Sunday I found a 99 Cherokee just like mine with an 8.25 axle, pulled it by myself, that was fun!

My build sheet says my 99 Cherokee is geared 3.55 and this Cherokee was identical to mine so I am hoping they are geared the same.

My question is what all would you do before you install it? I plan to make it a winter project. Paint, new wheel bearings, new brake hose and lines, pull the cover, clean the inside and make sure everything looks good, check the gearing and a paint job.

Two questions, how do you get it prepped for paint? Grinding wheel or wire brush on a drill and is there anything else you would do?

 

Switch from drum to disk brakes

 

03 and 04 liberties used 15" wheels with compatible disc brakes if running stock wheels. 05 and up you would need a 1.5" wheel spacer minimum if you run stock rims.


The long series of numbers on main gear is broken down into groups. Take the last two groups (two digits each) and divide the larger by the smaller that will tell you the gear ratio with no guess work if the factory tag is missing. You will need ALL the components from the Liberty (parking brake cables, backing plates, the axle to backing plate mounting studs, all the brake lines, etc)

 

Forgot to add that, was planning the kj disc swap.

 

Auto-locker?

 

Rear cover with threaded fill plug.

 

I'd look into some kind of posi unit or locker depending on all intensive purposes.

 

I have all the stated above... New axle bearings and seals, rear ZJ disc swap, ruff stuff cover, aussie locker

 

Prepping for paint I like the new 3M bristle grinder disc. There are rubber looking bristles that sand even semi rough surfaces. I've been using the brown one 50 grit.