So i recently purchased a 96' cherokee sport and was wondering if the vetrans of the jeep world could give me a few ideas on what to do to it? i have a steady job so i can save up for some of the spendy parts, but would like to keep it fairly low budget, i am only 19. It will mostly be used for logging roads and what not when i go hunting with my doggie. No rock crawling or KRAZY hill climbs. Anywho a few pointers would be appreciated.

 

Just a small 2" lift and a little taller tire should be enough for what you have planned. Bone stock wheels pretty darn good too.

 

Do 2-3" lift, search Bastard Pack good for 1.5" to 4" in the rear. 30"or31" tires, Good shocks, Skid plates, tow hooks and a locker. This will be a nearly unstoppable trail rig and Good on the street also.

 

Thnx i was thinkin a lift for sure, those r some good ideas.

 

Really with some Good All-terrain tires. A stock XJ is a pretty capable rig for Light to moderate trails.
If I were you I would be spending money on Preventative Maintenance BEFORE any modifications. You have a 15 year old Jeep it needs some TLC. You don't really know how well it was cared for before you got it. DO all fluids, hoses, belts, brakes, Tie rod ends, U-Joints, ect.
Plan out any Mods you want to do, aks questions, and read about common problems people have. You can incorporate some Mods into the PM process. Example, don't bother changing Control arm bushings if you are going to be buying New control arms as part of a lift soon after, unless it is a safety thing.

 

yeah small lift maybe a spacer/ shackle lift for some 30's or 31's with trimming maybe some 3.73's with a locker up front, winch bumper w/ winch and a trailer hitch with some skid plates...gut the back seat and carpet for whatever you kill while hunting...custom fab a shelf in the back for a doggie food/ water bowl

 

Its like a fountain of knowledge in here. haha. Ya i have been replacing and cleaning up from the previous owner, and i have done most of that stuff now i am onto the next phase. Gonna pimp my ride. haha

 

go to quadratec and order a set of the HD stock replacement leaf springs for the rear. Unless yours have been replaced already they are sagging.. Those with a 1" shackle will get ya about 2 1/4 - 2.5 after they settle.
get a true 2" spacer for the front and some good 31" tires and you can do most anything you describe.
A LB locker for the rear couldnt hurt either.

 

Just remember that being on a budget doesnt always mean spending little sometimes it means spending extra money on the right things.

 

One of the cool things about this site is you can click on peeps picts and see their builds. There are even links if you search this site and others to cheap compatable parts lists.


Example: the springs off a grand cherokee fit the front with about 2 inches of lift. The rear springs from a S10 give the back end a 2 or 3 inch lift...

you might be able to accomplish alot with your ride with a little elbow grease and a nearby junk-yard.

Good-luck.