Ironmans 2 door build down
Thread Starter
Former Sponsor
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 316
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Year: 1993
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
So I scored this 1990 2 door from a friend for Doing some work on his sick MJ. and I am going to re build it starting by getting it way smaller. This thing has 11" of lift in the front and 8" in the rear.(On 33" Tsls) I know normally guys start small and go bigger but I am taking a different approach. I will attempt to build everything from basic materials using basic tools...welder, saws, grinder, lathe. Hopefully I can stick to this so that some folks can give and get some neat ideas. My goal is a 5.5" lift with coils all around. Soooo most of this crap on this thing will go away other than the SYE and shaft! I plan to also finalize my radius arm/3 link brackets on here and do some testing. I plan to find an ZJ rear d44 (yeah the crappy aluminum one) because all of the brackets are already on it and keep a D30 front. hopefully a non CAD version. This one is welded and acts like a selectable locker if anyone wants to trade. Here's a pic and keep your eyes open for updates.
Thread Starter
Former Sponsor
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 316
Likes: 0
Year: 1993
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
So I got this thing here from 5 hours away and every time I stepped on the gas the dead motor and trans mounts let the whole power train flop against the brackets making for crappy driving and even worse noise! I plan to drive this while I build it so first things first this hunk o crap needs motor mounts. I used to build these all the time and decided to pull out the ole jig and make a few sets for myself and anyone else who may need a few. After doing some price research and seeing that companies are bending ya'll over ($80-$140) for $4 in poly and $5 in material I decided to release them for 60.oo a pair to CF guys and a lil more to everyone else. Ill call that $51 labor. Here is a pic of the mounts

Ill post up a pic or two of them in the jeep when I get the engine cleaner.
A-

Ill post up a pic or two of them in the jeep when I get the engine cleaner.
A-
CF Veteran
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 5,603
Likes: 0
From: Hollidaysburg, PA
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 lt. 242 cu.in.
looks sweet. this is definitely goin to be a good buil...or...de-build?? Anyways i was wondering if your gonna stick with 33s or go with a diff tire size.
Thread Starter
Former Sponsor
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 316
Likes: 0
Year: 1993
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
I am going to stick with the 33's I want this to be practical and offer some good info for guys that don't want to go too big. As far as lucky I got this in OK shape for doing a full 3 link (11"s of lift), posi-lock, front and rear gears, and full high steer kit on an MJ. Its kinda less than break even but at least its a 2 door with the split rear window and 5 speed trans
I'm going to be looking for a non CAD front dana 30 and stock ZJ front coils as well as a tj or zj rear D44 (the Zj axle is worthless but IT will work for me.) If any of yall have some of this stuff I will trade new parts for them
Thanks
Andy
I'm going to be looking for a non CAD front dana 30 and stock ZJ front coils as well as a tj or zj rear D44 (the Zj axle is worthless but IT will work for me.) If any of yall have some of this stuff I will trade new parts for them
Thanks
Andy
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Just a quick question Andy, why would you use an inferior axle D44HD, when you know it's not great? I would think that someone with the fab skills you obviously have, could fab the brackets super easy. The only reason I ask is just because of what I have heard about the D44HD axle. I have no real experience with it, simply was wondering. Are you planning on wheeling this rig, or using it as a platform to demonstrate your products?
Yep, the HD motor mounts are a very good idea, cause the stockers suck!! I put a set in my XJ over 2 years ago, and have never regretted it, except for how much cheaper I could've bought a set from Andy for!!
CF Veteran
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,071
Likes: 0
From: Denver, CO
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
When I bought my jeep, it had a terrible vibration. Turns out the pass side mount came off and sheared the bolts off. Had to come up w/an "interesting" way to fix it. So I have 1 new mount, 1 old mount. Soon to be Andy's mounts haha.
CF Veteran
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 5,902
Likes: 19
From: Kalkaska, Michigan
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
The D44a isn't really a bad axle. It just lacks in after market support.
But while on that subject, why not find a D44 from the rear of a TJ. It will be all set up just like the ZJ one. But it's a None-C-Clip axle..
But while on that subject, why not find a D44 from the rear of a TJ. It will be all set up just like the ZJ one. But it's a None-C-Clip axle..
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
From: Hartsville,SC
Year: 1994
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L




