2000 XJ: Disaster Relief Vehicle (DRV)
08-23-2012, 04:08 PM
#16
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Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L I6 Power Tech Engine
You would need as much storage room as possible so tire carrier on the rear bumper would help or mount a blazer carrier. You can even fab up a basket on that tire that connects to the lug nuts to strap a gas can or water can on. Like I said earlier a false floor can help add more and sort stuff out easier. There are many ways to make a roof rack and if you cant weld there are other ways. Even bolt together ways. 
08-24-2012, 09:49 AM
#17
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Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0!
Shocked...
Wow, thank you everyone for all the incredible responses! I'm currently researching all the aforementioned suggestions, and trying to narrow down exactly what I want the vehicle to achieve. I'm sure as the weekend comes to an end, and we start getting hit with Isaac I'll realize just what it is I'm going to need.
A little update on the Jeep... Yesterday I went out to find out what my hitch is rated for, and in the process, discovered I was sitting on a rim.
I took it off and found a nasty screw in it, so I took it up to Pep Boys and had them repair it. They did it for freeeeeee. (: Just gotta ask the right questions and talk to the right people... Saved me $22.
Here is a few extra pictures I took...
I chose to pay the annual fee and upgraded to the American Red Cross plate. I thought it was pretty awesome that 50% of the money stays in Central Florida for disaster/hurricane relief, and the other 50% goes to the CDC to fight bio terrorism (aka, ZOMBIES! lol).
The majority of rust on my Jeep.
Probably shouldn't tow a car with this... :-/
Right now I'm debating rather or not I want a basket on top of my Jeep... I've always loved the safari racks and would love to have one, but it would take away my ability to carry kayaks on top. Tough decision...
A little update on the Jeep... Yesterday I went out to find out what my hitch is rated for, and in the process, discovered I was sitting on a rim.
I took it off and found a nasty screw in it, so I took it up to Pep Boys and had them repair it. They did it for freeeeeee. (: Just gotta ask the right questions and talk to the right people... Saved me $22.
Here is a few extra pictures I took...
I chose to pay the annual fee and upgraded to the American Red Cross plate. I thought it was pretty awesome that 50% of the money stays in Central Florida for disaster/hurricane relief, and the other 50% goes to the CDC to fight bio terrorism (aka, ZOMBIES! lol).
The majority of rust on my Jeep.
Probably shouldn't tow a car with this... :-/
Right now I'm debating rather or not I want a basket on top of my Jeep... I've always loved the safari racks and would love to have one, but it would take away my ability to carry kayaks on top. Tough decision...
08-25-2012, 03:04 PM
#20
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Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0!
Good point... And it's not like I'll be hauling a kayak all the time anyways.
Thanks! I'll be sure to check out your build as well...
Today I ordered some seat covers and put in some new floor mats. Should be getting the seat covers around the fourth...
I'm looking forward to testing my Jeep out during the chaos of Isaac this week. Should help me clear up my purchase and order lists.
Working this week, so I'm looking forward to spending my paycheck.
Today I ordered some seat covers and put in some new floor mats. Should be getting the seat covers around the fourth...
I'm looking forward to testing my Jeep out during the chaos of Isaac this week. Should help me clear up my purchase and order lists.
Working this week, so I'm looking forward to spending my paycheck.
08-25-2012, 07:36 PM
#21
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Year: 1991
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 I6
Awesome man! I came home from school at FGCU in ft myers cuz of Isaac. I am building my jeep almost the same way! You have a ton of good ideas. Like others have said, maybe first aid kits and a big front bumper for debris. Can't wait to get mine started!
08-25-2012, 08:58 PM
#22
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Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Since you want to go with a Low COG rig I would go with a 3- 3.5 lift and 33x 12.50 tires with the bushwacker flat flares. I'm gonna be doing this setup soon and will be going with the OME 3.5" from DPG off road. You can't beat the ride quality but it's kinda pricey. The green XJ with the flat flares on Bushwackers website has a 3 inch lift with 33's to give you an idea of what it looks like. Good luck
08-26-2012, 04:05 PM
#23
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Year: 1991
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 I6
Great goal for your XJ! Couple thoughts I had with what you're wanting to do.
1. Lift & Tires: I would look at something in the neighborhood of 4.5" on 33' A/T's. It'll still be very good as a DD, and the A/T's will last you a good while if you take care of them. You'll have a good amount of axle clearance for fallen debris, and for flooded roads you'll sit a little higher as well (which a snorkel helps with too).
2. Recovery: I would look into something beyond just a bolt on brush guard. if you're looking to pull out vehicles, be able to push your way through debris, etc, you want something good and strong. A thought on this: Strong does not mean it has to be heavy. You want tow points front and rear, and a winch wouldn't be a bad option either. You don't want to be pulling on the factory bumpers as they are weak, so homebrew/aftermarket is where you need to be looking. Also, invest in a Hi-lift. It makes for a great come-along if the need arises.
3. Storage: If you want gas cans on the rig, consider them and the spare tire on the rear bumper. The last thing you want to be is top heavy. A false floor is a great way to secure all your gear. If you make it lockable, then theft is greatly deterred and you don't have to worry about anything flying around your interior in rough driving conditions.
4. Power: Look into the ZJ 136amp alternator upgrade if you don't want to shell out $300 on a Mean Green; also a yellow top Optima battery is a good choice. For the extra lights, CB (I would suggest a nice Cobra with a PA set up), possibly a winch, and any other power accessories, you can't go wrong with these. A high idle switch is a good idea, so nicely done on thinking about that already.
5. Protection: Having some drive-train armor is always a good idea. The last thing you need is some piece of debris making it so you can't go anywhere. Body protection is nice too, but not a must.
Little other things can be thought of along the way, but start with the basics and I think you'll be very happy. Also, remember that anything we say on here is just advice. It's your rig so make it how YOU want it. I'm looking forward to how it turns out.
1. Lift & Tires: I would look at something in the neighborhood of 4.5" on 33' A/T's. It'll still be very good as a DD, and the A/T's will last you a good while if you take care of them. You'll have a good amount of axle clearance for fallen debris, and for flooded roads you'll sit a little higher as well (which a snorkel helps with too).
2. Recovery: I would look into something beyond just a bolt on brush guard. if you're looking to pull out vehicles, be able to push your way through debris, etc, you want something good and strong. A thought on this: Strong does not mean it has to be heavy. You want tow points front and rear, and a winch wouldn't be a bad option either. You don't want to be pulling on the factory bumpers as they are weak, so homebrew/aftermarket is where you need to be looking. Also, invest in a Hi-lift. It makes for a great come-along if the need arises.
3. Storage: If you want gas cans on the rig, consider them and the spare tire on the rear bumper. The last thing you want to be is top heavy. A false floor is a great way to secure all your gear. If you make it lockable, then theft is greatly deterred and you don't have to worry about anything flying around your interior in rough driving conditions.
4. Power: Look into the ZJ 136amp alternator upgrade if you don't want to shell out $300 on a Mean Green; also a yellow top Optima battery is a good choice. For the extra lights, CB (I would suggest a nice Cobra with a PA set up), possibly a winch, and any other power accessories, you can't go wrong with these. A high idle switch is a good idea, so nicely done on thinking about that already.
5. Protection: Having some drive-train armor is always a good idea. The last thing you need is some piece of debris making it so you can't go anywhere. Body protection is nice too, but not a must.
Little other things can be thought of along the way, but start with the basics and I think you'll be very happy. Also, remember that anything we say on here is just advice. It's your rig so make it how YOU want it. I'm looking forward to how it turns out.
Good ideas man, I might need to use some of these haha. Also what I am thinking on my XJ, is a cop spotlight along with the other offroad lights.
08-26-2012, 05:38 PM
#24
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Year: 1993
Model: Cherokee
Engine: inline 6 4.0 ho
This is an awesome thread so far! i really like that you have a good cause behind your build. I think that you'll get loads of help and support because of that! Everything everybody has mentioned before is all great. I would second the post about getting/building a strong front bumper. Who knows what you'll have to deal with in tropical storm conditions ya know?? personally Id make one with either a stinger (hoop) or a brush guard that covers your lights. If you are inclined to building your own and have the tools or access to tools that'd be the way id.suggest! just my thoughts though.
Anyways, awesome start man, and such a clean xj to start with!!! Definitely subscribed
Anyways, awesome start man, and such a clean xj to start with!!! Definitely subscribed
08-26-2012, 06:29 PM
#26
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Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 inline 6
im sub'd, I do have a rec though for a cb. Get a cb with a PA input on the back, go out to radio shack and pick up a pa speakerthan run the wire from pa speaker to amp to back of cb. Wada bing Wada boom you have a loud speaker that you can use in emergency situations.
My Cb is this one that i actually picked up for $20 from a girl at my work but cl has good deals. http://www.12volt-travel.com/40-chan...ck-p-8923.html
My Cb is this one that i actually picked up for $20 from a girl at my work but cl has good deals. http://www.12volt-travel.com/40-chan...ck-p-8923.html
08-26-2012, 06:51 PM
#27
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Year: 1996
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or make a safari rack the you can mount the kayak rack on, shouldnt be to hard
08-26-2012, 07:21 PM
#28
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Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Cool. I started exactly where you did a few month back, with a 98 Limited that was built for our county search and rescue unit. Most of phase 1 and 2 is complete and the requirements were very similar to what you list.
A lot of the modifications people do here for rock crawling are not relevant for this kind of work. You want a reliable rig with a lot of clearance, very sturdy front and rear recovery, long range (extra fuel), the ability to safely carry a bunch of SAR equipment and enough power for all the added electric systems.
- CB radio - I would add a VHF radio programmed for all the emergency channels. far more useful than CB.
- Emergency lights - I added LED amber strobes in the back light and 4 LED TIR3 and TIR6 in the grill and bumper.
- Fog lights - The factory ones are crap. I added 6" PIAAs in the bumper.
- Idle up switch - easy mod listed here and elsewhere. You tap a line and run a switch inside. Not necessary if you have dual batteries.
- Basket rack - Super important for carrying extra equipment and people's stuff, like rescue staff personal packs. Also used as a platform to mount antennas, driving lights and work/scene lights.
- Extra fuel - I installed the Rotopax universal mount on the rack, above the rear axle. I can carry 4, 6 or 10gal extra, depending on the mission. I can replace some fuel with a 2gal water can and an extra first-aid pack.
- Lift - As you state, around 4" is a great starting point. No need to remove flares and you can have 32s and possibly 33s if you do it right. You need to factor re-gearing the axles and likely a drive shaft and SYE.
- Winch - Absolutely necessary. Ends up being used for a variety of reasons and a great help pulling logs, vehicles, obstacles, rafts, etc. Make sure the use a synthetic line, as steel can be dangerous...
I do benefit greatly from the experience of our veteran unit members, who have built amazing rigs over the years and are a great source of knowledge regarding what you need, what to buy and mostly, what is absolutely unnecessary...
I've taken the Jeep on a few missions already and it absolutely shines in all aspects. Lighter and smaller than a JK, as powerful and can pretty much go anywhere.
I also added a stereo with NAV and Bluetooth, so I don't have to play with the phone while driving to or during a mission...
A lot of the modifications people do here for rock crawling are not relevant for this kind of work. You want a reliable rig with a lot of clearance, very sturdy front and rear recovery, long range (extra fuel), the ability to safely carry a bunch of SAR equipment and enough power for all the added electric systems.
- CB radio - I would add a VHF radio programmed for all the emergency channels. far more useful than CB.
- Emergency lights - I added LED amber strobes in the back light and 4 LED TIR3 and TIR6 in the grill and bumper.
- Fog lights - The factory ones are crap. I added 6" PIAAs in the bumper.
- Idle up switch - easy mod listed here and elsewhere. You tap a line and run a switch inside. Not necessary if you have dual batteries.
- Basket rack - Super important for carrying extra equipment and people's stuff, like rescue staff personal packs. Also used as a platform to mount antennas, driving lights and work/scene lights.
- Extra fuel - I installed the Rotopax universal mount on the rack, above the rear axle. I can carry 4, 6 or 10gal extra, depending on the mission. I can replace some fuel with a 2gal water can and an extra first-aid pack.
- Lift - As you state, around 4" is a great starting point. No need to remove flares and you can have 32s and possibly 33s if you do it right. You need to factor re-gearing the axles and likely a drive shaft and SYE.
- Winch - Absolutely necessary. Ends up being used for a variety of reasons and a great help pulling logs, vehicles, obstacles, rafts, etc. Make sure the use a synthetic line, as steel can be dangerous...
I do benefit greatly from the experience of our veteran unit members, who have built amazing rigs over the years and are a great source of knowledge regarding what you need, what to buy and mostly, what is absolutely unnecessary...
I've taken the Jeep on a few missions already and it absolutely shines in all aspects. Lighter and smaller than a JK, as powerful and can pretty much go anywhere.
I also added a stereo with NAV and Bluetooth, so I don't have to play with the phone while driving to or during a mission...
Hello and welcome to my (mild but specific) build thread!
A couple days ago I bought a 2000 Jeep Cherokee Limited, and I'm planning on slowly turning it into what I would call a Disaster Relief Vehicle (DRV). As of now I'm only working part time, and it is and will be my daily driver for quite some time, so staying mostly practical will be a requirement.
I live in Florida, west of Tampa Bay. This area was recently affected by Tropical Storm Debby, and will probably be impacted by the coming storm Isaac.
These storms can create numerious problems on life here, and I want to do my best at trying to help relieve people when the time is needed. Be it pulling a vehicle out of a ditch, or driving to someone's house that is flooded and giving them a lift out.
My goal is to be a volunteer with the American Red Cross (I've had previous EMT training) and have my vehicle mostly ready to go by the 2013 hurricane season.
Please feel free to contribute all ideas, suggestions, criticisms, etc. I would very much appreciate it...
At this time, with the exception of rims and tires, the Jeep is stock.
My list of upgrades I feel would be useful:
CB Radio (suggestions?)
Emergency lights (these or possibly these.)
Snorkel (budget DIY version?)
Mild lift 2-4.5" (for tire and water clearance)
AUX lights (these worked as nearby floods for me before)
External mount for two gas cans (I'm thinking a basket on top?)
Brush guard/ram bar (with winch?)
Idle-Up switch to run equipment when necessary.
Consideration list:
False floor/storage/work space
Air compressor
Place to mount gas cans
Safari rack/basket
Tire swing gate
Durango alternator
Low cog setup
Fix list:
Factory fog lights (fuse maybe?)
Front two speakers (not functioning)
Left side hatch support
Seat covers
Tire rub
Thanks for reading! Now to the pictures since I know that's what you came for...
A couple days ago I bought a 2000 Jeep Cherokee Limited, and I'm planning on slowly turning it into what I would call a Disaster Relief Vehicle (DRV). As of now I'm only working part time, and it is and will be my daily driver for quite some time, so staying mostly practical will be a requirement.
I live in Florida, west of Tampa Bay. This area was recently affected by Tropical Storm Debby, and will probably be impacted by the coming storm Isaac.
These storms can create numerious problems on life here, and I want to do my best at trying to help relieve people when the time is needed. Be it pulling a vehicle out of a ditch, or driving to someone's house that is flooded and giving them a lift out.
My goal is to be a volunteer with the American Red Cross (I've had previous EMT training) and have my vehicle mostly ready to go by the 2013 hurricane season.
Please feel free to contribute all ideas, suggestions, criticisms, etc. I would very much appreciate it...
At this time, with the exception of rims and tires, the Jeep is stock.
My list of upgrades I feel would be useful:
CB Radio (suggestions?)
Emergency lights (these or possibly these.)
Snorkel (budget DIY version?)
Mild lift 2-4.5" (for tire and water clearance)
AUX lights (these worked as nearby floods for me before)
External mount for two gas cans (I'm thinking a basket on top?)
Brush guard/ram bar (with winch?)
Idle-Up switch to run equipment when necessary.
Consideration list:
False floor/storage/work space
Air compressor
Place to mount gas cans
Safari rack/basket
Tire swing gate
Durango alternator
Low cog setup
Fix list:
Factory fog lights (fuse maybe?)
Front two speakers (not functioning)
Left side hatch support
Seat covers
Tire rub
Thanks for reading! Now to the pictures since I know that's what you came for...
08-27-2012, 02:40 AM
#30
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Year: 1998
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Engine: 4.0
i know im gonna take crap for saying this but, the red cross while they do help out alot of people is one of the most if not the most worst charities to contribute to, only like 10 cents of every dollar donated actually helps the cause the rest is payroll, advertiseing and the like. The ceo salary is something like 2 million dollars a year i have personal experiance with them (family members) and there not all you think they are. the salvation army on the other hand is like 90 cents on the dollar goes to relief with the remaining going to further there cause.
anyways nice truck and you are to be comended for your efforts and desire to help people
anyways nice truck and you are to be comended for your efforts and desire to help people