98greenmachine

Well this is my first build thread, I am currently a college student studying mechanical engineering at UNM. I first joined CF a little while after I bought my Cherokee which was back in June of 2011. Being that I'm a college student I don't have much money to spend on jeep stuff or at least as much as I wish I did So since buying the jeep I've drained and serviced the differential and transfer case fluids as well as several oil changes. I've basically detailed the whole jeep and try and keep it as clean as possible (at least the inside).
Here are some pictures of the jeep before I started any mods.

98greenmachine

The first thing I did on the jeep was repaint all the trim pieces. Basically anything that was supposed to be black got repainted black. This includes all the fenders, both front and rear bumpers, all door handles (even the hatch), the side mirrors, front grille, headlight bezels, and the roof rack. I used 2" frog tape and the local newspaper to mask off everything. I cleaned and sanded all parts with acetone and 800 grit sandpaper. Then to paint it I used Krylon Fusion-Black Gloss. Here are a few pictures of the difference between painted and not painted. Overall I was very pleased with how it turned out much better than the charcoal/grey it was before.

98greenmachine

And just this past week I purchased a factory roof rack tire carrier from XJmulisha. I was able to put it on during the week and was very happy to get the tire out of the rear cargo area. Here is a picture of it mounted.

jeep4lf

Looking good so far, what are your plans when it's going to be totally done like lift tires etc?

djcallao

Good start! Good luck with the rest of the build

98greenmachine

Well if I had the money what I would really want to do is the 5.5" lift from rubicon express with long arms, a SYE like advanced adaptors, tom woods driveshaft, 33's or 35's not too sure, the flat style bushwacker fender flares, I forget the brand but i believe it's called the mojave rear bumper with hitch receiver and d-rings, and a front bumper with winch plate and large stinger also with d-rings and some light tabs. I'd also like to get some A-pillar light brackets, diff covers, and a light bar for the roof. But i think i'll probably start out small like an old man emu 3'' lift and 31's just to get a more aggressive appearance. Eventually I want to do some more intense stuff like a D44 swap, engine rebuild with forged pistons and what not. However if you've made it through this whole post I am extremely open to suggestions especially inexpensive things I can do to make it perform/look better. Being that this is my first jeep I by know means really know what I'm doing just a lot of research and assumptions as to how I should do things.

And thanks guys I'll keep you updated.

98greenmachine

I've also got the Husky floor lineers for front, passenger, rear front/passenger, and the rear cargo area. I'm really happy with these not only do they serve a purpose but they look kinda cool.

jeep4lf

If ya check out my build thread I'm in pretty much same boat as of now I have lift and 31s. But have big dreams but low budget. Can't wait to see it come along.

Kuro89

Have you checked out the budget build thread i OEM tech it has a lot of info
Nice jeep btw

98greenmachine

I kit checked it out this morning and I'm thinking I might try it out. Just reading through it I'd like to do a fullsize blazer bastard pack, and front coils, probably front and rear shocks and track bar from an f-350, and new extended brake lines. Anything else that I would need to do a complete budget lift? Also any suggestions for better products and any tips on actually doing this?

whitsonmw

clean looking project for sure

98greenmachine

Well I got my new headlight assembly in today. I got the ipf head lamps, fatboy 4x41 bulbs and the arb HD wiring harness thanks to the guys at rocky road outfitters. I'll probably get it installed today.

98greenmachine

And I also picked up a pair of kc daylighters 130w offroad lights from the Abq Craigslist for $25. So I just have to get the wiring harness from the local 4wheel parts store and I'll get those put on as well.

98greenmachine

Well finally got the jeep out to some trails here in NM. Thanks to my gf. We started out around 11 and headed up to Rio Puerco. Have some photos. Main thing I learned was that I want some quick discos (homebrew most likely) before I hit the trails again...and some actually a/t or m/t tires. I cruised around the whole day on some $40 a piece walmart street tires and the xj did surprisingly good.

98greenmachine

Last few photos are pictures of flipped over rigs and/or cars that were just dumped.