on before the trip.
Then planned a Moab trip and headed out. Jeep did awesome this trip with no carnage. A few pics...

After that I decided I didnt like my spare bouncing around in the back of my Jeep, so I built my tire carrier on the rear bumper. A few pics...

Then I decided 33's weren't for me.. and mine were getting bald. So on went the 35" MTR"s and a test run, ended up have to trim some more to clear them....

Then we headed for Moab again on 35's... this was the trip from hell. Beat my rig to the point it was not drivable, front end was done, locker broke, ran out of spare u joints, had no front drive line in, finally ripped the rear dirve line off for the third time and walked away from it. Left it on the trail over night. Went back the next day, pulled axles, pulled carrier, removed locker, installed spider gears. New Wheel u joints, new u joint in both drive lines. Drove it off the trail and back to Salt Lake. Not a fun trip by any means. Some pics...

X1994J · 10-31-2009, 01:32 PM

One Saturday morning I was surfing a local offroad website and ended up scoring this cowl hood for twenty bucks. Needed some work, but i fixed it up and painted it and installed it. About the same time i also installed my late model front clip. Scored a messed up header panel off a rolled Cherokee for a deal, along with all the lights. And scored two used fenders for 70 bucks. Fixed and painted it all and looks great! Pics...

X1994J · 10-31-2009, 01:36 PM

At the same time I had all my suspension components sand blasted and painted them silver.
That put me here.....

Then I decided I wanted to run bead locks, I loved the thought of running almost no air pressure without the worry of losing a bead. I called up my buddy who works at a steel fab shop. He drew some up and cut them on the water jet. I found a deal on a set of black 15x10 steel wheels and I was off and running....

First trip out on them... worked flawlessly.

Then I traded some paint work for this front bumper my buddy built, and I decided to throw a winch on. Picked up an XRC10 10000 pound Smittybilt.... and painted the rear to match....

I think thats about the just of it. In between all that I have broken every U'joint on the thing, front axle, two front lockers, front ring and pinion, blew a motor, blew a trans, motor mounts, new exhaust header, 3 row radiator, just to mention some of the bigger stuff.

So as of right now it is sitting in the garage on jack stands with no axles under it. Upgrades include: Custom Long arm, beefed up control arm brackets (I ripped one off the axle which is what started all this), lose the T-Case drop, SYE Installed, Stretched rear- axle is going back 5 inches. Home made quarter panel guards/tail light housings which incorporate LED tails, new rear drive line, and whatever I decide along the way. I have already ordered all the joints for the front long arm, just waiting delivery.

So here she sits now..... I will update this thread as I go. Wish me Luck!

No longer running flares ...

ReconCherokee · 10-31-2009, 01:41 PM

Man thats a sick cherokee...I hope i can get mine up as high as yours one day! I want a rear tire carrier like you got as well i cant find any unless i wanna pay 1300$ lol.

Either way its a very sweet jeep.

grn99 · 10-31-2009, 01:49 PM

I like that you kept the color with the 97 & up clip. Nice rig.

c_kdna · 10-31-2009, 02:06 PM

love your truck man nice build
good luck

Livekill05 · 10-31-2009, 04:32 PM

#1 biggest fan here jus checking in and subscribing!!
lol

91Laredo · 10-31-2009, 05:55 PM

this thing is beautiful..
I love the late model front clip on it, ive been considering doing that to mine, but My fear is that I wont be able to find the factory paint color, how did you go about finding the right color?

tristarscott74 · 10-31-2009, 06:08 PM

like it what lift did u use

chrisdm4 · 10-31-2009, 07:44 PM

What link system are you going to run and what kind of joints did you get?

X1994J · 11-01-2009, 08:46 AM

Thanks for the compliments guys. It really has been a ton of work in just a years time. In betweeb those mods I have installed some other stuff also, like my hi-lift, 10 lb. CO2 for airing up, CB setup, 3 row radiator, some other misc. stuff.

I ordered all my joints from Ballistic Fab. After trying to get a hold of a highly respected local shop for a week, then going down there on my lunch and waiting 45 mins for them to get back from lunch, then seeing how expensive they were, I went home and ordered online from Ballistic Fab. Their website is easy to use and they had everything I needed. Good prices too. I ordered their Forged Chromoly 2.63" Ballistic Joints for the Frame side of the lowers. Here: http://www.ballisticfabrication.com/...nt_p_1636.html

I will be running a factory bushing on the axle side of the lowers.

For my front suspension I will be running a radius arm setup with a Y-Link on the driver side and a custom cross member. With this setup and some longer shocks I figure I should be able to get 3 - 4 more inches of droop out of the front, and obviously a much better ride. Here's a pic of my buddies he did this summer, mine will be very similiar.

X1994J · 11-01-2009, 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tristarscott74

like it what lift did u use

When i got it it had RE Drop Brackets, factory upper and lowers, 7.5" springs, 6" leafs, and a 1.5" shackle. The only thing I changed was the RE Fixed lowers. The reason I did that was because when I jumped it the bushings popped out of the control arm on the axle side, so just replaced the lowers with aftermarket. This setup worked great for me.

X1994J · 11-01-2009, 08:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 91Laredo

this thing is beautiful..
I love the late model front clip on it, ive been considering doing that to mine, but My fear is that I wont be able to find the factory paint color, how did you go about finding the right color?

You can get the paint code off the vehicle ID badge.

Here's a good place to get info on this subject. http://www.automotivetouchup.com/pai...tcodelabel.htm

I just went and bought the color off the paint code. It is a shade off, but it's a jeep so I dont care. For a little extra you can take a piece of your Jeep down and they will match the color exact for you, if you care that much.

91Laredo · 11-01-2009, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by X1994J

You can get the paint code off the vehicle ID badge.

Here's a good place to get info on this subject. http://www.automotivetouchup.com/pai...tcodelabel.htm

I just went and bought the color off the paint code. It is a shade off, but it's a jeep so I dont care. For a little extra you can take a piece of your Jeep down and they will match the color exact for you, if you care that much.

Alright, cool, thanks a lot!

I think the updated front clip makes a world of difference, plus I dont think Ive ever seen it done to a laredo, So I think it would really add to the customization factor. Thanks a lot, and congrats on the COTM win!

Oh yeah, if you need a new home for the bushwhackers let me know!

1990cherokee · 11-01-2009, 02:08 PM

That front clip is a bolt on correct?

10-31-2009, 01:32 PM	#2
X1994J Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: 4 Hrs. from Moab, UT Posts: 215 My Photos 1994 Cherokee Year: 1994 Model: Cherokee Engine: 4.0 Transmission: aw4 Transfer Case: 231 Front Axle: D30, 4:56's Rear Axle: 8.25 Full Detroit 4:56's Tires: 35x12.50 MTR's Lift Specifications: 7.5" RE All Spring Lift Misc Accessories: Custom bumpers, sliders, bead locks	One Saturday morning I was surfing a local offroad website and ended up scoring this cowl hood for twenty bucks. Needed some work, but i fixed it up and painted it and installed it. About the same time i also installed my late model front clip. Scored a messed up header panel off a rolled Cherokee for a deal, along with all the lights. And scored two used fenders for 70 bucks. Fixed and painted it all and looks great! Pics... __________________ 94' Cherokee Sport, 7.5" lift, Front Clip Conversion, Custom Bumpers, Bead Locks, Cowl Hood, PORC Sye, IN THE WORKS: Ford 9"- 4.86 gears/Full Spool, Dana 44- 4.86's/detroit locker/Warn Hubs, 37" Pro Comp X-Terrains, Comp Cut and Stretched. My Full Width Build http://www.cherokeeforum.com/f46/pro...n-94-xj-27850/

10-31-2009, 01:36 PM	#3
X1994J Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: 4 Hrs. from Moab, UT Posts: 215 My Photos 1994 Cherokee Year: 1994 Model: Cherokee Engine: 4.0 Transmission: aw4 Transfer Case: 231 Front Axle: D30, 4:56's Rear Axle: 8.25 Full Detroit 4:56's Tires: 35x12.50 MTR's Lift Specifications: 7.5" RE All Spring Lift Misc Accessories: Custom bumpers, sliders, bead locks	At the same time I had all my suspension components sand blasted and painted them silver. That put me here..... Then I decided I wanted to run bead locks, I loved the thought of running almost no air pressure without the worry of losing a bead. I called up my buddy who works at a steel fab shop. He drew some up and cut them on the water jet. I found a deal on a set of black 15x10 steel wheels and I was off and running.... First trip out on them... worked flawlessly. Then I traded some paint work for this front bumper my buddy built, and I decided to throw a winch on. Picked up an XRC10 10000 pound Smittybilt.... and painted the rear to match.... I think thats about the just of it. In between all that I have broken every U'joint on the thing, front axle, two front lockers, front ring and pinion, blew a motor, blew a trans, motor mounts, new exhaust header, 3 row radiator, just to mention some of the bigger stuff. So as of right now it is sitting in the garage on jack stands with no axles under it. Upgrades include: Custom Long arm, beefed up control arm brackets (I ripped one off the axle which is what started all this), lose the T-Case drop, SYE Installed, Stretched rear- axle is going back 5 inches. Home made quarter panel guards/tail light housings which incorporate LED tails, new rear drive line, and whatever I decide along the way. I have already ordered all the joints for the front long arm, just waiting delivery. So here she sits now..... I will update this thread as I go. Wish me Luck! No longer running flares ... __________________ 94' Cherokee Sport, 7.5" lift, Front Clip Conversion, Custom Bumpers, Bead Locks, Cowl Hood, PORC Sye, IN THE WORKS: Ford 9"- 4.86 gears/Full Spool, Dana 44- 4.86's/detroit locker/Warn Hubs, 37" Pro Comp X-Terrains, Comp Cut and Stretched. My Full Width Build http://www.cherokeeforum.com/f46/pro...n-94-xj-27850/ Last edited by X1994J; 10-31-2009 at 02:09 PM..

10-31-2009, 01:41 PM	#4
ReconCherokee Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 66 My Photos 1998 Cherokee Year: 1998 Model: Cherokee Engine: 4.0L Inline 6 Transmission: Automatic Tires: 33x12.5R15 BFG Mud Terrain's Lift Specifications: 5.5" Rubicon Express Misc Accessories: Warn Front Bumper, Bushwacker Fender Flares	Man thats a sick cherokee...I hope i can get mine up as high as yours one day! I want a rear tire carrier like you got as well i cant find any unless i wanna pay 1300$ lol. Either way its a very sweet jeep. __________________ Lift It....Fat Chick's Can't Jump ReconCherokee

10-31-2009, 01:49 PM	#5
grn99 Seasoned Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Redford MI Posts: 486 My Photos 1999 Cherokee Year: 1999 Model: Cherokee Engine: 4.0 Transmission: aw4 Transfer Case: np231 Front Axle: dana30 Rear Axle: chry8.25 Tires: 265-75-16 Lift Specifications: 4.5 Rubicon Express Misc Accessories: A few	I like that you kept the color with the 97 & up clip. Nice rig. __________________ look ma' no hands

10-31-2009, 02:06 PM	#6
c_kdna Seasoned Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 408 My Photos 1997 Cherokee Year: 1997 Model: Cherokee Engine: 6 inline 4l Transmission: stock Transfer Case: stock Front Axle: dana30 Rear Axle: chrysco 8.25 Tires: 33x12.5 Lift Specifications: 3"rancho 2"spacers=5"	love your truck man nice build good luck __________________ BUILD THREAD http://www.cherokeeforum.com/f46/1-1-2-xj-s-18290/ xj 97 33x12.5" mud terrain 5" lift trail-rig xj 99 30x10.5" toyo proxes lift towing-rig wk 06 30x10.5" bone stock groceries-rig

10-31-2009, 01:31 PM	#1
X1994J Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: 4 Hrs. from Moab, UT Posts: 215 My Photos 1994 Cherokee Year: 1994 Model: Cherokee Engine: 4.0 Transmission: aw4 Transfer Case: 231 Front Axle: D30, 4:56's Rear Axle: 8.25 Full Detroit 4:56's Tires: 35x12.50 MTR's Lift Specifications: 7.5" RE All Spring Lift Misc Accessories: Custom bumpers, sliders, bead locks	Project "Turquoise Medallion" 94' XJ Well, I decided to start a build thread of my rig because as of right now it is sitting in my garage with no axles under it. But before I get into all that I want to show you what I started with, and where I'm at now. Keep in mind I've now had this Jeep a year as of this month. Here we go... the day I got her.. I liked but, but at the same time thought it was an ugly looking Jeep. The front bumper really bugged me, and the aluminum wheels painted black too. Pure uglieness... My first mod was a roof rack, thought I had to have one cause everybody did. And I scored a deal on some sweet wheels so I threw them on. I also cut the ugly hoop and bars off my front bumper. That put me here... I then decided I wasn't a roof rack kind of guy, and yanked it and sold it. I also threw a set of Hella's on before the trip. Then planned a Moab trip and headed out. Jeep did awesome this trip with no carnage. A few pics... After that I decided I didnt like my spare bouncing around in the back of my Jeep, so I built my tire carrier on the rear bumper. A few pics... Then I decided 33's weren't for me.. and mine were getting bald. So on went the 35" MTR"s and a test run, ended up have to trim some more to clear them.... Then we headed for Moab again on 35's... this was the trip from hell. Beat my rig to the point it was not drivable, front end was done, locker broke, ran out of spare u joints, had no front drive line in, finally ripped the rear dirve line off for the third time and walked away from it. Left it on the trail over night. Went back the next day, pulled axles, pulled carrier, removed locker, installed spider gears. New Wheel u joints, new u joint in both drive lines. Drove it off the trail and back to Salt Lake. Not a fun trip by any means. Some pics... __________________ 94' Cherokee Sport, 7.5" lift, Front Clip Conversion, Custom Bumpers, Bead Locks, Cowl Hood, PORC Sye, IN THE WORKS: Ford 9"- 4.86 gears/Full Spool, Dana 44- 4.86's/detroit locker/Warn Hubs, 37" Pro Comp X-Terrains, Comp Cut and Stretched. My Full Width Build http://www.cherokeeforum.com/f46/pro...n-94-xj-27850/ Last edited by X1994J; 10-31-2009 at 01:54 PM..

10-31-2009, 04:32 PM	#7
Livekill05 Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 91 My Photos 1999 Cherokee Year: 1999 Model: Cherokee Engine: 4.0L Tires: 31x10.50R15 Definity Dakota M/T's Lift Specifications: 3" rough country	#1 biggest fan here jus checking in and subscribing!! lol __________________ XJXJXJXJXJXJXJXJXJXJXJXJXJXJ 1999 xj Rock hill,sc

10-31-2009, 05:55 PM	#8
91Laredo JeepinForTheGoodOfSoicety Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Olympia, Wa Posts: 246 My Photos 1991 Cherokee Year: 1991 Model: Cherokee Engine: 4.0 H.O I6 Transmission: AW4 Transfer Case: NP231 Front Axle: HP Dana 30 Rear Axle: Chrysler 8.25 Tires: 32x11.5x15 BFG All Terrains Lift Specifications: 3" Rough Country Misc Accessories: CB, Police Radio, Custom Exhaust, Search And Rescue Decals.	this thing is beautiful.. I love the late model front clip on it, ive been considering doing that to mine, but My fear is that I wont be able to find the factory paint color, how did you go about finding the right color? __________________ 1991 Cherokee Laredo. Outfitted for Search And Rescue. 3" Rough Country Lift, Tuff Country 4.5" Greasable Lower Control Arms, Running TeraFlex Bushings, 32x11.5 BFG All Terrains, CB and Police Radio. HPD30,C.8.25. Check My Build Thread! http://www.cherokeeforum.com/f46/project-sar-xj-youngins-build-17489/

10-31-2009, 06:08 PM	#9
tristarscott74 Newbie Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 1 My Photos	like it what lift did u use

10-31-2009, 07:44 PM	#10
chrisdm4 Seasoned Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Telford PA Posts: 484 My Photos 1997 Grand Cherokee Year: 1997 Model: Grand Cherokee Engine: 4.0L I6 Transmission: 42RE Transfer Case: NP231 Front Axle: dana 30 Rear Axle: dana 35 Tires: BF AT 31 Lift Specifications: 4" RC short arm Misc Accessories: cragar wheels, dynomax exhaust, K&N Intake, JKS discos, Skyjacker stabilizer, Riddler Mfg Diff cover	What link system are you going to run and what kind of joints did you get? __________________ If it ain't broke, re-engineer it 2nd Annual Unibody Run 2009 Wheels Conquering Childhood Cancer 97 ZJ......75 CJ5

11-01-2009, 08:46 AM	#11
X1994J Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: 4 Hrs. from Moab, UT Posts: 215 My Photos 1994 Cherokee Year: 1994 Model: Cherokee Engine: 4.0 Transmission: aw4 Transfer Case: 231 Front Axle: D30, 4:56's Rear Axle: 8.25 Full Detroit 4:56's Tires: 35x12.50 MTR's Lift Specifications: 7.5" RE All Spring Lift Misc Accessories: Custom bumpers, sliders, bead locks	Thanks for the compliments guys. It really has been a ton of work in just a years time. In betweeb those mods I have installed some other stuff also, like my hi-lift, 10 lb. CO2 for airing up, CB setup, 3 row radiator, some other misc. stuff. I ordered all my joints from Ballistic Fab. After trying to get a hold of a highly respected local shop for a week, then going down there on my lunch and waiting 45 mins for them to get back from lunch, then seeing how expensive they were, I went home and ordered online from Ballistic Fab. Their website is easy to use and they had everything I needed. Good prices too. I ordered their Forged Chromoly 2.63" Ballistic Joints for the Frame side of the lowers. Here: http://www.ballisticfabrication.com/...nt_p_1636.html I will be running a factory bushing on the axle side of the lowers. For my front suspension I will be running a radius arm setup with a Y-Link on the driver side and a custom cross member. With this setup and some longer shocks I figure I should be able to get 3 - 4 more inches of droop out of the front, and obviously a much better ride. Here's a pic of my buddies he did this summer, mine will be very similiar. __________________ 94' Cherokee Sport, 7.5" lift, Front Clip Conversion, Custom Bumpers, Bead Locks, Cowl Hood, PORC Sye, IN THE WORKS: Ford 9"- 4.86 gears/Full Spool, Dana 44- 4.86's/detroit locker/Warn Hubs, 37" Pro Comp X-Terrains, Comp Cut and Stretched. My Full Width Build http://www.cherokeeforum.com/f46/pro...n-94-xj-27850/

11-01-2009, 02:08 PM	#15
1990cherokee Seasoned Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Yelm Wa Posts: 431 My Photos 1990 Cherokee Year: 1990 Model: Cherokee Engine: 4.0 Transmission: aw4 Transfer Case: 231 Front Axle: dana 30 with 4.56 gears Rear Axle: 8.25 with 4.56 gears and aussie locker Tires: 33's Lift Specifications: 4.5 will soon be upgrading to LA or to a 6.5 LA	That front clip is a bolt on correct?

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