Rocky-1998 Jeep Cherokee Build
 

Hello all. I just sold my TJ and bought an XJ. I didn't do it because I wanted to by any means. It was the right decision for where I am in my life right now. Anyways, I want to document the build process on the XJ. I named hime Rocky.

7/26/2012
I am anxiously waiting for a few things to come in the mail:

-3.5" RE Super Ride Lift with full leaf replacements
-Skyjacker shocks and Steering Stabilizer
-Centric Drums, shoes, and wheel cylinders (they are shot)
-Universal Window Actuators (I failed state inspection because the power feature does not work on all windows...thanks Maryland. I found a thread the Cherokee Forum where someone used $3 universal door actuators and worked perfectly. Its better than buying the $60 factory replacements. https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f51/do...verhaul-59201/)

I found a set of 31x10.5x15 BF Goodrich All Terrains on CL for a decent price and will be picking them up tonight.

I am looking for a deal on a roof rack also. If anyone knows of a place, let me know.

Here is how the Jeep sits today...

1998 Jeep Cherokee Sport
Attachment 359721

7/30/2012
I attempted to install the universal door look actuators. I only tried one door. At first I have the wires backwards and the lock button was unlocking and vice versa. It blew a fuse in the problem shooting stages. After I switched the wires to the correct way, it worked the correct way....and then it blew the fuse. Anyone have suggestions on how to stop it from blowing fuses?

Before Installation
Attachment 359722

After installation
/Attachment 359723

8/1/2012
Since I wasn't shipped the correct parts for the lift and I can't do that. 4wd didn't send me half of the parts for the lift and then wanted to charge me another $300 for the missing parts because they listed it incorrectly and for the wrong price. I told them the only solutions were to send me the parts, or send me the 3.5 Rubicon Express lift with full leaf replacements, 4 shocks, and the u-bolts for the Chyrsler 8.25 rear end for no extra cost. They decided the send me the other lift instead of sending me the parts listed on the site. I am happy with this outcome because that is the lift I originally wanted.

Today, I decided to paint the calipers. Still haven't figured out the door actuator issue.
Attachment 359724

9/24/2012

Its been a while, but life got in the way. So I ended up getting the other lift swapped out for the RE 3.5 Super Ride lift because 4wd's website was screwed up and they didn't charge me for the right amount/ship the right parts.

Since then, the only things I have done to the jeep are install a Pioneer head deck, and replaced the drum brakes (drums, shoes, springs, wheel cylinders).

Attachment 359725

Attachment 359726

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Attachment 359728

I finally got my jeep through the inspection here in Maryland and am ready to build my Jeep!!

9/24/2012

I decided to revive my fenders a bit tonight. I bought a can of penetrol from Home Depot for about $10 and a cheap sponge brush. I taped off the fenders and molding and painted it on. Then, I wiped the excess oil from the fender with an old towel. Looks pretty good! Here's the before and after. No worries about chipping paint. Quick and easy!

Attachment 359729

Attachment 359730

Found the CB I want:
http://www.uniden.com/cb-radios/bear...t/bearcat680g/

Found a cheap roof rack too:
http://discountramps.com/roof-cargo-rack.htm

Newest pic of Rocky, 11-1-2012:
Attachment 359731

Today I officially mounted the microphone for the bluetooth feature on the Pioneer. I wanted to play with it and find the best place to mount/how well people can hear me.

I also purchased a roof rack from discountramps.com. It was only $144 with shipping. I don't want to put my spare up there but use it more for camping stuff and such on trips. Pics coming soon.

I got the bolts in the mail today and the roof rack came in yesterday! The rook rack is going to get a couple of coats of bedliner before being installed. Hopefully I can get that done today.

As for the build, now I just need to find a place to install it! Soooo excited that it is all coming together.

Installed the roof rack today! Not too shabby for $144 delivered.

Nice looking XJ. I'll have to check back for future updates. :icon_wink:

Thanks! The lift should go on in the next few weeks. :-)

A uniden? Get a cobra 29 man. You'll be much much happier! It really is worth the money. But roof rack looks sweet! What lift are you going with?

I had a Cobra 19 in my old TJ and it was crap. Thought I would go with a different brand, but maybe just a higher model? Not ready to buy quite yet. I want to do the lift to make sure I don't need any extra necessary parts.

Thanks! I am satisfied with the rack so far.

I am doing a 3.5 RE Super ride lift with full leaf replacements. I can't wait to install it!

I got sick of the crackling stock speakers, so I replaced the front ones with 6" kickers. So much better! I am thinking of trimming the door panel to expose the speaker. Has anyone ever done this?

Today, I decided to bedline the rockers and remove the ugly side molding. THis weekend is the big day! The lift is finally going on!!

Here's the progress and final look of the rockers.

Are those the 11KS60 Kickers?

How do you like em?

That's exactly what they are! I love them so far. I really need to do the rear speakers now to get the full effect but they exceeded my expectations. I don't think I really need a sub in the back with as much "kick" as I get out of these. I had Polk Audio in my TJ, but these ones lured me in. I think they sound better than the Polks. Just my opinion.

We started doing the lift today! In four hours, we broke loose all of the rear bolts (leaf springs and shock bolts), NONE of them snapped! Very fortunate! We removed the rear shocks and sway bar completely. On the front, we removed the shocks, coils, track bar, control arms, and steering stablizer. We installed the lower control arms, coils, and started on the track bar, and sway links. I will upload pics tomorrow after its all done. I am beat! Till tomorrow!!!

What roof rack is that? Digging the build so far.

Wait nevermind, just saw where you got it from. :)

Thank you! :-)

The rack is pretty awesome for the price. Can't beat it. I am going to weld some light brakets on it and bedline it for extra durability.