From Pollywog to Bullfrog
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Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 272
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From: San Antonio/Houston, Texas
Year: 1988
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 6 cylinder 4.0L
Started off with 1988 Jeep XJ. Nothing special but the ice cream camo spray paint job.
Thread Starter
Seasoned Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 272
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From: San Antonio/Houston, Texas
Year: 1988
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 6 cylinder 4.0L
I installed Iron Rock Offroad 5.5" LA kit. Part of what I added to the lift was the mega short SYE kit. With the order I also got 5125 Bilstien shocks, custom driveshaft, JKS quick discos and 8 degree shims for the rear axle.
Thread Starter
Seasoned Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 272
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From: San Antonio/Houston, Texas
Year: 1988
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 6 cylinder 4.0L
When I lifted I swapped out my Dana 35 for a Dana 44 with disc brakes. Later I also installed the IRO over the knuckle steering upgrade.
Last edited by smdirtrider; Oct 22, 2013 at 03:39 PM.
Thread Starter
Seasoned Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 272
Likes: 1
From: San Antonio/Houston, Texas
Year: 1988
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 6 cylinder 4.0L
The old faded paint was bothering me so I decided to change it. I wanted to keep it some what camouflaged for hunting but also it be more simple.
I sanded the outside and sprayed down layers of primer then more layers of olive drab paint. I wanted a nice clean look so I taped off the trim and hit it with flat black paint.
I sanded the outside and sprayed down layers of primer then more layers of olive drab paint. I wanted a nice clean look so I taped off the trim and hit it with flat black paint.
Thread Starter
Seasoned Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 272
Likes: 1
From: San Antonio/Houston, Texas
Year: 1988
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 6 cylinder 4.0L
Next I started work on the inside. I gutted the interior and started sanding down rusty spots. I then sprayed a layers of primer down and waited for it to dry. After it was dry I started rolling on Durabak bedliner.
Last edited by smdirtrider; Oct 22, 2013 at 03:40 PM.
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Thread Starter
Seasoned Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 272
Likes: 1
From: San Antonio/Houston, Texas
Year: 1988
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 6 cylinder 4.0L
I was looking around for ideas on roof racks. I found a member on the forum named Stitch. The way he did his roof and hood made since and looked too good for me not to use his ideas. So on went the bedliner to the outside.
Last edited by smdirtrider; Oct 22, 2013 at 03:41 PM.
Thread Starter
Seasoned Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 272
Likes: 1
From: San Antonio/Houston, Texas
Year: 1988
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 6 cylinder 4.0L
One other thing I did was get some lense tint and spray my reflecters so they didnt shine so much. Im going with all dull non flashy colors. I want my jeep to be as sneaky as possible if im using it for hunting seasons.
Thread Starter
Seasoned Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 272
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From: San Antonio/Houston, Texas
Year: 1988
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 6 cylinder 4.0L
With this big lift and tiny tires it was time to upgrade to some nice BFG KM2s. I decided to run 35s with the 15x10 steelies. Ive had these tires before on my truck and they work great.
Along with bigger tires I needed to regear. I went with 4.88 gears matching really well with the 35s. Its geared a little lower but it feels like the engine feels better in the powerband. I have also seen 30 MPG with running 91 octane and lucas fuel additives with these tires and lift. Having a 5 speed and driving like a grandpa helps too.
Along with bigger tires I needed to regear. I went with 4.88 gears matching really well with the 35s. Its geared a little lower but it feels like the engine feels better in the powerband. I have also seen 30 MPG with running 91 octane and lucas fuel additives with these tires and lift. Having a 5 speed and driving like a grandpa helps too.
Thread Starter
Seasoned Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 272
Likes: 1
From: San Antonio/Houston, Texas
Year: 1988
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 6 cylinder 4.0L
I wanted to upgrade my lights after I tinted my old ones. I bought some Delta H4 housings with Xenon bulbs and upgraded wireing harness. These puppies are freakn sweet!
Last edited by smdirtrider; Oct 22, 2013 at 03:44 PM.
Thread Starter
Seasoned Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 272
Likes: 1
From: San Antonio/Houston, Texas
Year: 1988
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 6 cylinder 4.0L
I wanted lockers so I bought OX for the front amd rear. when I did this I upgraded my shafts to the largest spline I could get. I bought the chromollys from G2. I dont see me ever having a problem with breaking them. haha I ran my cables the way I did for easy access. Turns out my hand brake doubles as a drink holder when wedged between it and my seat.


