3 and a half years later... I had to buy not only one Cherokee... BUT TWO MORE CHEROKEES!!! One for $500 and the other for $700. BOTH RUN!!! Time to start up another build!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DH9-OrvBOfg&amp=&feature=youtu.be

 

Do what YOU, want to do! But don't take it so far that it just gets ridiculous, just because others are. What I mean is don't get caught up in the hype ! I don't know what you are after ? Do you want a nice clean DD with 2-3" lift, or a monster rig with 35" tires 6-8" lift ? That's something only you can decide. Myself, I'm going for the first option. I want my rig to be totally comfortable, w/AC, nice stereo, clean appearance inside and out. I just installed an Aussie Lokka in my rear. But still rolling 235x75r15s. Eventually I am going to lift it 2-3" max. The largest tire I am even considering is a 31", and that isn't really giving me much advantage, it would be mainly for appearance. If I were you, I'd take the path I followed. Get everything else mechanically in tip-top shape. Find all of your problems and fix them first. Then move on to bigger and better. If I could justify doing a mod or upgrade early, I did it ! If it included repairing something that was neglected during regular maintenance, I jumped on to the next level. When I consider an upgrade or modification. I try to look for 2-3 reasons for the expense. Many of the builds that I have read, lose my interest right at the start ! First thing they say is, I want 5-8" lift and 35s with one ton axles! It's not that I wouldn't like to build one like that. It's just not what I am into at the moment. I'd love to take off on a big build. It's just not feasible for me at the moment. I even stop and look at other XJs that are for sale ! I would love to have two, business and pleasure ! So, are you building one, or both ? Make sure you have a good budget, and buy quality parts ! The main thing though, a new to you Cherokee is like a blank canvas. Ready to be painted ! No two are the same and the outcome reflects the owner's personal taste! But most of all ,,, have fun with it, and enjoy it ! I love mine more each day. Everytime I do something to it, I love it more !!! I already get compliments on mine, nearly everytime I go out ! I'll be subbing to this one, at first,,,, buy a FSM for your year XJ ! It will pay for itself !!!

 

Thanks for the Sub! As far as I'm thinking right now, I will be keeping the gray jeep pretty much stock for use as my winter rig. Maybe put some all terrain tires on it and patch the rust holes and paint the rims. For my off-road jeep, the black beat up one. I will be cutting a bunch on it, fenders etc, build a stubby bumper, spot lights or bar, replace the shackles and spacers with actual suspension that will maintain it at it's current height which to my eye is probably around 4-5 inches of lift. I definitely need a windshield first, in order to keep it street legal. That are my thoughts so far anyway. All suggestions are welcome! Maybe I paint some shark teeth up front and build a shark fin to go on the roof? Idk, just brain storming.... haha!

 

Only sharks we have here in Ky, bleed once a month !!! I guess it could be possible for a bullhead to make it's way up the Ohio, from the Mississippi? Though the other kind are much more prevalent !!! Are you from the land down under ?

 

HAHA! nope... Up in Anchorage AK.

 

Do they still have that Polar Bear in the glass cage in the lobby at the airport?

 

Haha! They certainly do!

 

1982 !

 

Hood louvers. Though I honestly think it was a dumb idea now that I did it to the nice jeep I have.

 

Hello From Juneau..

 

Nice I was just down in that neck of the woods, Sitka, for Alaska Days.