|
Project CHIOBA
3 Attachment(s)
Project C.H.I.O.B.A. "Cherokee Has It's Own Bank Account" Hey guys, well, finally got around to throwing my build together.I couldn't think of a clever name really, mainly just a project name for the build thread. But I thought I should point out I do actually have a savings account devoted to Cherokee funding, and yes, it is mostly empty. :donatello: Please be patient in advance for my detail and probably many pictures that are to follow. Also forgive the large pictures, I had trouble resizing them with Photobucket (too lazy to use Photoshop! :lol:) I’m a very detailed oriented person and plan to get this job done right. Anywho, a little background. I entered the off-road scene when I got a 1999 Ford Ranger back in 2008. Body lifted it, and threw some 33's on there and it was one mean machine for being mostly stock. http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/...ps7bb29dcf.jpg I had her for 4 years until the frame rotted out so badly, I decided I needed a new project. One with lots of aftermarket support--and I've always liked the Cherokee and know quite a few people around my area who are into the scene as well. Enter the stock 1998 Cherokee Sport, picked up after Christmas of 2012. Equipped with AW4, NP242 transfer case, HP D30 and Chrysler 8.25 rear, stock 3.55 gearing and all with 159,000 on the clock. Attachment 344164 Current plans for her: I traded the Ranger straight up for her plus about 2 extra grand. I probably got burned on the deal a little considering the shape she was in when I took her off the lot. She had no heat, needed a new radiator, a broken drivers’ seat and busted up center console bracket, needed a good tune up, and had a leaky freeze plug which led to my first foray into major mechanical repair on a vehicle.
Attachment 344165 That definitely had to be fixed. So, I ordered brass plugs, but the force required to hammer them in made my confidence level thin as I felt I may have knocked a crack in one or two of them, and pushed one in too far. Put it all together, and it starts leaking right away. Had to tear it down all again. Got a set of steel plugs, thinking heck, the original ones lasted this long. They were hammered in a lot easier too. But then one horrible day, one of them blew out on me a few days later. I ended up driving about 2 miles without any coolant after that happened, and thought I blew the engine good. Fixed her again, 3rd time’s a charm. Much to my surprise she runs mostly perfectly now. Back to brass plugs. Haven’t had a problem since! I’ve also done new cap, rotor, plugs, wires and air filter in this process. Attachment 344166 Now, onto the mods since I finally got her running again. I started off with putting in a nice Pioneer CD player, model 6400BT. It supports Bluetooth, which is pretty awesome for a nerd like me. I stream music from my phone using app PowerAmp for Android to my stereo in the Jeep and it works like a charm. By far the easiest head unit install I’ve ever done—literally only took me about 15 minutes. I spent way more time configuring the thing for the right sounds and colors. http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/...ps4eaf9a4c.jpg That same week, I had a strong craving for a LED conversion of the interior lighting. Got it done with SuperBrightLED modules. See my signature for a link to my thread on the details of that mod. http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/...ps574537be.jpg Lots more to add, stay tuned kids! |
Lookin' good! Subscribed.
|
Good goooood. Sub'd as well
|
Thanks guys! Continued on...
So, after my initial tune-up I discovered a little oil in the air box. Not much, but enough to bug me. It prompted me to do this mod which I’ve seen quite a few others do. Just a few parts readily available at Advance Auto. http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/...ps60b5ef93.jpg I know it’s not a true fix for whatever might be causing it, but I haven’t seen a drop of oil since, even in this little filter. Is it possible that suction from the airbox could have pulled some oil through? Hmm. Anywho, onto other things.. My XJ had an awful rattle at idle/sitting at red lights when I first got it. After some research I was quick to discover that the transfer case linkage was to blame. After more research I’ve realized how clumsy the factory setup is, and set out to reform mine. With the help of Froelich Suspension Technology’s “Simplify your 231!” kit, I was able to get it somewhat working, but this is a very different animal for the 242, and requires extending the shifter lever. Way more on that in this thread. Anywho, here’s the ghetto-fabulous mess I ended up with. This works temporarily but more refinements are coming soon for this setup to get the throw right, which is much shortened now as shown in the diagram below. http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/...psfba0cb1c.jpg http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/...psd92f729e.jpg I’ll be glad to have that sorted out, with the help of HudsonN who I want to give a shout to for making a more refined and functional extension for the shifter. See the thread above for more on that. Well, back to work. Stay tuned for more fixes and info on my winch and bumper! :D |
Yeah! I want the bumper pics ASAP! Haha. When do you plan to lift?
|
I'll try and get those up tonight. My lift, well, I'm hoping to have it done sometime this summer, I'm trying to wait until I have my 35's and new wheels ready to go on it afterwards, so I can measure for the proper shock length. But that's pretty expensive and I'm moving into a more expensive apartment. I'm hoping to pick up a part time job, but we'll see what happens.
|
Originally Posted by PocketsEmpty
(Post 2432410)
I'll try and get those up tonight. My lift, well, I'm hoping to have it done sometime this summer, I'm trying to wait until I have my 35's and new wheels ready to go on it afterwards, so I can measure for the proper shock length. But that's pretty expensive and I'm moving into a more expensive apartment. I'm hoping to pick up a part time job, but we'll see what happens.
|
4 Attachment(s)
I decided to plasti-dip my wheels for a different look. Turned out pretty decent. It’s still holding up great too after about 3 months. http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/...pse0371631.jpg Shortly after, I received my tax refund money, which was basically already spent before I even got it! :lol: I ordered my Superwinch LP8500 on 4wd.com while they were running a 20% off everything tax special. Attachment 344089 I also ordered my Buswhacker Flat Flares, which are still sitting in the box until I’m moved into my new place, so no pics of that yet. I am a long way from it at this point. With the remainder of the tax refund, I went with Nates4x4 Slimline Winch Bumper. Hit it with Rustoleum self-etching primer, probably about 3 coats. Attachment 344090 Now while I was waiting for the paint to dry and cure over the period of about 4 days, I decided to change out my windshield washer fluid pumps. The old ones.. http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/...ps1e649221.jpg And the new http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/...psb0bc3029.jpg Since the time of this writing however, the rear has suddenly stopped working. I think the switch may be the culprit. Back to the bumper--I used Rustoleum Hammered rattle can paint. It turned out pretty well. I already have a few spots to touch up, mostly from installing this bumper entirely by myself with the help of some wood blocks and a jack. Also, not pictured, I had to relocate the vacuum canister from under the factory original bumper. I fastened that to the wiring harness in front of the A/C canister, holding and working well so far. I should probably relocate the horns too. Anyone have thoughts on that? http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/...psb90d5edc.jpg And the result: http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/...ps6f9d9c78.jpg http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/...ps9dee46f7.jpg Doing what I can with stock suspension and p235 Goodyear Wranglers! Attachment 344091 Last weekend I had the opportunity to play around with my winch a little bit. Nothing crazy, just unspooled it and got it around a tree and respooled by pulling the weight of the vehicle. Instructions said that it recommended that. Seems it will work great, although it is noisy and slow, lol http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/...ps02bed03e.jpg Here we have a $17 Wal-Mart fire extinguisher for cheap insurance. I'm thinking about putting another one up front somewhere, hopefully a more compact one that doesnt take up too much space. Attachment 344092 I think I've about covered it for now. Much more to come, rear disc conversion and rust repair projects coming up next. :D |
Subscribed :)
|
1 Attachment(s)
I forgot to mention that my sway bar was clunking against the carriage bolt on my new front bumper. So I got rid of it for now. Just need to get those dang pressed-in torx bolts out. Drives much better without it!
End links and bushings were all shot anyways. I'm going to wire-wheel it and refinish it with Chassis Saver eventually for reinstallation once my lift is done and I have my quick discos. Attachment 344030 |
Originally Posted by PocketsEmpty
(Post 2434679)
I forgot to mention that my sway bar was clunking against the carriage bolt on my new front bumper. So I got rid of it for now. Just need to get those dang pressed-in torx bolts out. Drives much better without it!
End links and bushings were all shot anyways. I'm going to wire-wheel it and refinish it with Chassis Saver eventually for reinstallation once my lift is done and I have my quick discos. |
Originally Posted by 94XjSport94
(Post 2434770)
Use a TRE puller and pull those bolts out, if you want to even keep the sway bar. I didn't and don't have any second thoughts.
|
Having inspections must suck. Lucky we don't have them here, by the time we do that or emissions, my Jeep will be too old... I hope.
|
Originally Posted by 94XjSport94
(Post 2434831)
Having inspections must suck. Lucky we don't have them here, by the time we do that or emissions, my Jeep will be too old... I hope.
|
nice build man! cant wait to see it with the lift and tarz! lol
|
Originally Posted by 1998xjspt
(Post 2452865)
nice build man! cant wait to see it with the lift and tarz! lol
|
Any updates?
|
Well, I finally fixed my car that has been stuck in my garage for a month, and now I can finally begin working on the XJ again. First order of business is to fix what I suspect are loose flexplate bolts, have a pretty intense rattle at idle in park or neutral when warmed up. That hopefully won't be too long, and this weekend I'll probably get started on my disc brake conversion!
|
1 Attachment(s)
Got some goodies for tomorrow's project...still need to get some odds and ends such as a differential gasket, extra quart of gear oil, and probably some more BPC.
Attachment 342097 More to come... |
Looks like its gonna be a fun day.
|
Originally Posted by JINGLESMC
(Post 2478421)
Looks like its gonna be a fun day.
|
4 Attachment(s)
Finally a little update...After about 2 weeks of working on it here and there I finally got my disc brakes on. Acquired a whole new ratchet set and who knows what else during this process!
First step was to pull the axle shafts... Attachment 341370 This was my first time ever inside a differential and it was quite an experience. I found that I couldn't get that 5/16" cross pin retaining bolt out with any tools I had. So, off to Sears and I pick up a 1/4" ratchet and 6-point socket and also a 5/16" 6-point wrench just to be sure, a blowtorch and some other little things. That did the trick! Once I finally got that pin out I realized two of the spider gears wanted to come along with it. It was a little puzzle for me at first to put it back together since I never have before, but it was pretty easy. Now, on to remove the old junk! Attachment 341371 After removing that mess, I did a bit of cleanup work on the axle tube with the Dremel due to all the rust. I'll eventually get to undercoating everything when I do body work (next project). After lots of dremeling and replacing a rear brake hose that I broke, the end result... Attachment 341372 In closing of this project, I would say that it was definitely worth the upgrade from the spin around the block I took earlier. Much better than that old junk. I still have the ZJ proportioning valve internals to swap if I feel that I need to down the road. I also still have to sort out my e-brake, and figure out what cable I need for the passenger side. Oh, and can anyone tell me where I can order or hopefully replace this part besides the junkyard????? It's the piece where the two brake cables plug into one for the cab lever. Mostly rusted fast. Attachment 341373 |
2 Attachment(s)
Today I'm working on installing my Putco wiring harness that's been sitting in my garage for a few months now. I'm looking forward to the benefits of brighter lights!
Also, while I had it apart, decided to go ahead and paint the grill and headlight bezels flat black. Might redo them with the Rustoleum Hammered one day to match the bumper...which I also need to touch up by now a bit. Attachment 340810 Attachment 340811 |
Looks great! On the rusted brake part or any other parts not rusted through I suggest getting a cheap blast cabinet if you already have a compressor. $99 at harbor freight and $20 for 80 grit alum oxide media. Paint with a etching primer then paint :)
|
Originally Posted by Titleiii
(Post 2509497)
Looks great! On the rusted brake part or any other parts not rusted through I suggest getting a cheap blast cabinet if you already have a compressor. $99 at harbor freight and $20 for 80 grit alum oxide media. Paint with a etching primer then paint :)
I did however get a replacement from Big Dave, and it's entirely rust free! Haven't installed it yet though. Waiting on funds to get the new Liberty e-brake cable. |
3 Attachment(s)
Some quick updates. Recharged my A/C and it's working great again! No signs of any leakage yet. It's been cool here in PA though and haven't needed it.
Also, I've changed my plans a bit. I'm selling the Rusty's long arm kit and going with adjustable short arms instead. Can anyone recommend good ones to get? I decided this because of my wheeling style and I'm hoping I can use some recovered funds towards shocks. Also looking at the Rock Krawler bomb-proof track bar. Tonight, the garage is getting cleaned up a bit and Jeep is going to be stuck up on jackstands for a while as I gut the whole Jeep, remove both axles and all suspension, and prepare for rust repair and entire undercoating with Chassis Saver and Monstaliner bedliner where appropriate. Here's the unfortunate rust I'm dealing with...hole on the rocker panel here Attachment 338361 And door jamb here. All on drivers side Attachment 338362 I ordered some POR15 Epoxy Putty to fill it in with after I grind it all out and apply Chassis Saver. Hopefully, the rockers will hold up for a while after this. Also in the pic are all of the Monstaliner color sample chips I got in the mail. Attachment 338363 |
Nice build man your bringing that thing back to life the right way. Just need some decals, check out the website. way to go and keep up the good work.
www.stuckupproducts.com |
Looking forward to more from this build.
Did you just now paint the grill/bezels black or did you repaint them? It looks like they're black in your profile picture. |
Originally Posted by tssguy123
(Post 2557146)
Looking forward to more from this build.
Did you just now paint the grill/bezels black or did you repaint them? It looks like they're black in your profile picture. Tearing out the interior and carpets tomorrow! :chef: |
Originally Posted by PocketsEmpty
(Post 2557306)
I painted them a few weeks ago when I put the Putco in. It was already black, but needed a touch-up. I kinda half-assed it, I'll probably repaint it at some point, maybe with the Hammered paint to match the bumper (which also needs touched up)
Tearing out the interior and carpets tomorrow! :chef: |
Yep, that's what the color chips in my post above are about. I'm just going to do black, though.
|
Originally Posted by PocketsEmpty
(Post 2559281)
Yep, that's what the color chips in my post above are about. I'm just going to do black, though.
|
Originally Posted by tssguy123
(Post 2559855)
I'm very seriously considering Monstalining my entire jeep. I ordered a set of color chips the other day. :P I'm thinking the Apocalypse Orange... are you just doing black? And are you putting the carpet back after?
I also have plans to mix microballoons in with the Monstaliner for a layer of insulation--more to come on that topic! Also, check out this guy's build, I've been following. He just Monstalined his whole jeep and it looks great! https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f46/19...ezebel-170763/ |
Originally Posted by PocketsEmpty
(Post 2560162)
Go to their site and order the color chips. I was able to get extra because my girlfriend ordered some too. The Road Rash is much more "orange" than Apocalypse. Also, I'm doing black all in the interior, and up to the trim line on the outside of the doors and also the rockers after I fix the hole.
I also have plans to mix microballoons in with the Monstaliner for a layer of insulation--more to come on that topic! Also, check out this guy's build, I've been following. He just Monstalined his whole jeep and it looks great! https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f46/19...ezebel-170763/ |
Originally Posted by tssguy123
(Post 2560164)
There's a build on JF called Thundercracker. Look it up and go to about page 27. He monstalined the whole thing the bright blue (Smurfalicious) and it came out amazing. Yeah, I already ordered the chips but they aren't here yet. How long did they take to get to you?
|
Originally Posted by PocketsEmpty
(Post 2560255)
Took less than a week. I'm hoping the same for when I order the 1 gallon kit, hopefully by the middle of next month or so.
|
I'm probably going to do the pyroclastic on my car..after the XJ of course :)
|
1 Attachment(s)
Since things never happen when I say/hope that they will, I'll no longer include a date reference of any work that I do...so here she is, finally washed and clean, ready for the onslaught of body work and Monstalining that's coming soon! Also, I'm going to be installing the Bushwacker Flat Flares during this process. I've never seen a stocker with them, so it should be interesting!
Attachment 338092 |
Ughhh, beautiful XJ. I wish mine was 4 door/97+/4wd. Talk about buyer's remorse.
|
Really? That's crazy talk! You should be proud of your 2-door. I sometimes wish I got a 2 door instead. :)
|
| All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:12 PM. |
© 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands