Xj88

Alright, I already have a build thread but its gotten sloppy and ive neglected it lately. Im going to start fresh with this. A little back-ground info; out of high school I wrecked my silverado and needed a car pretty desperately. I wanted a 4x4 for sure, started looking around at yota's and wranglers. Budget was low and all the stuff I seen for around 2000 bucks wasnt what I had in mind. Dad and I were browsing craigslist one day (June 2009) and found a decent looking 1988 Jeep Cherokee for 1800 bucks. Went to look at the Jeep that day, drove it home about an hour later. The PO had kept EVERY reciept for anything he had done to it, from oil changes and air-filters to replacing suspension parts and motor mounts. The jeep had high-mileage (220k) which concerned me but it still ran strong. Here is what i started with (Cant find any pics from before i but the rack on it)

Xj88

In the first pic above I had already installed the Hella's as well as the surco rack. I purchased both from quadratec, the surco rack is a 45x60, i mounted it straight over the stock cross bars for added support, the rain gutter mounts that surco sent were not the right size.

just_jeepin

so what does it have on it already? and where do you plan on taking it from there?

Xj88

The next thing on the list was wanting to make it more capable and more visually appealing, funds were low so I started with some affordable new wheels, Cragar soft 8's; kept my 235/75/15's for the time being. Also started painting the trim on the lower doors and stripped the chrome on my grill and painted it.

Xj88

Drove the jeep stock (other than the Hella's and Surco Rack) for about a year. During this time I did some mechanical repairs, I was overheating bad, caused by a leak in my coolant resivor, also my pressure hose for my power steering was shooting fluid everywhere. Got both fixed and got the Jeep running smooth. At this point I was ready for a lift, just unsure of my ability to install it. My desire to get the lift on and quick lead to me buying the lift and installing it solo, in my driveway with nothing but a coil compressor, and a SMALL kobalt ratchet set, oh and a hammer! Didnt break a single bolt. Here is some pics of the process:

Xj88

The 3 inch lift actually netted me close to 4. At this point I was getting more familiar with suspension and different components (I was still a noob though). Drove around with the lift and 235's for a while till I found a deal on some 31's. In the mean time I tired to flex with the sway bar still on, and wired my hellas...finally

Xj88

Im still trying to find old pictures, it had the original Jeep Wheels on it, ill see if I can find a pic of what im talking about, they are common, i see them on most older 4x4 laredo's. At the time of buying the cragers it was in mid 2010 (june). At this point I just knew I wanted bigger than stock, not huge. I also wanted to keep it clean.

Xj88

After looking for a good deal on some 31's I came across a good looking set on craigslist. Found them at like 3 pm and by 6 o'clock this is what happened:

Xj88

To help you guys see the time line here is what we got:

May 2009 I graduate HS and move out, wreck the silverado
June/July 2009: buy the Xj
August 2009: Install Surco Rack and Hella 500s
Late 2009-Mid 2011: Repairs including Rebuilt steering column, new ps pump and hoses, new rad hoses, some minor painting. (this was a dead period for the jeep)
June 2011: Bought the Cragar Soft 8's
August 2011: Bought the Rustys 3 inch Kit.
September: Installed that lift
Late Septermber: Found some 31's

Xj88

Teaser shot while they 31s were getting mounted up:

Xj88

Ok found an OLD pic from late 09 or early 10' with the old wheels, plus it had dusted some snow on the ground. This was out front of my gf's work, looks like hearts in the parking lot, she realized it looked like hearts...so i was like yea...i pulled in and backed out just so it would look like that just for you!....she bought it. haha!

Xj88

31s mounted up and back at my place.

just_jeepin

Looks sweet!! I definitely agree with painting the grille it looks a lot better that way. Do you take it wheeling?

Xj88

Yea we live near mt aetna, its changed a good bit since what your seeing, will be updating more today

Xj88

After I got the 31s i went wheeling, with the sway bar on...it clearly restricted my flex.