i got a 96 jeep cherokee a couple months ago and all ive done to it was fix some worn down stuff put and put in a new sound system. and now ive finally saved up some money to put into it for fun stuff, so im looking for recommendations. im looking to just do some light off roading with friends and hoping to make it look a bit cooler. my cherokee 2w drive , 4.0l high output, 5 spd, completely stock accept for the clutch lines and throughout bearing

again just looking for suggestions, no guarantee of even putting the money into my car. so what would you do for around $1.5 -$2000

edit: oh and i live is southern texas, idk if that will change anything, just thought people would want to know what kind of trails i would be goin on

 

On the higher end of your price range, convert it to 4wd for sure! I guess that's only a big deal if you will make use of it a lot. Not like you'll ever need it on roads in Texas though. Michigan winters suck.

 

I would just use the money to find a cheap trail rig so you don't have to beat the crap out of yours to get it through the stuff the 4x4s go through. If your set on keeping yours though, I would just get a 3 inch lift with full leaf packs to start. You'll get a little more clearance and shouldn't get any driveline vibrations with only 3". Then you can get a set of 30x9.5 inch tires with the remaining cash. That's just what I would do, though. Good luck with your Jeep and keep us tuned.

 

I'd sell it for $1700 or so and buy this one: http://sanantonio.craigslist.org/cto/1567244278.html (for example). Just a quick look at sales prices in San Antonio and Corpus Christi and it seems the older body styles (90-96 lets say) with many miles and wear sell for $2k plus and the newer body styles will under 100k and still look to be in good condition can be found for just at if not a little below $4k. If you've got about $2k and can sell your 2wd for about $1700, you may be able to purchase a newer XJ with the 4WD you're really going to wish you had.

Just my .02 . All the work you've done will help to improve resale value and the system can be pulled and dropped into your next rig.

Of course, we haven't even seen the photos of your current setup.

s

 

x2 on selling and getting a 4wd

If you insist on keeping the 2wd definatley go get a locker. propabley a lock rite or similar to keep decent highway manners

 

make it a street jeep, lowered with an exhaust,intake,injectors.....and stuff