Project Utility Vehicle: Take II

Iant333 · 09-23-2009, 01:25 PM

I'd made build thread a while ago but since lost it so ill start from scratch.

I bought my Xj in April 09, an 01 Sport 4x4 with 57,000 miles for 5,400. This is my second vehicle having sold my 2001 Nissan Altima to afford it. Since then I've put tons of hours into building it up and maintaining it, doing everything myself. I'm only 18 and didnt have much mechanical experience before but i've been learning as I go along.

My Jeep the day after I bought it.

In June I elected to give it a smaller lift after going back and forth on whether to even lift it or not, at this point i'm very glad I did. I got a 3in Rough Country Series II with full leaf packs and 31' Cooper Discoverer ST's.

Just after getting it back from having the new tires mounted, the only thing I don't do myself.

Me enjoying my newly capable rig.

I wheeled it like that for quite a while before I decided it needed a little more in the traction department and in August I bought an Aussie Locker for my rear 8.25. On my first trip out with my locker I sideswiped a tree and cracked both of my stock fender flares off the passenger side and scratched the paint up really bad.

I was pretty upset over this but i've learned the best cure to damage is to fix it up better than before, So I bought some new Bushwacker cutout flares, a new Warrior Products front bumper with D rings and added a whole new flat desert tan paint job.

Painting in progress

Here's me enjoying my finished product on some easier trails (don't want to scratch that new paint)
and yes those are sparks from me scraping my shock mount, caught on film.

And here's how it looked about 10 minutes ago

I've got some pretty big plans for the future and ill try to keep this updated the best I can so check back if you are interested.

Basically by the end of this summer I want this sitting on 33x10.50 Super Swamper TSL's and 4.5 inches of lift. I have dreams of taking it out to Moab the year after next (Summer/Fall 2011) so i've got some building to get done before then to make the trip worthwhile.

Im thinking im getting new rough country coils in front and a 2 in shackle lift in back. Ill need an SYE and new driveshaft, adj track bar, and im regearing to 4.10. Im also getting rock sliders, diff guards (at least in front), skid plates for the engine and tranny, gas tank, steering box and a new crossmember. Im getting chromoly shafts front and rear, and im thinking about trussing the rear axle (8.25) and "maybe" a long arm if I can afford it by then. Besides a few other odds and ends that may pop up that's about all im thinking for right now.

humboldt2door · 09-23-2009, 02:23 PM

Sweet looking rig. Tan is the best color for a 4x4. How'd you do the paint and what did you use? I'm thinkin of paintin my rig because the clear coat is just gone. I'm in the same boat, I'm 20 and got mine when I was 19 and have been doing all the work to it myself. Well done! Soft 8's look sic by the way. A ton of guys on here have em

ol"blue · 09-23-2009, 02:39 PM

Great work. Looks good.

Brian · 09-23-2009, 05:37 PM

Nice Job there.!!
good to see another jeep with the bushwackers

grn99 · 09-23-2009, 07:43 PM

Love the color. Funny how nature starts most of the modifications and upgrades. How do you like the locker?

projectmayhem · 09-24-2009, 10:14 AM

i like the color, keep up the good work

Iant333 · 09-24-2009, 01:45 PM

I just bought the paint at NAPA auto parts, the one by me has a whole automotive painting department and they helped me get everything together. It wasnt too hard to do its just very time consuming doing all the prep.

As for thew locker, it makes a huge difference, especially on rocks, I can keep driving right up until wheels start lifting off the ground. It's not too bad on the road either, I drive my Jeep every day and I hardly feel it there anymore.

Also another modification I was planning on was swapping out the stock automatic transmission for a standard NV3550, but I dont really know exactly whats involved and cant find any good source of information about it. Has anyone ever heard of anyone trying this, even on a different vehicle?

jeepskater433 · 09-24-2009, 05:25 PM

looks good man, good job on the paint

c_kdna · 09-24-2009, 06:28 PM

that front bumper loos like an oem part. its just great
keep that nice work good luck

Iant333 · 09-25-2009, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by c_kdna

that front bumper loos like an oem part. its just great
keep that nice work good luck

Yeah I'm definitely happy with the bumper, I didn't want anything too flashy, but its plenty strong and gives me way better tow points than my old brush-guard did.

Iant333 · 12-23-2009, 09:15 AM

Ok, been a while since i've updated this but just got some new stuff the other day.

I just got my jeep back yesterday from its second ever trip to the mechanic, I wasnt happy about it but after losing my aftermarket muffler 3 times due to my poor welding skills, and being sick of driving around for the past 2 weeks without one, I decided to call in a professional. I threw out the POS thrush turbo I had on it before and bought a flowmaster 40 delta flow and had it mounted up with the stock tailpipe and this time it even has hangers as well (I used to have it end right after the muffler with no hangers). I also this weekend bought some new wheels, and I cant mount tires myself either, so I also had those mounted up as well.

I was extremely pleased with the wheels, they make the tires stick out just the right amount to look good with the bushwackers, also black wheels make my whole jeep look better, it never looked quite right with silver wheels. They are 15x8 soft 8's w/ 4.25 BS, I picked up a set of 5 for 100 bucks from a gentleman in a local Jeep club i'm a member of.

The final result looks kinda like this

I tried taking a video of what the new muffler sounded like but it came out like crap. I like it though, its throaty but not really too loud which is good after having to listen to the annoying humming on the highway all the time. I also got my new rear bumper in the mail today (after waiting over 3 months to receive it) as well but didn't get a chance to mount it up yet, maybe ill throw a pic of that up in the next day or two.

I also got my H4 Xenon headlights as a slightly early Christmas present just this morning so ill post those up when I get them on. And also I bent my tie rod a few weeks ago, but in addition to bending it back I bought a ZJ V8 tierod set that i've gotta mount up as well.

00XJ · 12-23-2009, 09:37 AM

where did you get your front bumper from

Iant333 · 12-23-2009, 09:41 AM

Its a warrior products, I got a matching one for the back as well in the mail yesterday.

00XJ · 12-23-2009, 09:45 AM

oh ok thats cool man its looking good

jiffy · 12-23-2009, 10:39 AM

great job!!

09-23-2009, 01:25 PM	#1
Iant333 Seasoned Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Guilderland NY Posts: 396 My Photos 2001 Cherokee Year: 2001 Model: Cherokee Engine: 4.0L I6 Transmission: Aisin AW4 Transfer Case: NP231 Front Axle: Dana 30 Rear Axle: Chryco 8.25 w/ Aussie Locker and alloys Tires: 33x12.50 Cooper Discoverer STT Lift Specifications: Rough Country 3in, Series II Misc Accessories: Custom 2.50 exhaust, Custom Flat Tan Paint Job, Bushwacker Flares	Project Utility Vehicle: Take II I'd made build thread a while ago but since lost it so ill start from scratch. I bought my Xj in April 09, an 01 Sport 4x4 with 57,000 miles for 5,400. This is my second vehicle having sold my 2001 Nissan Altima to afford it. Since then I've put tons of hours into building it up and maintaining it, doing everything myself. I'm only 18 and didnt have much mechanical experience before but i've been learning as I go along. My Jeep the day after I bought it. In June I elected to give it a smaller lift after going back and forth on whether to even lift it or not, at this point i'm very glad I did. I got a 3in Rough Country Series II with full leaf packs and 31' Cooper Discoverer ST's. Just after getting it back from having the new tires mounted, the only thing I don't do myself. Me enjoying my newly capable rig. I wheeled it like that for quite a while before I decided it needed a little more in the traction department and in August I bought an Aussie Locker for my rear 8.25. On my first trip out with my locker I sideswiped a tree and cracked both of my stock fender flares off the passenger side and scratched the paint up really bad. I was pretty upset over this but i've learned the best cure to damage is to fix it up better than before, So I bought some new Bushwacker cutout flares, a new Warrior Products front bumper with D rings and added a whole new flat desert tan paint job. Painting in progress Here's me enjoying my finished product on some easier trails (don't want to scratch that new paint) and yes those are sparks from me scraping my shock mount, caught on film. And here's how it looked about 10 minutes ago I've got some pretty big plans for the future and ill try to keep this updated the best I can so check back if you are interested. Basically by the end of this summer I want this sitting on 33x10.50 Super Swamper TSL's and 4.5 inches of lift. I have dreams of taking it out to Moab the year after next (Summer/Fall 2011) so i've got some building to get done before then to make the trip worthwhile. Im thinking im getting new rough country coils in front and a 2 in shackle lift in back. Ill need an SYE and new driveshaft, adj track bar, and im regearing to 4.10. Im also getting rock sliders, diff guards (at least in front), skid plates for the engine and tranny, gas tank, steering box and a new crossmember. Im getting chromoly shafts front and rear, and im thinking about trussing the rear axle (8.25) and "maybe" a long arm if I can afford it by then. Besides a few other odds and ends that may pop up that's about all im thinking for right now. __________________ Build Thread: http://www.cherokeeforum.com/f46/pro...take-ii-24846/ -My Philosophy: Whenever something breaks, always fix it with something better. Last edited by Iant333; 12-23-2009 at 09:32 AM..

09-23-2009, 02:23 PM	#2
humboldt2door Member Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 177 My Photos 1985 Cherokee Year: 1985 Model: Cherokee Engine: 2.8L V6 Transmission: 5 speed (AX5) Transfer Case: NP207 Front Axle: Dana 30 High Pinion Rear Axle: Dana 35 Tires: 31x10.5 Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac Lift Specifications: 2 inch block & spacer lift for now Misc Accessories: Flowmaster Exhaust, K&N Air Filter. New Engine 10,000mi ago, rebuilt transmission, rebuilt carb.	Sweet looking rig. Tan is the best color for a 4x4. How'd you do the paint and what did you use? I'm thinkin of paintin my rig because the clear coat is just gone. I'm in the same boat, I'm 20 and got mine when I was 19 and have been doing all the work to it myself. Well done! Soft 8's look sic by the way. A ton of guys on here have em __________________ Boo California emissions laws

09-23-2009, 02:39 PM	#3
ol"blue CF Veteran Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Dandridge Tennessee Posts: 14,072 My Photos 1997 & 2004 Grand Cherokee Year: 1997 & 2004 Model: Grand Cherokee Engine: 5.2 V8 ; 4.7 V8 Transmission: 4 spd Auto.; 5 spd. Auto Transfer Case: Both Have Full-Time 4WD Front Axle: D30 w/3.73 gear Rear Axle: D44 w/3.73 gear Tires: 245x70x16 Lift Specifications: 97 Orvis Fact. Up Country Misc Accessories: Both have HD Cooling Systems & Tow Packages, '97 has Fact. Skid Plates	Great work. Looks good. __________________ '97 Grand Cherokee Limited Orvis Up Country 5.2, 4X4 '04 Grand Cherokee SE 4.7, 4X4 '04 Saturn Vue 250 WHP V-6 AWD '85 Dodge Omni GLHTurbo T-2 282 WHP '86 Dodge Omni GLHTurbo T-2 397 WHP If you're not breaking parts you're not making enough power!!! "I NEED MORE TRACTION, NOT MORE BOOST" http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/s...r54_2048_0.gif

09-23-2009, 05:37 PM	#4
Brian Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 66 My Photos 2001 Cherokee Year: 2001 Model: Cherokee Engine: 4.0 Transfer Case: SYE'd, NP231 Front Axle: D30 w/Warn guard Rear Axle: 8.25 29 spline Tires: 33" BFG Mud Terrain Lift Specifications: Custom 3.5" to 4.5" lift Misc Accessories: Flares, Armor, bumpers, to much to list	Nice Job there.!! good to see another jeep with the bushwackers __________________ http://www.youtube.com/user/bdaddy23 .,=====,_____ //__l_l_o\____\o__ l_---\_l__l---[]lllllll[] _(o)_)__(o)_)---o--)_)____

09-23-2009, 07:43 PM	#5
grn99 Seasoned Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Redford MI Posts: 488 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	Love the color. Funny how nature starts most of the modifications and upgrades. How do you like the locker? __________________ look ma' no hands

09-24-2009, 10:14 AM	#6
projectmayhem Seasoned Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: rogersville, tn Posts: 312 My Photos 1988 Cherokee Year: 1988 Model: Cherokee Engine: 4.0 Transmission: aw4 Transfer Case: np231 Front Axle: d30 Rear Axle: d44 Tires: 31x10.50 Lift Specifications: 4.5'' + custom long arm Misc Accessories: lined interior, half exo	i like the color, keep up the good work __________________ Live, Love, Then buy a JEEP

09-24-2009, 01:45 PM	#7
Iant333 Seasoned Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Guilderland NY Posts: 396 My Photos 2001 Cherokee Year: 2001 Model: Cherokee Engine: 4.0L I6 Transmission: Aisin AW4 Transfer Case: NP231 Front Axle: Dana 30 Rear Axle: Chryco 8.25 w/ Aussie Locker and alloys Tires: 33x12.50 Cooper Discoverer STT Lift Specifications: Rough Country 3in, Series II Misc Accessories: Custom 2.50 exhaust, Custom Flat Tan Paint Job, Bushwacker Flares	I just bought the paint at NAPA auto parts, the one by me has a whole automotive painting department and they helped me get everything together. It wasnt too hard to do its just very time consuming doing all the prep. As for thew locker, it makes a huge difference, especially on rocks, I can keep driving right up until wheels start lifting off the ground. It's not too bad on the road either, I drive my Jeep every day and I hardly feel it there anymore. Also another modification I was planning on was swapping out the stock automatic transmission for a standard NV3550, but I dont really know exactly whats involved and cant find any good source of information about it. Has anyone ever heard of anyone trying this, even on a different vehicle? __________________ Build Thread: http://www.cherokeeforum.com/f46/pro...take-ii-24846/ -My Philosophy: Whenever something breaks, always fix it with something better.

09-24-2009, 05:25 PM	#8
jeepskater433 Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 40 My Photos 1989 Year: 1989 Engine: Renix 4.0 Transmission: Pukegoat BA10/5 Transfer Case: NP231 Front Axle: D30 Rear Axle: D35 Tires: 31/10.50/15 BFG A/Ts Lift Specifications: 2.5 OME springs up front, AAL and Extended shackle rear Misc Accessories: Hella 500s, single cab, pick-up bed,	looks good man, good job on the paint

09-24-2009, 06:28 PM	#9
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"	that front bumper loos like an oem part. its just great keep that nice work 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

12-23-2009, 09:15 AM	#11
Iant333 Seasoned Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Guilderland NY Posts: 396 My Photos 2001 Cherokee Year: 2001 Model: Cherokee Engine: 4.0L I6 Transmission: Aisin AW4 Transfer Case: NP231 Front Axle: Dana 30 Rear Axle: Chryco 8.25 w/ Aussie Locker and alloys Tires: 33x12.50 Cooper Discoverer STT Lift Specifications: Rough Country 3in, Series II Misc Accessories: Custom 2.50 exhaust, Custom Flat Tan Paint Job, Bushwacker Flares	Ok, been a while since i've updated this but just got some new stuff the other day. I just got my jeep back yesterday from its second ever trip to the mechanic, I wasnt happy about it but after losing my aftermarket muffler 3 times due to my poor welding skills, and being sick of driving around for the past 2 weeks without one, I decided to call in a professional. I threw out the POS thrush turbo I had on it before and bought a flowmaster 40 delta flow and had it mounted up with the stock tailpipe and this time it even has hangers as well (I used to have it end right after the muffler with no hangers). I also this weekend bought some new wheels, and I cant mount tires myself either, so I also had those mounted up as well. I was extremely pleased with the wheels, they make the tires stick out just the right amount to look good with the bushwackers, also black wheels make my whole jeep look better, it never looked quite right with silver wheels. They are 15x8 soft 8's w/ 4.25 BS, I picked up a set of 5 for 100 bucks from a gentleman in a local Jeep club i'm a member of. The final result looks kinda like this I tried taking a video of what the new muffler sounded like but it came out like crap. I like it though, its throaty but not really too loud which is good after having to listen to the annoying humming on the highway all the time. I also got my new rear bumper in the mail today (after waiting over 3 months to receive it) as well but didn't get a chance to mount it up yet, maybe ill throw a pic of that up in the next day or two. I also got my H4 Xenon headlights as a slightly early Christmas present just this morning so ill post those up when I get them on. And also I bent my tie rod a few weeks ago, but in addition to bending it back I bought a ZJ V8 tierod set that i've gotta mount up as well. __________________ Build Thread: http://www.cherokeeforum.com/f46/pro...take-ii-24846/ -My Philosophy: Whenever something breaks, always fix it with something better. Last edited by Iant333; 12-23-2009 at 09:26 AM..

12-23-2009, 09:37 AM	#12
00XJ Seasoned Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Virginia Posts: 419 My Photos 2000 Cherokee Year: 2000 Model: Cherokee Engine: 4.0 inline 6 Transmission: 4 speed auto Transfer Case: NP231 Front Axle: d30 low pinion...i think Rear Axle: chrysler 8.25 Tires: bfg long trail Misc Accessories: magnaflow exhaust, sound system, cragar soft 8 wheels,	where did you get your front bumper from __________________ my new project, its gonna be a tough one!: http://www.cherokeeforum.com/f59/car...er-help-40961/

12-23-2009, 09:41 AM	#13
Iant333 Seasoned Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Guilderland NY Posts: 396 My Photos 2001 Cherokee Year: 2001 Model: Cherokee Engine: 4.0L I6 Transmission: Aisin AW4 Transfer Case: NP231 Front Axle: Dana 30 Rear Axle: Chryco 8.25 w/ Aussie Locker and alloys Tires: 33x12.50 Cooper Discoverer STT Lift Specifications: Rough Country 3in, Series II Misc Accessories: Custom 2.50 exhaust, Custom Flat Tan Paint Job, Bushwacker Flares	Its a warrior products, I got a matching one for the back as well in the mail yesterday. __________________ Build Thread: http://www.cherokeeforum.com/f46/pro...take-ii-24846/ -My Philosophy: Whenever something breaks, always fix it with something better.

12-23-2009, 09:45 AM	#14
00XJ Seasoned Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Virginia Posts: 419 My Photos 2000 Cherokee Year: 2000 Model: Cherokee Engine: 4.0 inline 6 Transmission: 4 speed auto Transfer Case: NP231 Front Axle: d30 low pinion...i think Rear Axle: chrysler 8.25 Tires: bfg long trail Misc Accessories: magnaflow exhaust, sound system, cragar soft 8 wheels,	oh ok thats cool man its looking good __________________ my new project, its gonna be a tough one!: http://www.cherokeeforum.com/f59/car...er-help-40961/

12-23-2009, 10:39 AM	#15
jiffy CF Veteran Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: san mateo, ca Posts: 1,490 My Photos 1988 Cherokee Year: 1988 Model: Cherokee Engine: 4.0 I6 Transmission: A/T AW4 Transfer Case: stock Front Axle: stock Rear Axle: Dana 35 Tires: 235/75/15 Dayton Timberline's on 15x8 Cragar Soft Ocho's & Gorilla center caps Lift Specifications: 0.0" bone stock lift! =0) Misc Accessories: GT steering wheel, limo tint, kenwood 600w amp, 2 - 8" subs, sony XPlod stereo, viper alarm	great job!! __________________ Ocho² Cherokee stock height, Soft Ocho's w/ Dayton Timberlines 235/75/15, Dynomax Cat Back Exhaust 2K Silverado FabTech 6" lift + 3" Performance Accessories Body Lift, Edelbrock Shortys, Flowmasters, American Racing Baja's wrapped in ProComp 305/70/16

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