96 2 door, 2wd simple build
#1
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Location: Auburn, AL
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Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
96 2 door, 2wd simple build
Here's my new toy - a sweet 96 2 door 4x2 from craiglist for 800 bucks. PO thought a leaking valve cover was a blown head gasket. Interesting misconception...
I traded in my 93 xj (pictured below) last year on a Civic and have regretted letting go of the Jeep ever since. So when I saw this one, I snatched it up.
The body is straight and rust free (the important part! right?). Scratches on the door from magnetic signs, and the roof is bedlined to carry ladders with no roof rack. (Why not just add a roof rack? ) The interior is in great shape and relatively clean.
Some high points:
-4.0 i6
-auto
-247k on the clock and runs strong
-Chrysler 8.25 rear end
-sagging springs
-worn out bushings
-a/c doesn't work
-starter died after getting it home
My plans for this build are simple and straight forward. I'll be riding back roads, wooded trails, and perhaps an occasional mud hole. I'm a fan of doing mods on a "need" basis instead of just to look cool. And the truth is, in the wheeling I do, I haven't ever needed a 4.5" lift with 35's. And sure, 4x4 is nice, but good driving skills and a few mods goes a long way.
Plans:
-Tune-up, starter, change fluids (Tomorrow!)
-Leaf springs (Stock height, heavy duty)
-Coil springs (Stock height, heavy duty)
-235/75/15 mud tires
-Rear locker
-Bumper & Winch
I traded in my 93 xj (pictured below) last year on a Civic and have regretted letting go of the Jeep ever since. So when I saw this one, I snatched it up.
The body is straight and rust free (the important part! right?). Scratches on the door from magnetic signs, and the roof is bedlined to carry ladders with no roof rack. (Why not just add a roof rack? ) The interior is in great shape and relatively clean.
Some high points:
-4.0 i6
-auto
-247k on the clock and runs strong
-Chrysler 8.25 rear end
-sagging springs
-worn out bushings
-a/c doesn't work
-starter died after getting it home
My plans for this build are simple and straight forward. I'll be riding back roads, wooded trails, and perhaps an occasional mud hole. I'm a fan of doing mods on a "need" basis instead of just to look cool. And the truth is, in the wheeling I do, I haven't ever needed a 4.5" lift with 35's. And sure, 4x4 is nice, but good driving skills and a few mods goes a long way.
Plans:
-Tune-up, starter, change fluids (Tomorrow!)
-Leaf springs (Stock height, heavy duty)
-Coil springs (Stock height, heavy duty)
-235/75/15 mud tires
-Rear locker
-Bumper & Winch
Last edited by protodiarko; 05-02-2014 at 11:22 AM.
#2
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Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Well, Saturday I got her running and some maintenance done. Still have a lot of maintenance to do, but at least I can drive it now!
Got done:
-plugs
-wires
-distributor
-oil change
-transmission filter
-valve cover gasket
-air filter
-fuel filter
Starter - Old vs New:
Valve cover off:
Valve cover painted and back on:
After taking a drive to O'Reilly's for a fresh battery Saturday night:
In a couple weeks, I should be able to order springs, tires and the locker. Then I can really get this movin!
Got done:
-plugs
-wires
-distributor
-oil change
-transmission filter
-valve cover gasket
-air filter
-fuel filter
Starter - Old vs New:
Valve cover off:
Valve cover painted and back on:
After taking a drive to O'Reilly's for a fresh battery Saturday night:
In a couple weeks, I should be able to order springs, tires and the locker. Then I can really get this movin!
#3
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Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
On another note - After replacing the starter, it still would not crank. So I thought it might be the NSS. Bypassed the NSS, still would not crank. Well I just got frustrated and decided to wire a push button start. Since I didn't have the button, I ran the wire for it. So touch the alligator clip to the red wire, fires right up!
Now to amazon to find a big red button!
Now to amazon to find a big red button!
#6
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Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
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#8
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Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Gave it a good bath today. I'm pretty sure it's the first time in many years. It's starting to come together.
I'd really like to do something about the massive scratches on the doors before it starts to rust. I've thought about painting the bottom half black with either plastidip or some other sort of rattle can. Any thoughts/suggestions?
I'd really like to do something about the massive scratches on the doors before it starts to rust. I've thought about painting the bottom half black with either plastidip or some other sort of rattle can. Any thoughts/suggestions?
#10
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Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
#11
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Location: WV
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Year: 98
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 i6
#13
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Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Took the Jeep into the woods yesterday after work, nothing extreme. But I think you will all agree with me; There is no feeling in the world like driving a Jeep off the pavement. It's like free therapy. Minus the free part.
In her natural habitat:
In her natural habitat:
#14
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Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Parts, parts, parts. As of today I have lots of parts to put on and not enough time to wrench!
Waiting to go on:
-Dorman HD leaf springs
-Moog HD coil springs
-Shocks
-Spartan locker
-Rear brake shoes
-Front brake rotors, calipers and pads
Waiting to go on:
-Dorman HD leaf springs
-Moog HD coil springs
-Shocks
-Spartan locker
-Rear brake shoes
-Front brake rotors, calipers and pads
#15
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Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 I6