Jeepin' it real - 1999 XJ project
10-08-2010, 08:18 AM
#16
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Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Got the Jeep back and went to take some pics last night. This thing looks 100% better now with the bumper, wheels, and tires.
Grill guard, clear marker lights, and HID's will all be on sometime next week which should pretty much do it for the front end.
Olympic Rock Crawler bumper. Looks soooo much cleaner now.
Grill guard, clear marker lights, and HID's will all be on sometime next week which should pretty much do it for the front end.
Olympic Rock Crawler bumper. Looks soooo much cleaner now.
10-08-2010, 08:32 AM
#17
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Year: 96
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 6 cylinder
OK first things first I love your user name
. Jeep is looking great. When are you getting a lift for it and what size ?
. Jeep is looking great. When are you getting a lift for it and what size ?
10-08-2010, 08:34 AM
#18
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Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Haha, thanks. It's a 2 inch spacer and shackle lift that was on there when I bought it, just needed some new shoes 
10-09-2010, 08:43 AM
#22
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Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
BIG difference. I have some new parts coming in next week, but nothing really major. I'd actually reeeeeally like to sell this so I can buy a 2 door, but I'll keep fixing this up as best I can. Interior still needs a lot of work, so that's next on the list.
10-11-2010, 12:59 PM
#25
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Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Great Looking Jeep XJ !
Good Job Biceps ! She's looking very good Man !
I really like seeing the pics finally and I can totally relate to what you had to contend with with our New England RUST !!!
My rear brakes are rusted to $hit ! And will need replacing before I can pass inspection.
That lift looks perfect proportionally to your tire and wheel size. You Don't wanna go too high on 30x9.5 tires/wheels just yet. They will only look smaller as you go higher.
Save your money for other upgrades. Like the HID's to illuminate those dark black top back roads in Maine !
I like the polished Alloy look better than full out chrome which looks too "pimp my ride". The alloy picks up on the alloy color of your Cherokee Sport logos and will become more subtle with time...and a little brake dust.
I hate to be a pest but do you know what shocks are on your Jeep ?
Any stickers/logos on em or Are they plain white Hydo Shocks....ala Rusty's Off Road ???
Are they silver ala Rubicon Express ?
Perhaps a subtle clue as to who makes the lift ?
The lift that looks almost like a 2.5" lift vs a 2"......
Could you measure from the center of your hub to the bottom of the fender flares for us Longing to lift our Jeeps ?!
Please ?!
I would probably set my XJ up with the same lift if I could locate it.
Thanks !
I really like seeing the pics finally and I can totally relate to what you had to contend with with our New England RUST !!!
My rear brakes are rusted to $hit ! And will need replacing before I can pass inspection.
That lift looks perfect proportionally to your tire and wheel size. You Don't wanna go too high on 30x9.5 tires/wheels just yet. They will only look smaller as you go higher.
Save your money for other upgrades. Like the HID's to illuminate those dark black top back roads in Maine !
I like the polished Alloy look better than full out chrome which looks too "pimp my ride". The alloy picks up on the alloy color of your Cherokee Sport logos and will become more subtle with time...and a little brake dust.
I hate to be a pest but do you know what shocks are on your Jeep ?
Any stickers/logos on em or Are they plain white Hydo Shocks....ala Rusty's Off Road ???
Are they silver ala Rubicon Express ?
Perhaps a subtle clue as to who makes the lift ?
The lift that looks almost like a 2.5" lift vs a 2"......
Could you measure from the center of your hub to the bottom of the fender flares for us Longing to lift our Jeeps ?!
Please ?!
I would probably set my XJ up with the same lift if I could locate it.
Thanks !
10-11-2010, 01:07 PM
#26
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Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Yeah, it actually stands out way more now than when it did with the stock bumper and no end caps. It's on the list!
HID's are already on their way! I don't know what kind of shocks but I can try and find out tonight. No clue on the lift. I'm going to try and get my grill guard on tonight, so if I'm out there I'll get some measurements for you.
Thank you, I should have some more pics up within the next couple days.
Good Job Biceps ! She's looking very good Man !
I really like seeing the pics finally and I can totally relate to what you had to contend with with our New England RUST !!!
My rear brakes are rusted to $hit ! And will need replacing before I can pass inspection.
That lift looks perfect proportionally to your tire and wheel size. You Don't wanna go too high on 30x9.5 tires/wheels just yet. They will only look smaller as you go higher.
Save your money for other upgrades. Like the HID's to illuminate those dark black top back roads in Maine !
I like the polished Alloy look better than full out chrome which looks too "pimp my ride". The alloy picks up on the alloy color of your Cherokee Sport logos and will become more subtle with time...and a little brake dust.
I hate to be a pest but do you know what shocks are on your Jeep ?
Any stickers/logos on em or Are they plain white Hydo Shocks....ala Rusty's Off Road ???
Are they silver ala Rubicon Express ?
Perhaps a subtle clue as to who makes the lift ?
The lift that looks almost like a 2.5" lift vs a 2"......
Could you measure from the center of your hub to the bottom of the fender flares for us Longing to lift our Jeeps ?!
Please ?!
I would probably set my XJ up with the same lift if I could locate it.
Thanks !
I really like seeing the pics finally and I can totally relate to what you had to contend with with our New England RUST !!!
My rear brakes are rusted to $hit ! And will need replacing before I can pass inspection.
That lift looks perfect proportionally to your tire and wheel size. You Don't wanna go too high on 30x9.5 tires/wheels just yet. They will only look smaller as you go higher.
Save your money for other upgrades. Like the HID's to illuminate those dark black top back roads in Maine !
I like the polished Alloy look better than full out chrome which looks too "pimp my ride". The alloy picks up on the alloy color of your Cherokee Sport logos and will become more subtle with time...and a little brake dust.
I hate to be a pest but do you know what shocks are on your Jeep ?
Any stickers/logos on em or Are they plain white Hydo Shocks....ala Rusty's Off Road ???
Are they silver ala Rubicon Express ?
Perhaps a subtle clue as to who makes the lift ?
The lift that looks almost like a 2.5" lift vs a 2"......
Could you measure from the center of your hub to the bottom of the fender flares for us Longing to lift our Jeeps ?!
Please ?!
I would probably set my XJ up with the same lift if I could locate it.
Thanks !
Thank you, I should have some more pics up within the next couple days.
10-12-2010, 07:20 PM
#27
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Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
NH Jeep, shocks are blue but I couldn't find any logos on them, and I didn't even think to get those measurements.
I got the grill guard on today, and it looks really nice. It was dark when I finished, so I will get a picture tomorrow. Also, my clear marker lights are waiting at the post office so I will pick those up in the morning and get those on tomorrow night.
My speedo and odometer don't work, and there were no loose wires anywhere so I brought it to the garage and found out I need a new gauge cluster. I'll have to go to a junkyard next week, which is quite a haul because the nearest one is about an hour and a half away.
It may be slow, but at least this project is moving in the right direction.
I got the grill guard on today, and it looks really nice. It was dark when I finished, so I will get a picture tomorrow. Also, my clear marker lights are waiting at the post office so I will pick those up in the morning and get those on tomorrow night.
My speedo and odometer don't work, and there were no loose wires anywhere so I brought it to the garage and found out I need a new gauge cluster. I'll have to go to a junkyard next week, which is quite a haul because the nearest one is about an hour and a half away.
It may be slow, but at least this project is moving in the right direction.
10-13-2010, 03:17 PM
#28
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Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Instruments Don't Work ? Run the Diagnostics.
Hey Biceps, the front bumper looks awesome. Thanx for the most recent pics. It is giving me more examples in which to plan my own.
Those Blue Shocks are most likely Monroe-matics which I believe are what come on the Jeeps stock though they are painted black for Chrysler/Jeep as the OEM Shocks.
Well, we at least we now know it's probably not an off the shelf lift from Rusty's OffRoad, Rubicon Express or Rough Country.
Most likely something from Rocky Road or Fat Bobs Garage or something home made.
I did notice a coil spacer on one of your earlier pics.
Most likely paired with a Block on the back. Haven't noticed any extended shackles.
It's a good looking lift nevertheless. Nice and even. With No sagging in the rear.
Need more pics though of your rear springs. To see if there's a Block or an add a leaf or even a squirrel hiding in there or something.
LOL !
Sorry to hear about your Speedo and Tachometer not working.
I used to work with automotive networks for Audi,Porsche and Mercedes.
Honda/Acura and GM/Cadillac as well.
Yep I got to drive Audis and Porsches up and down the Autobahn at 160mph.+
With all cars these days, The Cluster actually communicates with the computer/ECU over a data bus, which is how the gauges receive and display their information. Such as your tachometer/speedometer and mileage/odometer readings. Thats also why they're so expensive.
My question to you is, does your odometer display your mileage ? I presume that it does if you bought the Jeep AND it passed inspection.
I believe that you have to have a functioning odometer in order to pass any inspection.
Good news is that it means that your Instrument Cluster are communicating over the Communications Data Bus or the CCD (Chrysler Collision Detection data Bus)
There is a switched display and a battery (B+) display such as the Odometer. The Speedo and Tachometer data are arriving based upon the Switched setting/ in other words when the ignition is on.
But if the other stuff works, what that means is that potentially the pins that carry the Speedo and Tachometer data are possibly arcing/not making a good connection.
And could be as simple as cleaning the connections and reseating the connectors. These clusters are known to be problematic BTW.
My own XJ's instruments have simply quit at times only to come back on after hitting a dip in the road @!
LOL !!!!
Do your cluster lights dimmer work at all ? When you turn the headlight **** left to right ?
This also tells me that your getting power to the Instrument Cluster.
Have you run the instrument cluster self test ?
You know the one where you .....
1.) Hold the Trip Odometer button down while turning the key towards ON ? (Don't Start it though) as if you wanted the radio to come ON.
2.) Then Release the button after turning it to ON -
3.) The Odometer should start By displaying all 0000000 and then 1111111 counting up to 9999999 as all of your needles swing and various lights turn on and off again.
This too is controlled by the ECU and tells you who is communicating over the Data Bus to the instrument cluster and and who isn't for example.
This way you can isolate the problem pins for the instruments/indicators that aren't working during this test.
Try it... it's worth a shot, you just might have a bad connection vs a bad cluster. A little alcohol and que tips and lithium grease might solve this.
Later....
Those Blue Shocks are most likely Monroe-matics which I believe are what come on the Jeeps stock though they are painted black for Chrysler/Jeep as the OEM Shocks.
Well, we at least we now know it's probably not an off the shelf lift from Rusty's OffRoad, Rubicon Express or Rough Country.
Most likely something from Rocky Road or Fat Bobs Garage or something home made.
I did notice a coil spacer on one of your earlier pics.
Most likely paired with a Block on the back. Haven't noticed any extended shackles.
It's a good looking lift nevertheless. Nice and even. With No sagging in the rear.
Need more pics though of your rear springs. To see if there's a Block or an add a leaf or even a squirrel hiding in there or something.
LOL !
Sorry to hear about your Speedo and Tachometer not working.
I used to work with automotive networks for Audi,Porsche and Mercedes.
Honda/Acura and GM/Cadillac as well.
Yep I got to drive Audis and Porsches up and down the Autobahn at 160mph.+
With all cars these days, The Cluster actually communicates with the computer/ECU over a data bus, which is how the gauges receive and display their information. Such as your tachometer/speedometer and mileage/odometer readings. Thats also why they're so expensive.
My question to you is, does your odometer display your mileage ? I presume that it does if you bought the Jeep AND it passed inspection.
I believe that you have to have a functioning odometer in order to pass any inspection.
Good news is that it means that your Instrument Cluster are communicating over the Communications Data Bus or the CCD (Chrysler Collision Detection data Bus)
There is a switched display and a battery (B+) display such as the Odometer. The Speedo and Tachometer data are arriving based upon the Switched setting/ in other words when the ignition is on.
But if the other stuff works, what that means is that potentially the pins that carry the Speedo and Tachometer data are possibly arcing/not making a good connection.
And could be as simple as cleaning the connections and reseating the connectors. These clusters are known to be problematic BTW.
My own XJ's instruments have simply quit at times only to come back on after hitting a dip in the road @!
LOL !!!!
Do your cluster lights dimmer work at all ? When you turn the headlight **** left to right ?
This also tells me that your getting power to the Instrument Cluster.
Have you run the instrument cluster self test ?
You know the one where you .....
1.) Hold the Trip Odometer button down while turning the key towards ON ? (Don't Start it though) as if you wanted the radio to come ON.
2.) Then Release the button after turning it to ON -
3.) The Odometer should start By displaying all 0000000 and then 1111111 counting up to 9999999 as all of your needles swing and various lights turn on and off again.
This too is controlled by the ECU and tells you who is communicating over the Data Bus to the instrument cluster and and who isn't for example.
This way you can isolate the problem pins for the instruments/indicators that aren't working during this test.
Try it... it's worth a shot, you just might have a bad connection vs a bad cluster. A little alcohol and que tips and lithium grease might solve this.
Later....
Last edited by NH_Jeep_XJ; 10-13-2010 at 03:27 PM. Reason: Typos and because I felt like it !
10-13-2010, 07:11 PM
#29
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Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
I had to take a breath after reading that!! Whew!
160+ huh? Sounds like fun
Definitely spacers in the front, and no, it's not shackles in the back or blocks. I think I may have written shackles by mistake. Can't tell if it's an AAL or maybe bigger shocks? Either way, it's not new and pretty rusty. I've been looking at upgrading because it looks terrible and it rides like crap.
Odometer worked when I brought it in for a sticker, and stopped working on my way home... go figure. I also had a brake light go out as I was tying to leave the parking lot that day, but the mechanic flagged me down. He saw it go out.
Dimmer switch does not work, all the gauges besides the speedo and odometer do. Never heard of the self test, maybe I'll give that a try. I have a month off between jobs starting this weekend, so I'll have plenty of time to do Jeep things. Thanks for the tip! I'm sure I'll have some questions for you if I do get into it.
So on to the update:
Got the grill guard on last night, and put on my clear marker lights on today when I got out of work. Also replaced a blinker bulb that was missing.
Before
Grill guard on
Lights before
Lights after
160+ huh? Sounds like fun
Definitely spacers in the front, and no, it's not shackles in the back or blocks. I think I may have written shackles by mistake. Can't tell if it's an AAL or maybe bigger shocks? Either way, it's not new and pretty rusty. I've been looking at upgrading because it looks terrible and it rides like crap.
Odometer worked when I brought it in for a sticker, and stopped working on my way home... go figure. I also had a brake light go out as I was tying to leave the parking lot that day, but the mechanic flagged me down. He saw it go out.
Dimmer switch does not work, all the gauges besides the speedo and odometer do. Never heard of the self test, maybe I'll give that a try. I have a month off between jobs starting this weekend, so I'll have plenty of time to do Jeep things. Thanks for the tip! I'm sure I'll have some questions for you if I do get into it.
So on to the update:
Got the grill guard on last night, and put on my clear marker lights on today when I got out of work. Also replaced a blinker bulb that was missing.
Before
Grill guard on
Lights before
Lights after
Last edited by Biceps McRipped; 10-14-2010 at 07:10 AM.
