1997 Project Creampuff
 

Attachment 407730

Creampuff, my 1997 Automatic 4x4 Cherokee Country has been in my family for quite some time. HP Dana 30/29-spline 8.25 in the back. Power everything..

My grandparents purchased it with 32k miles and drug it all over the country behind their RV for many years. In my early 20's I bought it from them with 100k miles for $4K. I drove it for four years till I joined the AF. At that time I gave it to my sister. A few years ago I started having kids and had to get rid of my S2000 for something with 4-doors. My sister was trying to sell the Jeep, so we worked something out and I flew down to South Florida to pick it up.

While at the airport, my brother-in-law tried to move it, but it wouldn't start. ****. They had it towed to Firestone to get it looked at, so I could hopefully drive it home. Firestone says bad neutral safety switch. $500 fix. Sitting in the airport I figured out how to fix/refresh the NSS thanks to this website and am able to get it fixed in their driveway. It still drives terribly, but starts now.

Before I get on the road for the 9 hour trip back to the Florida panhandle, I drop it off at Walmart to get an oil change. Lazy Walmart employee proceeds to rip off my oil pressure sensor from the engine block. Its going to be this type of relationship with the Jeep.

The wheel bearings are shot and there is a crack in the exhaust manifold, so the 9-hour drive is PAINFUL. So much grinding.

Eventually I get it back home and have The Jeep Specialists (Tallahassee, FL...Look them up if you're in the area and need someone to fix your rig) tear into it. I spend almost a grand having them make it road worthy...

New wheel bearings
oil pan seal
oil filter seal
tie rod ends
alignment
another oil change
probably forgetting some other stuff...Didn't have the cash to get half of what it needed done, so I tried to prioritize the most serious issues.


Still not good, but it drives okay at this point.

I find cherokeeforum.com during my NSS research and dive headfirst into the knowledge pool.

I used the 4.0 myths and true lies article most of my engine mod references: Check it out if you haven't...Lots of good info.
http://www.fourwheeler.com/how-to/en...ing-true-lies/

I decide to swap my completely separated engine mounts as well as the tranny mount, all TB sensors, install 703 injectors, cold air intake, new drive belt while swapping the exhaust manifold. Also went ahead and changed spark plugs/wires/rotor/distributor.

I wanted to establish a maintenance baseline starting point because I plan on keeping the Jeep for years to come, so I probably replaced some things unnecessarily, but I'll be driving my daughters around in this and I want it to be able to keep moving.

Brown dog rubber motor mounts
AME Brute force cold air intake
62MM Throttle body
APN exhaust manifold
Goodyear Gatorback v-belt




I learned a lot tearing into the engine bay for the first time. I broke the dowel off my intake manifold while reassembling everything, so I had to purchase a used one from eBay. Besides that it went fine. Next I decided to tackle the exhaust...

I wanted to let it breath/flow better while retaining factory level sound volume. My daughters ride in the Jeep and it is my DD so I want the sound tolerable.

Decided to go with a walker/magnaflow setup: P/N included for those interested.

Walker 55188 tail pipe
Magnaflow 23226
Walker SS Quiet Flow muffler 21357
Walker 55277 front pipe
NGK 23099 oxygen sensor
NGK 23151 oxygen sensor

I had a buddy of mine help and we used the base hobby shop lift. It was fairly painless, but I had to take it to a shop to get it all welded together.


I'm very happy with the setup. Feels quicker, but is very quiet.

At this point, about a month has gone by since I've had the Jeep. I discover my heater blowing cold and the temp isn't reaching normal operating temperatures. Take off the radiator cap and to my horror, discovered the entire cooling system filled w/brown gunk.


Decide to completely redo the heating/cooling system. New radiator, water pump, thermostat, flush flush flush, new hoses. Purchased everything at Rockauto.com for a good price. Also replaced my shot power steering pump and changed all the fluids while I was at it. Everything was running pretty good after that.

Redid the headliner/found ZJ leather seats/new speakers/headunit. Also replaced clock spring to give me cruise control and got rid of the airbag warning light.



Creepy FAB lockable rear storage box

BUILD SHEET

Dear Christopher,

Thank you for contacting the Jeep Customer Assistance Center.

We are pleased to provide vehicle build information per your request.

According to our records, your vehicle was equipped from the factory
with the following:

Sales Code Description

XJ Cloth Low-back Bucket Seats
ADAP Light Group
APAS Monotone Paint
ARXP Country Decor Group
AWHP Power Equipment Group
BAUS 117 Amp Alternator
BCDS 500 Amp Maintenance Free Battery
BGAS Power Front Disc/Rear Drum Brakes
CACP Low Back Bucket Seats
CBVP Cloth Door Trim Panel w/Map Pocket
CDBS Reclining Front Seats
CFMS Rear Fold w/Removable Cushion Seat
CGGS Traveling Inboard Seat Belt Buckle
CGWS Next Generation Front Air Bags**
CKAS Carpets - Floor and Cargo Area
CKNS Cargo Compartment Carpet
CKTS Cargo Tie Down Loops
CKXS Plastic Liftgate Trim Panel
CLEP Front & Rear Floor Mats
CSAP Spare Tire Cover
CSRS Passenger Assist Handles
CSSS Lift Gate Assist Handle
CUFS Full Length Floor Console
DGB All 4-Speed Automatic Transmissions
DGSS 4-Speed Automatic AW4 Transmission
DHAP Lock-Up Torque Converter
DHNS Command-Trac Part Time 4WD System
DHSP Floor Mount Automatic Shift Lever
DJHS Dana M30/181MM Front Axle
DMDP 3.55 Rear Axle Ratio
DRAS Corporate 8.25 Rear Axle
EAAC All Engines
ERH 4.0L I6 Power Tech Engine
GAL Deep Tint Sunscreen Glass
GBBS Tinted Windshield Glass
GCBS Front Door Tinted Glass
GEEP Deep Tint Sunscreen Liftgate Glass
GFA Rear Window Defroster
GNAS Rear View Day/Night Mirror
GNCP Sun Visors w/Illum Vanity Mirrors
GTS Power Heated Mirrors, Fold-Away
GVBC All Vehicles W/Power Mirrors
GXMP Remote Keyless Entry
HAAP Air Conditioning
HGDS Deluxe Insulation Group
JAYP Instrument Cluster w/Tach
JBGP Instrument Panel Woodgrain Bezel
JCDS 100 MPH Primary Speedometer
JHAS Var Intermittent Windshield Wipers
JHBP Rear Window Wiper/Washer
JJAS Cigar Lighter
JJBS Dual Note Electric Horns
JJJS 12V Auxiliary Power Outlet
JPAP Power Windows
JPBP Power Locks
LAJS Headlamps On Warning Chimes
LBBP Courtesy Lamps
LBCS Glove Box Lamp
LCDP Map/Dome Reading Lamps
LDAP Underhood Lamp
LDBP Cargo Compartment Lamp
LHDP Headlamp Off Time Delay
LMAS Halogen Headlamps
LPSS CHMSL Lamp
MBPP Body Color Front Bumper
MBQP Body Color Rear Bumper w/Step Pads
MCAS Front Bumper Guards
MFKP Body Color Grille
MHAS Black Windshield Moldings
MMCS Rear Qtr Solid Window Insert
MMGS Belt Moldings
MMKS Body Color Drip Trough Molding
MNAS Black Door Handles
MWGP Roof Rack
NAA Federal Emissions
NBKS EVAP Control System
NFAS 20 Gallon Fuel Tank
NHMP Speed Control
PW1 Stone White Clear Coat
QW1S Stone White C/C
RAAC All Radio Equipped Vehicles
RASP AM/FM Cassette Radio
RCDP 4 Speakers
RDDP Fixed Long Mast Antenna
SBAS Power Rack and Pinion Steering
SCGP Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel
SDAS Normal Duty Suspension
SHAS Front Stabilizer Bar
SHCS Front and Rear Stabilizer Bars
SUAP Tilt Steering Column
TBCS Compact Spare Tire
TBLS Inside Mounted Spare Tire
TRVP P225/70R15 Eagle GA OWL AS Tires
TZAP Goodyear Brand Tires
WJ7P 15X7.0 Luxury Aluminum Wheels
WLZC All Aluminum Wheels
XJFS Tethered Fuel Filler Cap
YAAS Build To U.S. Mkt. Specifications

Thank you again for your email. Should you require additional
assistance, or have any new information to provide, please reply to this
email message or call 1-877-I-AM-JEEP (1-877-426-5337).

Sincerely,

Victoria

Customer Service Representative
Jeep Customer Assistance Center

A couple random wheeling shots. Prelift..

Attachment 304875

Attachment 304876


Fellow cherokeeforum member in my neighborhood went bigger with his lift and gave me his old RE 3.5" lift for a very good deal, so it was time to finally lift it.

Paired the RE springs/shocks he gave me with Old man emu leaf springs, OME steering stabilizer and JKS adjustable trackbar. Also installed RC sway bar quick disconnects. Also changed sway bar bushings with MOOG bushings. Took it to Trailhead Jeep in Pensacola to install my Spicer ujoints and Spartan locker for the front HP Dana 30.

Attachment 304877

Attachment 304878

Attachment 304879

Attachment 304880

A few post lift shots...

Attachment 304881

Attachment 304882

Went with a 15" steel wheel w/ 3.75" backspacing wrapped in 31x10.5 15 BFG K02s. Decided on 31s over 33s even though I wanted bigger because I was scared of regearing (of course that ended up being a mistake as you could probably guess).

Attachment 304873

Well that setup rubbed my flares even with the lift, so I decided to purchase Bushwacker cutout flares to alleviate the rubbing.

Attachment 304874

As you can see now, the wheels look too small with the flares. Will be going 33/35 soon, like I should have done originally.

I have some driveline vibes in the 45-50 mph range, so I purchased an AA sye and custom rear driveshaft from Adams driveshaft. Haven't installed yet, but they were very easy to work with and would recommend them to others looking to purchase.

I also have extended front/rear brake lines that need to be installed, along with my front extended bump stops. Playing with fire right now not having them installed.

Finally, I have Fel-Pro valve cover gasket that needs to be installed.

Future plans include:
long arms --still undecided on brand
upgrade steering --same
BRAKES!! front and rear need serious attention. New rotors/pads, Big David's disc brake swap or junk yard it myself.
frame stiffeners --HD offroad
armor
bigger tires
gears
rear locker
Ares fab front and rear bumpers
Solid axle covers
paint rockers/wheel wells with bedliner and eventually white monstaline up to windows
tint front windows

Very interested/open to other ideas if you guys have any and brands/good products you guys have experience with.

I will be moving to Alaska in June, so very excited to experience other terrains besides the sand/mud we have here in the Florida panhandle.

Attempted to install Dorman p/n #H38620/H38621 brake lines from a Chevy 1500 on the Jeep, but was unable to get it seated a way I was happy with, so I reinstalled the factory brake line for now. They're supposed to give you 5 extra inches of slack, so they will be good to go. The rear is p/n #H38845 from a Jeep YJ. Gonna have to mess with them more when I have a little more time. I need the Jeep for work tomorrow, so I had to wrap it up and bled it quickly.

Attachment 304860

What brand is everyone using for rotors/pads? Brakes need to be done soon and might as well use something nice if I'm doing it.

Looks like you jeep started out in the doghouse and now looks good. Keep up the good work!

Thank you. It always looked pretty good cosmetically IMO, but it spent many years being neglected in the maintenance department by my sister. She joked when I got it back from her that she never changed the oil, much less any other maintenance stuff.. :censored:

Its taken a few years to get it to this point, but its paid off. I love driving it.

Man that has got to be one of the nastier rad caps I have ever seen.

/Build is looking great thus far. looking forward to seeing how it turns out!

I couldn't believe it when I saw it. Unfortunately, the radiator cap was just the tip of the iceberg..The block, radiator, etc was all just as bad.

Thanks. Its definitely a work in progress. More updates coming soon!

Going to add new spicer ball joints to the list. Have pretty significant vibes since my lift from 45-50mph. Hopefully between the SYE, new driveshaft and ball joints it will be cured. Will probably do axle seals why I'm at it and have the axles out for the ball joints.

Attachment 304616

One last picture on 31s. It looks like its skipped a bunch of leg days. Gonna pull the trigger on 33s today. Leaning towards the General grabbers at2. Anyone else have any opinions on tires I should go with?

Some goodies I ordered yesterday...

Black magic rotors, pads and new calibers
http://www.shop.blackmagicbrakes.com...078841225.jpeg

Ares fab evo bumper w/ hoop
http://aresfabrication.com/wp-conten...-1-568x407.jpg

33x12.5 15 BFG K02s
https://images.4wheelparts.com/aux_i...FG&w=450&h=450

Attachment 304610

Attachment 407729

and true to form, I buy something fun for it and another vital part breaks...my less than year old a1 cardone power steering reservoir is leaking pretty heavily through the reservoir itself around the return hose on the engine side. rock auto will warranty it, but I had to purchase a new one and send it back before they'll reimburse. Really didn't feel like messing with this, but **** happens. Looks like I'll be tearing into it. They're sending me a whole new pump and reservoir, will probably just swap the new reservoir over to the old pump so I don't have to mess with the pulley.