nc527

Ok guys, I guess it is time to post my build thread. I have owned and been working on the jeep ever since getting it last september. I have been taking pics of everything I have done, in anticipation of making this build thread, so here we go, and let the fun begin!

First off, the specs;
1989 Jeep Cherokee
4.0 inline 6 cylinder
Auto transmission (I assume aw4?)
NP 242 t-case
Hp Dana 30 front axle
27 spline Chrysler 8.25 (replaced the turdy five a while ago, see below)


And here are a couple pics of it when it was stock.



As you can see, my back was sagging.





The only mods until about Jan were the Radio, VFH Radio, and speakers, because they were blown.


Fast forward to about January. We went to a local JY, and found a jeep sitting there, with a 3'' rc kit on it. And it was on a 2wd jeep!
We got the 8.25 rear end(shoulda found a 29spline, but its still better then the 35 that was there), the rear leaf pack with aal installed, the front coils, and swaybar quick disco's. All for $180, including the rear end.




^That was Dad working on the rear leaf bolts. All 4 had to be cut out with a sawsall.

It took 3 trips to get all the parts, but once we did, this is what the back of the xj looked like.



Next post will show installing the lift.

PalmCoastXJ

Good so far. That's one heck of a junkyard find!!!

2000_XJ_Alex

You lucked out at the junkyard man! I cant even find a trailer hitch there!

nc527

Now that you mention it, I also got a 2" hidden hitch from the junkyard. I did that before the radio mod.

Came off a wrecked 98 xj. The junkyard I go to has about 11 xjs and 10 grand Cherokees.

nc527

Alright, time for the next installment of Lets Lift a Cherokee.

Here are the disconnects and coils from the JY




Here are the coils after sand blasting and priming. That powder coat or whatever it is the RC uses is a bit** to blast off, so I just gave it a bit of a toothiness for the new paint to adhere to.




Here is the comparison of the stock springs vs. the rc 3'' lift ones, After they were painted green, with engine enamel.


I then cracked open the 8.25 to check for lsd or locker, and to change the diff fluid.



THen we installed the front coils, the swaybar disco's and straightend out the brake hardlines. Sorry no pics of the front process, but here is one after it was done, and I had gotten in my shocks.



Then we moved to the back. Biggest prob with the back was that we broke the drivers side front leaf bolt. Well not the bolt, but the weld nut inside the frame, which we fixed by grinding a slot in the "pocket" holding the nut, and then sticking the wrench inside it.

Working on the rear, well into the night.



A view of the back, after removing everything back there.




The next day I recieved a nice brown box. My Rc nitro 9000 shocks!



Saw an ad for a tcase skidplate on craigslist a couple weeks later, so I went and picked it up for $65. Its a Warn, and costs about $110 new. After a gasoline wash treatment, it looked good as new. This is how it looked when I picked it up. Sorry no after pics.

nc527

Fast forward about a month, I see an ad in the paper for a pe-8000 mile marker winch, with hitch mounted cradle. Ad says $350. I call the guy, and he says he will take $250 for it. I show up, and he has it sitting in the garage, beside a nice roof rack, with the 2ft extension as well. The winch is basically brand new, so I pay him $250, then ask about the rack. Long story short, got it for $50, and he also gave us a nice 50ft airhose I plan on using for an OBA system.



The winch was wired with a quick disconnect anderson powerpole, so I ordered 2 more of them online, to wire the winch front and back. Would have pics of it mounted, but I havent gotten a front hitch yet.

Went to the JY again for the ZJ v8 tierod upgrade, and while I was there, I also found a rubber truck bed protecter, and bought it for $10. After bringing it home, I measured the dimensions of the back of the jeep, and cut the mat to fit. Then I put it in the truck, and cut where it needed to be cut to lay flat. Now I have a mat in the truck, to protect my carpet from anything muddy, greasy, messy, or wet. Main use though, will be for the dog, because anytime we are at the river or near a pond, she gets in it, and the mat will keep her from getting water on my carpet, and mildewing, as well as smelling like wet dog.





And Friday, I finally picked up some tires. Got a total of 5 31x10.5 BFG AT's, 4 with 10/32tread (new is 16/32) and the 5th one was BRAND new. Got all 5 for 300 bucks.





Here are a couple pics of the V8 tie rod, and with the 235 tires that were on it when bought.




And Here is a pic with the new tires and rims.

nc527

Installed my 1" t case drop tonight, as well as the tc skid plate.

stev-o

You should cut your fenders like mine