This is Cherokee #7 that I've owned.
It will be the most in depth build out of the bunch. Not going to be the sickest build you've seen, but I kind of do have my hands full.

I was on the look out for a 97+ 2 door, 5 speed. I ended up purchasing a 98 2 door aw4 in late September.

 

The following 3 weeks after the purchase, I rushed through a build up to have it ready for a planned trail run...
Huge mistake, and waste of money.... because plans changed very quickly.


Lots of brand new parts, brand new wheels, almost none of it can be used for the new build...ugh

 

The quick build up was finished. I went wheeling. It performed great. I brought it home, and my mind immediately started racing about the direction I wanted to go with it.

 

That looks great as is! What are you working on next?

 

Thanks sir.

Quick list:
Frame stiffening
Full widths
Sheet metal reduction
Lots of tube
3 link w pan hard on front
4 link rear
Stretch
...and all the other crap that goes along w/ making the above function properly.

It all starts with finding the axles you want to base your build around.

Above is a Chrysler 9.25 and a full width HP44. I decided to get rid of the 9.25 and went a full width, big bearing, 31 spline Ford 9".

 

So...I ended up with a HP 44 front from a 77 F150. First year for disk brakes, last year for the weld on wedges (before they became cast in 78).

...and a Ford 9" for the rear out of 1979 F150. 31 spline. All I had though for that was the housing and the shafts. I had no center section, therefore no gears, carrier, and so on. I had to buy all that separate.

When using axles that are 35 years old, you are so far from being able to simply throw them under the Jeep (usually). So bringing back the axles from the dead was the first plan of attack.

Removing old seals and bearings from 9" shaft.


All new u joints and ball joints in the 44. It was quite a project just tearing down the 44 to get to this point.


Here is an example of the weld on wedges before I cut them off.


Rough cut from the wedge removal, before grinding smooth.


Fresh bearings/seals pressed onto each shaft of the 9"

 

Can already tell, this build is gonna rock! sub'd

 

Thanks Dino!

My basement, starting to take on the life of a garage at times.


Ring & Pinion installed, pinion guard, full spool


More parts


It takes a lot of work, planning, and money just to get these stupid axles going. BTW, I chose a 4.88 ratio for anyone wondering.

 

Garage where the action takes place



I hate this particular look. It is just part of the process.


Leafs gone forever, axles out, gas tank out.


This will be dove tailed in



Sleeving the back of the "frame"


Tied all together in the back, awaiting some tube.


Prepping for rockers.


Slider cut and capped

 

WOW, dude I want your shop area and lift! Did you set your own gears?

 

this is going to be a bad*** build

 

Good question. I started to, and decided against it. There was too much money on the line if I effed it up. lol

Thanks man! I'm spending lots of money and time on it, hoping that it performs great on the trails.

 

sweet! i laughed so hard my back cracked when i read the title.

 

 

how far in do your sleves go in? also whats the plans for a gas tank?

looking for ideas bringing our project chasis home tomorrow.