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This build is going to be pretty mild, I like the Cherokee as it is from the factory and so I want to maintain that style. I’m certainly not opposed to lifted and heavily modded xjs, but for my purposes a more or less stock Cherokee works. Obviously this wouldn’t be much of a build if I left it stock and my itch to improve the jeep wouldn’t be scratched either. My goal is to have a off-road capable (mild off-roading mind you) vehicle that doesn’t change much in look from the stock Cherokee. Basically, I’ll be showing things I’ve already done and intend to do to make the Jeep more jeepish and less carish all without going crazy with spending and changing things. For those of you that like the idea of small improvements on a stock Cherokee, this might be an interesting build for you.
Cool. I am living proof that you can wheel a stock Jeep. I do it often. But stock does have limitations and I plan for a lift and bigger tires. Based off of your screen name, I hope you never paint it another color. LOL.
I agree with you. I don’t think it takes much modding on a Cherokee to wheel. Obviously you’ll run into ground clearance and approach and departure issues. But even those issues are circumstancial and since the most off-roading my jeep will be seeing is Ohio farmland i don’t see a need for lifts and tires. With that said If I took it wheeling I probably would end up putting a lift and bigger wheels on it. As for my name I actually need to change it, that was my old Cherokee, i now have a 1999 classic that lighter blue. Loved the white one though.
So here’s what I’m working with, 1999 Cherokee classic. Power mirrors and windows no rust and 127000 miles. First thing was to put in a hitch, I felt like I needed a place to pull from. I picked up a used hitch and spare doughnut on Craigslist for 50 bucks. Both We’re installed without a problem.
Last edited by 96whitecherokeeguy; 04-15-2018 at 10:22 PM.
Next were a couple interior improvements. First was my rear passenger speaker wasn’t working, so I got s couple cheap ones off amazon and installed those, they actually sound pretty good. Next I redid the headliner. Took the old one out, brushed the foam stuff off, got it nice and clean, sprayed on a couple bottles (you will need 2 at least) of 3m super 77 spray adhesive to both the fiberglass board and the backside of the fleace fabric. It’s held up great so far, no sagging, and it matches the interior of the jeep really well.
Last edited by 96whitecherokeeguy; 04-15-2020 at 07:40 PM.
Next Job was a pain, replacing old leaf springs and shocks. Let me just say you better be prepared to break a bolt or 2 and have to use a saw zaw. The old springs were sagging a lot and you could feel how weak the shocks were. I got heavy duty springs and shocks which I figured would hold up longer. Time will tell but I’m really happy with the results, I ended up with 2” of lift in the rear just from the fresh springs and ride quality has improved quite a bit. I’ll soon be replacing the front springs and shocks. Hopefully if the pictures upload you can see the difference between before and after.
Last edited by 96whitecherokeeguy; 09-02-2018 at 01:53 PM.
And most recently I installed a couple of fog lights where the stock lights would have gone if my jeep came with them, it’s a really clean install and the lights make a big difference while driving. The lights are some I picked up on amazon but they’re 5 inch lights that put off some spot and some flood light and together I think they’re something like 17000 lumens. I also dig the switch location. If anyone is interested on how I mounted the lights I can elaborate but it’s fairly basic.
Last edited by 96whitecherokeeguy; 04-15-2018 at 11:39 PM.
Also somewhere in there I picked up a full size spare with like 80% tread for 30 bucks, that replaced the little black one that I actually got to use once, thanks winter.
So my current plans are to install some tow hooks in the front with upgraded mounting brackets for added strength and I’m also making plans for a cargo area storeage mod that I think could end up really cool. I might also do a rundown of some of the stuff I keep inside the Jeep gear wise.
So here’s what I’m working with, 1999 Cherokee classic. Power mirrors and windows no rust and 127000 miles. First thing was to put in a hitch, I felt like I needed a place to pull from. I picked up a used hitch and spare doughnut on Craigslist for 50 bucks. Both We’re installed without a problem.
That's too bad I'm pulling my hitch this week to put my new bumper on it that comes with a reciever. I would have given you my old one. If anyone needs one let me know but you will have to pay for shipping which I doubt anyone is going to do unless you live local.
I like the blue Jeep by the way and where you going with it is cool! Nothing wrong with a slightly modified XJ that suits your needs. I'm not keeping my green one stock but I am trying to keep it as low as possible but still give it a Jeep aggressive look. My plan is to put 31's on it this week with stock suspension which will require some cutting and folding and then later on a 3" lift maybe. Depends on how much I like the stock ride height and 31's. Keep the press on!!!
I like the blue Jeep by the way and where you going with it is cool! Nothing wrong with a slightly modified XJ that suits your needs. I'm not keeping my green one stock but I am trying to keep it as low as possible but still give it a Jeep aggressive look. My plan is to put 31's on it this week with stock suspension which will require some cutting and folding and then later on a 3" lift maybe. Depends on how much I like the stock ride height and 31's. Keep the press on!!!
thanks! And that sounds sweet maybe post a picture when you put the 31s on I’d like to see what that looks like with stock suspension height.
You and me both I'm excited to see the difference. I know with a 3.75 back spacing it should make them stick out a little and I like that look. All goes well I should have them on later this week. Pending when my wheels show up to 4wheel parts and then when the tire shop gets back to me about swapping stock tires for 31's.
You and me both I'm excited to see the difference. I know with a 3.75 back spacing it should make them stick out a little and I like that look. All goes well I should have them on later this week. Pending when my wheels show up to 4wheel parts and then when the tire shop gets back to me about swapping stock tires for 31's.
i had a 96 Cherokee (hence my username) and it was on 31s with a couple inches of lift it looked good, no spacing but I’m pretty sure it could have ran the 31s without lift and cleared the fenders, now I’m sure any kind of flexing wouldn’t have worked but I’m pretty sure I also heard someone say that before so you might not even have to cut the fenders. But you probably know better than I do, anyway I look forward to seeing it.
04-15-2018, 09:48 PM
“Stock off-roader”
