MoparNJeep

Here is a picture of my 2003/4 WJ Laredo seats. I still have to install my heated seat inserts in these.

Also I'm going to refoam the drivers side seat using the foam from a passenger side seat that's in perfect shape. I'll be sure to show this whole process as there isn't a whole lot of info on doing this for those that are interested.

MoparNJeep

Well after much debate between Nitto Trail Grapplers and Coopers St Maxx I've decide to run the Coopers. I'm excited to try these out. Was hesitant to get away from a mud tire but I think this hybrid All terrain/Mud terrain will fit the bill just right

I just ordered 5 285/75r17 St Maxx's. They measure 34X10.5 and will be running the newer style Rubicon rims with 1.5" adapters.

MoparNJeep

I also ordered my smoked tail lights
http://m.ebay.com/itm/97-01-Jeep-Che...=1570346565006

And the front lenses
http://m.ebay.com/itm/1997-1998-1999...d=640647630027

And my material for my custom grill
http://m.ebay.com/itm/Universal-Blac...=1770321418011

Going for a nice modern look with lots of armor for protection. All my armor will be painted body color, same goes for my front bumper

Martlor13

Sorry to burst your bubble, but now the build name doesn't work without the trail "grappler" tires. Gotta have it renamed "The Midnight Maxx" haha!

but you shoukd be happy with those tires. The nittos are ok, but the Coopers are real nice.

MoparNJeep

Yeah I've had many debates on the tires. This Jeep will still be worthy of the Grappler name.

A buddy of mine ran Cooper At3's and I was amazed at well his tires hooked up on his WJ. I read every review and watched many videos on both the Nittos and the Coopers.

I can't believe they where so close in price. I always thought Nittos where expensive. Turns out they where within $50 of the Coopers

MoparNJeep

New tires are in and I'm really loving the look.

They measure just over 34"s and tread width is right at 10"s unmounted.
Mounted it looks like they won't be wider than 10.5". I love a tall skinny tire.

Can't wait to get them mounted on the newer style Rubicon wheels.

Here is a couple pics.

MoparNJeep

Got the smoked lenses and tail lights on. Tail lights looked really dark but in the sunlight or lights on they just look dark red. Super happy with those for $58.

Last pick is another sneak peak of my custom grill.

MoparNJeep

Test fit. Love the look.

MoparNJeep

Motor is ready to be pulled minus 2 bellhousing bolts. I'd love to meet the engineer that decide to put to random Torq E bolt in the hardest position to remove. They are the only two bolts like that on the whole jeep. They will be replaced, rant over.

On a good note, I wish this exhaust manifold came on my 99. I'm tired of cracked steel headers. I'm going to see if it's possible to make it work with the different port designs. All though I know the later jeep motors suffer from heat soak issues. That's why they have than foil insulation around the injectors. I suspect that's from the added heat from the cast exhaust manifold. Gotta do more research on that one. I'm gonna use a laser temp gun on my white 2001 that has cast manifold and see the difference over my 1999 steel tube header.

Motor gets pulled tomorrow, woohoo. Really excited to get the motor swap done. After that all the fun starts, long arms, clocked tcase, WJ brake/steering upgrade, better springs, etc

MoparNJeep

Also note there is no cats underneath the header where my white 2001 has them this black 2000 does not.

And I made great progress on my grill. (Allthough not completed) Gives it a more modern look with a nod to the srt8 grand cherokees
Included stock grill picture for comparison

89limited_hero

The grill looks great.

MoparNJeep

Thanks, still a work in progress.

I cut each section out of the sheet with a really sharp knife. Then I measure the slot openings then milled the long side on both sides of the grill peices I cut out too about .01 over the width of the slot. I still need to trim the short sides so they fit better. Then when I go to put them in, they will have a slight arc to them like the grill does. I think that will really make a difference in the fit and finish.

I at first tried doing one big sheet behind grill and it just looked added on and not right. The way I plan on doing it will look like it came that way factory.

It's hard to do something to a cherokee that hasn't been done already. Even more so to do something that not only looks good but looks like it could have came that way.

89limited_hero

I hear you there on doing something that's original to a xj.

MoparNJeep

Motors out.
Started cleaning engine bay
And started spraying bed liner under the hood.

Got my other two wheels on the jeep along with some black locking lug nuts. I think it looks good vs the chrome lugs

MoparNJeep

Bumpers on, and fiannly got to see my grill bolted on with the headlight surrounds.

Been cleaning the under hood and bed lining it.