Got my bumper installed!!! Here's the complete install details:https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f67/ro...2/#post3205752

Now for some pics!

 

Also, another little project in my near future... My dad has a 1997 Dodge Dakota in AMAZING shape. It's got just about every factory option. 5.2L V8, SLT package, 4x4, etc... etc...

Well, the neighbors across the street had a vehicle roll out of their driveway and do THIS!!!








From what I was able to tell, it obviously smashed the door and damaged the front fender. As far as suspension goes, it looks like it broke the upper and lower ball joints on the driver side, and bent the upper control arm pretty bad. May have damaged the axle, but not totally sure. It actually hit with enough force to push it into the curb and pop the passenger front tire off the bead.

The other folks insurance is going to total it out, but since there doesn't appear to be any damage to the frame or anything else really, we plan to keep it and bring it back to life!!! I'm gonna try and talk him into a SAS, but that's not likely to happen lol.

 

Looking good!
I know the feeling about those nut strips and aligning the holes...the zj gas tank upgrade is a pain just to install with a hitch...
Did you have to do the cut and fold to install this bumper?

 

No cut and fold necessary. It slides right over the fender area like a glove.

 

sweet 2 door you have, that bumper is beefy.

 

Thank you! I just washed it up today and honestly had forgotten how good this thing can look when clean!

 

Nice build so far, im in san diego as well always going wheeling local hmu if you want company my name is kyle

 

Haha I washed all the funk off mine and thought the same thing.

 

Nice build! Looking forward to more updates. Are you still happy you went metal cloak over dpg?

 

Sweet, thanks Kyle! I'm Scott. What parts of SD? I'm in Lakeside.
Lol, I just wish my paint was in better shape, but it still looks nice. I still gotta vacuum the dog hair though haha!
You know, I've pondered that question a few times since installing the lift. I actually am really happy with the direction I went. The back end did sit a bit too high after the lift, and was actually kinda stiff but now with the weight of the bumper it sits perfectly level and the rear is much softer over bumps.

I'm still planning on a nice heavy duty gas tank skid in back and a drawer system, which will offset the weight of the front bumper when I get around to that. I'm guessing I'll net around 3" lift all around once the weight is added.

Anyway, long story short, I have no regrets going with MC!

 

Alright, taxes filed, waiting for the refund now. I'll have a bit of extra scratch to throw at this thing, but the list of stuff I want for it always seems to be much greater than the amount of money needed lol.

Here's where I'm at... I was going to wait a bit to upgrade brakes since I JUST did new drums in it, and what a pain in the *** that was! But on my way to work this morning, traffic decided to stop very suddenly, and I had to brake pretty hard. This was not a nice controlled braking though, the Jeep pulled one direction, not sure which since I was more focused on not hitting anyone, and just kinda corrected for it. Anyway, I don't like that at all, so I plan to spend money on the brakes to make things better.

Here's my questions, do you think just doing front brakes with new rotors (centric), pads (hawk), and calipers should do the trick? Or do you think it would help to do a disc brake conversion in back as well? Is it possible the left/right pulling under hard braking is a result of the back brakes not being adjusted properly? Just not sure where I should put some extra money.

Thanks!
Scott

 

Thanks for the info. I just got a very nice reenlistment bonus from the AF so I'm seriously debating a couple of different big purchases for the XJ and a lift is one of them. I'm leaning towards the MC kit right now.

 

Why not just redo the front and see if that helps? If not, you can always do the rear conversion.

 

Well there's an idea! lol. I have a problem where money just likes to burn holes right down through my pockets hehe.

 

I'll be interested in seeing what you decide on! MC isn't at all cheap, but I think it's well worth it.