New owner - seeking opinions

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Aug 16, 2025 | 10:18 AM

Hippiehobocow

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Joined: Aug 2025

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New owner - seeking opinions

I don’t know much about Jeeps in general, but I’ve been researching and figured asking here would be beneficial. I just bought an ’89 Cherokee Laredo 4.0, 1 owner, 101k miles.

It’s a little rough — I’m already on my third fuel pump (first one was used, my mistake, second was a warranty issue).

I treat every car like it’s been neglected, so it’s getting pretty much a full overhaul: suspension and bushings, air hoses, cooling system, brakes, probably some electrical, and a head gasket (it overheated once—don’t know all the details, but it runs, drives, and sounds fine; better safe than sorry).

Plan is a 3” lift (not for looks but functionality—my wife and I have two younger kiddos, and we think it’ll make getting them in and out easier).

Tires: 31x10.5x15 KO3’s, Axles: rebuild both with 4.11 gears, maybe LSDs

It’ll mostly see freeway use, but we camp in places that most people can’t get to, so capability matters.

Question is: is this overkill? Should I add or remove anything from the list? I only paid $700 for it, so I’m fine dumping a couple grand into the build. Just trying to walk the line between “maximum” and “extreme.” Opinions? Advice?

Thanks in advance, Tyler

Last edited by Hippiehobocow; Aug 16, 2025 at 10:22 AM. Reason: Readability / grammar

Aug 17, 2025 | 05:42 AM

Phydeaux33

Seasoned Member

Joined: Sep 2022

Posts: 263

Likes: 93

From: Eastern Shore Maryland

Year: 1988

Model: Cherokee (XJ)

Engine: 4.0

Sounds like my build specs (and what I do with mine), it should do very well for you application. Being that you are a Renix definitely look up Crusier's tips, do as many as you feel comfortable with.
https://cruiser54.com/