Never done a build
 

Hi everyone,

I just bought a 86 Cherokee and want to make it really off road capable. Though I've have jeeps before, I've never really done any major modifications to them.

I would like some help with what I should do and in what order to do it. Don't have a lot of $$ to spend so I want to do the most necessary things first. Thanks!!!

Lift it (4-6 inches)
Wheels (all terrains or mud terrains)

Those are among the most important things, I would start with those.

Check and change fluids and find any short commings ( axles, transmission, etc..)

Have fun, I am in the SLOW proccess of upgrading.

Thanks guys! My father in law works with a guy that has a lift for sale. I think it a 3" lift. It comes with shocks for $100.. I thought that was a pretty good deal!!
Any advice on welding up the spider gears in the rear? I heard it was a cheap way to lock up the back??? Is that a good idea??

start off with lift and tires, take it wheeling and figure out what you need from there. (wider rims, bumpers, lockers, brake lines, etc..)

if the 3 inch kit that you are looking at has full packs, then definately get it. you can add shackles and 2'' spacers to that and be at around 4'', and fit 32s under it, trim your fenders, and have a very capable rig.

[QUOTE=Marcusxj;1043039]Thanks guys! My father in law works with a guy that has a lift for sale. I think it a 3" lift. It comes with shocks for $100.. I thought that was a pretty good deal!!
Any advice on welding up the spider gears in the rear? I heard it was a cheap way to lock up the back??? Is that a good idea??[/QUOTE]

The stresses on the axle shafts and suspension will cause you trouble down the road and will make the jeep almost undrivable in normal road conditions. If you want the rear axle locked you have to do it the right way. Welding is the cheapest option only for the short term. The damage and problems caused will not be worth it. Just my 2 cents. By the way, I am a mechanic for 30 Years.

Ok thanks for the advice.. I didn't think it sounded like a good idea to lock them up like that. I'll start posting before and after pics soon!!

You don't need a huge xj to be capable. Spend some time with your rig offroad in stock form. Then lift it with that 3in lift and throw some cheap 31s on it. Remove the rear sway bar and get quick disconnects for the front. Then wheel it again. Keep wheeling. Keep wheeling. Then choose the upgrades that work best for your driving style and terrain, or upgrade what has broken. You will also want to get some recovery points and a strap with loops at some point. This is what lots of people say, but its very true. Most importantly, get to know your rig! You will be surprised how good you can be in a lightly modified xj if you know what you are doing.

Good luck!

Keep wheeling..keep wheeling.... Ok got it!! That should be an easy one!! Lol :) I am happy to here someone else say I don't have to spend a ton of $$ to start having fun. Jeeps where made to go off road right of the assembly line. Fortunately I already have recovery points on the from and back! And have already have to use them. Haha. I don't mean to sound like such a newby,, but I am. What are disconnects?? And what are there purpose?? Thanks for the advice.