LACK's 94 Country
CF Veteran
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 1,364
Likes: 37
From: Dont Colorado Wyoming
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Make sure you have a good bit or reamer. Took me maybe 30 minutes, not counting the run to town for a new bit. Drill the pitman arm first, then The knuckles. No need to remove The pitman.
Thread Starter
CF Veteran
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 1,535
Likes: 10
From: CA
Year: 1994
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Get a good 5/8 drill bit. It will make drilling the holes much easier. Aside from that its simple. Drill the knuckles and pitman arm. I had mine off and did it in the drill press but I imagine you could also do it by hand, make sure you use cutting oil and go slow.
I bought 3 extra 5/8 fine thread nuts so I didnt have to use the lock nuts to get my alignment done. You will be taking them off and on to make adjustments.
As far as getting the alignment close. Bolt the tie rod in place, set your toe adjustment, then bolt your drag link in and make your adjustments to center your steering wheel.
Depending how long it takes you to drill everything out I think you could get it done in 1-2 hours.
CF Veteran
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 2,208
Likes: 5
From: Ocean County, NJ
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
I drilled my knuckles on my rig. Wasn't as bad as people say it is and I went to 7/8ths. Just go slow and use new drill bits with plenty of oil like LACK said. I haven't drilled the pitman arm but I would most certainly take it off to drill it. If you've ever drilled anything from underneath you know you'll be getting showered in metal shavings and cutting oil. Not worth the aggravation IMO.
Thread Starter
CF Veteran
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 1,535
Likes: 10
From: CA
Year: 1994
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Who wore it better? LOL I want to flex on an alignment rack like that!
[IG]https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cherokeeforum.com-vbulletin/640x640/80-flex_15b557f1dd9bce51625eed7fb9badfd886782f09.jpg[/IMG]
[IG]https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cherokeeforum.com-vbulletin/2000x1500/80-lack_8bdb5f3520febdcc95da271af315f64802833808.jpg[/IMG]
[IG]https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cherokeeforum.com-vbulletin/640x640/80-flex_15b557f1dd9bce51625eed7fb9badfd886782f09.jpg[/IMG]
[IG]https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cherokeeforum.com-vbulletin/2000x1500/80-lack_8bdb5f3520febdcc95da271af315f64802833808.jpg[/IMG]
Come to cali, i'll let you flex yours out on the alignment rack.
CF Veteran
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 2,208
Likes: 5
From: Ocean County, NJ
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Lol yeah that urban wheelin is popular with the JK boys
I had one of those Hunter racks in my shop. Good ol Hawkeye. Loved that thing. Wish I thought of flexing out on it like that before I left there haha.
I had one of those Hunter racks in my shop. Good ol Hawkeye. Loved that thing. Wish I thought of flexing out on it like that before I left there haha.
Thread Starter
CF Veteran
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 1,535
Likes: 10
From: CA
Year: 1994
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
CF Veteran
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 5,924
Likes: 203
From: Greenville, SC
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee(XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Originally Posted by Jeepin'_Aint_EZ
I drilled my knuckles on my rig. Wasn't as bad as people say it is and I went to 7/8ths. Just go slow and use new drill bits with plenty of oil like LACK said. I haven't drilled the pitman arm but I would most certainly take it off to drill it. If you've ever drilled anything from underneath you know you'll be getting showered in metal shavings and cutting oil. Not worth the aggravation IMO.
