Project Skip 96'
 

On 7/17/2015 I picked up a 1996 Jeep Cherokee Sport H.O. for $2,400 from a gentlemen in Keyport, NJ. There are 206k miles on it, the exterior is in decent shape, and the interior is stained and old-fashion looking. Hand-reeled windows, a butt-lighter, and manual locks are old school features that I adore, so it was a go.

This project I am starting here is purely experimental. I've had the "JeepBug" for the past 3 years and I finally saved up enough cash to purchase one. I will be using this website as a resource for DIY projects, and to also share thoughts and hear ideas from fellow Jeepers (I will be needing advice). I'm not an expert on cars, but I am handy and not afraid to dive into situations, so let's see how much I can do on my own.

My ultimate goal is to lift this sucker high up and FATTEN out those wheels - make it bold looking you know? I'm from Staten Island and this Jeep sure is going to stick out like a sore thumb, everyone else on this piece of land likes those expensive luxorious rides.

Enjoy the thread - here she is.

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...6907f65545.jpg

Ignition Lock Cylinder
 

One week in I had my first problem. I was able to stick my car key in the ignigiton slot and rotate foward to try and start the car, but it did not turn on. It clicked past where it was supposed to go. There was no clicking so I narrowed out the starter and it wasnt the battery because my headlights and radio came on. I didnt know what else it couldve been.

So my old man came and checked it out (not a big car fixer either) and he made a diagnosis - that the lock cylinder needed to be fixed. So I took his word for it, went on www.RockAuto.com and spent $40.00 on a new one. My dad and I watched a 15 minute Youtube Tutorialv Video on "Ignition Lock Cylinder Replacement - Jeep Cherokee" and we both found it real helpful. While I was working at my nursing job, my dad took it upon himself to try and fix it and sure enough he did!:sweatdrop: The new part came with a new key and the car started right up! On the road again.

Congrats on the purchase, and welcome to the forum.
Sounds like we're in the same boat; long had the "Jeep bug", bought similar (base model) XJs with similar miles.
So are you strictly going for looks or will you be wheeling? What size lift are you aiming for?

Welcome to the forum. How high u want to go and do u know what size of tires u plan on running?

Thanks man. I want a bit of both to be honest, I do want a decent looking ride and be able to go off-roading with it. I dont mind getting dirty.

As far as the lift and tire sizes go ... that I have to look into on this website. I want the perfect combo.:headbang: Any recommendations?

How does 35's and a 4.5 inch lift sound ?

sound exactly like me, haha

Sounds like cutting is in order.
4.5" lift and 35's is a good setup.

Two questions for you.

1. How is the death wobble?
2. If you had the chance to go back in time and choose a differnt lift kit + tire size, what would it be?

Am I able to put 35's on the wheels I have right now? Or I have to buy new wheels and new tires?

I had the DW when I was on bone stock suspension and made the mistake of "fixing" it with a new steering stabilizer. Later when I joined this forum and learned so much stuff, I went back and investigated the cause and found that my track bar was shot.

Never had the DW ever since.

I do not want to go back in time because going through with two lift height and two tire sizes, it taught me so much, I valued the experience. However I do foresee a set of 37's in my future after the 35"s wear out.

If your wanting to run 35's & eventually 37's you'll need new rims because the new axles your going to need to hold up to 37's won't come in a 5 on 4.5 bolt pattern.

Also, it's not the best idea to run 12.50 wide tires on 7" wide rims.

are u talking to me or the OP?

Ha Both sorry.

I saw he asked a question about rims and though the OP was asking about running 37s

oh haha alright. Not sure if u know already or not. My d44's are able to stand up to 37's