Photojared

Hey everyone,

I've been here for a while but I figured I would post up my build now.

It all started about 2 years ago when my Honda started giving me trouble. It was broken into once, attempted stolen once, and stolen once more all in about 3 months time. The last time they broke the windshield, messed up the clutch, and just pissed me off in general. I had the car since 2004, but it was time to let go.

I tracked it a lot. Drag racing, auto-x, road racing. Added a 100 shot of nitrous to a basically stock motor. It got down to 13.5 @ 105 in the quarter.

In its prime:







After a couple of months of not having a car, my fiancé and we purchased this:

93 Cherokee Sport 4x4 with 225,000. $1700. Ran pristine, no frame damage or rust, and no leaks.



We are big hikers and love to outdoors in general, we have 2 dogs which led us to the decision to a SUV. The Cherokee was perfect for us.

We wheeled it. I was quite pleased how capable these are in stock form.







Drove this for about a 18 months only replacing the cooling system. Still ran perfect.

It all started in January when I was headed home from work. I was rear ended by a guy not paying attention. He was traveling at around 20-30 mph when the impact happened. I was fine, he was fine. The jeep was in stellar condition for what had happened, and his car was not so lucky.

Pretty much just dented the back bumper, front bumper (I was pushed into another vehicle), and bent the exhaust.







I wales away from this accident with $1700 in my pocket. What to do? UPGRADE!

Here's what I ordered.

Treadwright guard dog 31x10.5
Nates 4x4 rear bumper
Rigidfab FbLtd
RE 3.5" lift with full packs
Doestch DT8000 shocks
RC track bar
RC steering damper

With the tires and 15x8 canyons



Here's the start of the parts pile:



I'm glad I didn't start installing because this is where it starts....3 weeks later?

Sideswiped








Their insurance deemed it a total loss: we received $2400 for it.

So I pulled some money and we decided to upgrade. Something newer with less miles. In the mean time, the parts pile:



Locally we found this:
'99 XJ Sport with 125k. $3600


Runs great, I was a little concerned that when in 4x4 the gearbox/transfer case was grinding a little. I figured a week after I purchased it was because there were 3 different size tires......yes 3!

This is the final pile before installing


The bumpers were professionally bedlined:




I had to order another tire because one was destroyed, installed those and both bumpers.







Then the lift


Forgot about the lights



And this is pretty much how it sits. I've been unemployed for 4 months, so there hasn't been any progress since. I haven't even tested the lift yet because we've been scraping by. I just accepted a position making a decent wage so things should start to pick up soon.

I just wanted to share our story and let everyone have a look at the Jeep. I know its pretty plain and a very standard build, but enjoy. I'll post up some impressions of all the products when I have a moment to.


Cheers

Photojared

Future plans:

1.5" Spacers.
SYE to fix driveline vibes (already have a spare front DS)
Front locker
Rock sliders
Roof rack
Cooling system upgrades

I also have a RE HnT and Spicer joint for sale if anyone is interested. 160 shipped (I'm losing about $40 at this price)

NorCalJeep

How you liking that lift? Looks good

Photojared

So far so good. Road mannerism is great. It's a little stiff, but that's expected. Rear shackle angle is not great, relocation boxes are probably in the future as well. Not sure off road because it hasn't been there yet.

brg0012

I really like that front bumper, who makes it?

Photojared

Rigid fab or rigidco

djcallao

Looking good so far man. Keep it up

Photojared

Thanks

BotakBeng

Subscribed!

FYI, RC relocation bracket will not work with stock shackles.

Good luck with your new job.

nates4x4

Looking good

Photojared

Correct. I'll probably go with some small lift shackles and spacers in front. Total lift probably 4.5-5". OR I might go with relocation sliders, that way it doesn't add more lift.

Thanks, If you didn't notice, you can install the factory side pieces to give a more OEM look. At the bumper end I just zip tied them to the body.

crbnfibr

nice prelude, nice jeep...

Photojared

Thanks, some days I miss my Prelude.

crbnfibr

i miss mine everyday, and i still own it...

Photojared

Some small details that I didn't post previously.

CB Mount:


How the CB is mounted inside the cabin. My knees don't touch it, and I'm 6'3"


Also installed an external speaker:


Switch for the KCs up front:


Washed it today too. First wash in oh....4 months.