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I really appreciate the build threads here so thought I would start one also.
Mine may be a little different than some, I want a build that's designed more for camping and light trails - with an emphasis on beach fishing since I live in NC and like the outer banks and the Emerald Isle/Salter Path/Atlantic Beach areas here in NC.
I also live about 1 1/2 hours from Uhwarrie also, I want a vehicle that can do light trails and camping there but not into the expense for a high end rig or the maintenance for difficult trails.
This is my 99 as I bought it, we'll see where this goes, I want to keep as much of the stock look as possible with some wider tires and a 2-3.5 inch lift. On fishing trip I'll be interstate highway traveling 2 or 3 hundred miles so I want to also take that into consideration, I want this build to be decent on gas and maneuverable on the interstate.
This is what I am starting out with, a well maintained 1999 Cherokee with 194K on the clock, 8.25 rear, everything works and no rust/no leaks...from a local owner here in NC.
Already planned is a drum to disc conversion #1, the drums on this old boy are about shot and I'd rather bite the bullet now and switch to discs instead and throwing good money at bad.
I'm still reading and trying to figure out where to go with the suspension/lift/tires - I am thinking 3-3.5, maybe Rough Country or Rubicon Express..probably full leafs and really good shocks since riide quality is important with interstate travel.
Thanks and I will try to update going forward.
Last edited by blueridgeman; 05-22-2016 at 08:42 PM.
Short update, RE 3.5 lift is in, overspray removed with an hour or so buffing - got a custom front license plate from buildasign.com that fits the theme of this XJ.
Got my RE 3.5" Superride lift with full springs installed.
Below are the measurements I got and some notes. Maybe this will help others get an idea of what to expect with new full leafs..be sure to read the notes since my leafs had settled and are brand new and should settle in some.
Next I have to figure out which way to go with tires - don't plan on a lot of articulation since mainly beach driving and mud...so many choices there.
Here's a full side view with the RE 3.5 lift kit w/full leafs installed - looks a little goofy with the smaller tires but that's gonna get fixed soon. Also have the disk conversion kit done and loving it!
I decided to go with 31x10.5 BFG AT KO 2 tires which I think'll be fine for sand and light offroading. I'll post a pic once they're on.
Also keeping the front and rear fenders for now, bought a s set of frame brackets with tow hooks to go on the front - back is already covered with the hitch.
I'm getting some driveline vibration with the RE lift so probably gonna do a 1" T-drop.
I decided to go with 31x10.5 BFG AT KO 2 tires which I think'll be fine for sand and light offroading. I'll post a pic once they're on.
Also keeping the front and rear fenders for now, bought a s set of frame brackets with tow hooks to go on the front - back is already covered with the hitch.
I'm getting some driveline vibration with the RE lift so probably gonna do a 1" T-drop.
Your doing good so far with quality. Don't ruin it with a t case drop. It puts stress on other components. Go sye right away I say
I really appreciate the build threads here so thought I would start one also.
Mine may be a little different than some, I want a build that's designed more for camping and light trails - with an emphasis on beach fishing since I live in NC and like the outer banks and the Emerald Isle/Salter Path/Atlantic Beach areas here in NC.
I also live about 1 1/2 hours from Uhwarrie also, I want a vehicle that can do light trails and camping there but not into the expense for a high end rig or the maintenance for difficult trails.
This is my 99 as I bought it, we'll see where this goes, I want to keep as much of the stock look as possible with some wider tires and a 2-3.5 inch lift. On fishing trip I'll be interstate highway traveling 2 or 3 hundred miles so I want to also take that into consideration, I want this build to be decent on gas and maneuverable on the interstate.
This is what I am starting out with, a well maintained 1999 Cherokee with 194K on the clock, 8.25 rear, everything works and no rust/no leaks...from a local owner here in NC.
Already planned is a drum to disc conversion #1, the drums on this old boy are about shot and I'd rather bite the bullet now and switch to discs instead and throwing good money at bad.
I'm still reading and trying to figure out where to go with the suspension/lift/tires - I am thinking 3-3.5, maybe Rough Country or Rubicon Express..probably full leafs and really good shocks since riide quality is important with interstate travel.
Thanks and I will try to update going forward.
I just bought a rustys 3" kit I'm not sure how it will work for you but I got everything I needed for like 500 shipped, hope that helps, nice looking jeep btw
05-22-2016, 08:39 PM
My 99 Build Thread
