Learning Curve
 

I was born yesterday, when it comes to working on Jeeps (cars for that matter) and posting on forums. I bought this 1994 Jeep Cherokee Sport to pull my boat, go off roading, and learn the mechanics of a automobile, hence "Learning Curve". I never thought it would be this much FUN!! This Jeep has brought me new joy, new tools, and new confidence. Okay...sorry...started to get carried away.

I am starting this tread to document my build. So, here we go.

March 2010
Bought Jeep.
Had a severe oil leak. It was leaking in multiple spots. Rearmain seal, o-ring in oil filter adapter (PIA BTW to get the adaptor off), oil pressure sending unit, valve cover gasket (at the rear), and the oil pan gasket. After replacing each unit stated above we are bone dry!!! Unfortunately, I did not take any pictures of the leak or my repairs.

Here's what she looked like when I got her home

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Bedlined Front
 

The next thing I did was take the front bumper off and all the trim. I cleaned it all up and removed all the rust. Then I painted it all with Rust-o-Lium Bedliner. I ended up painting the grill, headlight covers, bumper, front receiver, and the top part above the grill.

Hers how she looks after.
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New wheels and tires
 

It seems that the Jeep already had a 2 to 3 inch lift on her when I bought her. It looks like someone did an AAL in the rear and new springs in the front. No blocks or spacers.

The tires are Mickey Thompsons Baja MKZ
31x10.5x15 (five tires)
$500 Craigs list

Wheels are Black Rock Steel
15x8 with 4 inch back space
$330 Qtech

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I gained 1.5 inches of lift from the ground!! And they look AWESOME!!

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A shot with the new wheels and tires

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NP 231 from a 1990 XJ
 

The 4 Low did not work so i found this NP231 on Craigs List for $125 and just swapped it out. Took me an entire day. Like I said, newbie to turning a wrench. But it works GREAT and after some linkage adjustments she performs perfect!!

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Great work, keep it up and looking forward to this build. Starting my build soon also so Im lurking everyones builds. lol

RUST!!!
 

While I was under the Jeep swapping out the Transfer case I noticed sime significant rust in the floor. Well I pulled the carpet out and this is what I found. I also noticed that my passenger side Rocker panel is toast.

I have ordered a new rocker panel and a pair of new front floor plans from Amazon for $130 ish. Here are some pics of the rust. I will post some pics of the fix as I go.

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wow. thats some pretty serious rust. but it looks like your cleaning her up nice!

looks good so far

I really like the bedlined front, I may have to steal that idea from you...

Go for it!! It was really easy and made a big difference in appearance and durability.

My Grille is already black, but I like that top Jeep logo panel black too, was it hard to take off?

I didn't take it off. I just taped it off with paper and masking tape. Put on two coats. Done.

ouch those floors are rough time to learn how to weld

x2 Thats how my floors looked when I first bought.

Your Jeep is looking great and you are doing a fine job with the mods and repairs..keep up the good work and post more pics as you go...:thumbsup: