Hello everyone,

Just bought this 2001 Cherokee Limited a couple weeks ago and wanted to get in on the forum. This XJ was in great condition when i got it. Clean carfax, 128k miles and the most pristine interior i have seen in any XJ. Based on the condition of the paint and no rust anywhere this XJ has likely had a pampered life and spent most of its days in a garage.

This is my second XJ and the first one I plan on making my own. I am Colorado based and this will be a mild trail/overland XJ for remote camping. I still want to be able to get it to highways speeds without issues/re-gearing. I am also wanting to keep it as stock as possible (we all know that will likely change the further I go along with the build).

Heres what I am planning
- 3" suspension lift (to include adjustable trac, upgraded tierod, TC drop, LCA's, extended sway bar links)
- 31" KO2's. I want to keep the stock flares and minimal amount of trimming.
- Completely go through the remaining suspension components (wheel hubs, ball joints, replace all bushings/tierods etc.)
- Currently no leaks anywhere but will eventually do RMS,oil pan gasket, oil filter housing o-rings and valve cover gasket
- Flush all fluids
- fix minor dents/dings (Paintless dent repair)
- cut/buff paint. It looks great from a few feet away but it could use a refresh.
- debating on JCR front and rear bumpers. $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ will likely keep this out of reach though. I may need the front bumper to clear the 31's.
- Engine tune-up (plugs, coil pack, 4-hole injector swap)


As of this post I have fixed all the typical misc electrical issues (door locks no functioning, windows not working from driver side switch, non-working front speakers) and did get the roof rack for it. I will keep this updated the best I can.

 

My goal was to find/piece together a 3" lift entirely off Craigslist to save as much as possible (Who doesn't like haggling on Craigslist). Being in Colorado there are actually quite a bit of xj part listings.
I was able to find a brand new (NIB) RC 3" lift for $220. This was the AAD kit, for the time being i will have to live with it.
I was also able to find a used (but rebuilt) set of RE 3.5" super-flex LCA's for $100.

Fast forward to install!

I was able to get the front portion of the lift completed Saturday (9 hours). The removal of the old suspension took 3/4 of that time even after PB blasting the two previous days. I ended up having both sway bar link bolts break off and 1 bolt from the sway bar bracket break. The sway bar links were an easy fix and were replaced. the broken sway bar bracket bolt not so much. Ended up drilling it out and in the process broke off the welded nut inside the frame. Ended up fishing a bolt inside the frame and into the hole for a through bolted connection. Seems to have worked out just fine.

Another issue i had was removal of the passenger side LCA. I was able to get both nuts off however the bolt at the frame connection would not budge at all. I eventually gave up and got the sawzall out and was able to get it out.



Install of the new components went pretty well, no major items. I had a friend stop by and help out at this point. In the front my actual lift is just over 3.5". I currently have original Icon wheels with 225/75/R16 tires.

I will be starting the rear lift later today after work. I am already dreading trying to get the rear shocks out. I hope the rear will be easier/quicker than the front.

I will have another update/pics to follow when complete.

 

NICE XJ you have there man.
Good platform to begin with.

Good luck with that rear lift.

 

Good luck!

 

Lift is complete

 

Welcome!

You are off to a great start with a beautiful XJ. Keep up the good work.

On a side note... am I the only one who completely expected the vehicle to be painted white? After reading that it's name is Walter

 

Thanks man. This Jeep is named after this walter

 

Ahh I see said the blind man

 

Gave the icons a face lift this weekend. A little darker than what i was after but definitely an improvement.

 

Oh yes very nice!

 

Spent the weekend out in the mountains for my Birthday. Woke up to 2" of fresh snow on Saturday morning! it was a 2-hr drive from home and 20 miles were offroad, The jeep did great.

Also received my brown dog motor mounts. Hopefully have some time this weekend to get them in.

 

Its been awhile since I have updated this! I havent done anything to crazy on the jeep, really just enjoying it in the mountains. since my last post I have installed a Powerstop brake kit on the front end, new engine and trans mounts, 4-hole injectors and found a set of infinity tweeters on craigslist for it.

If the tax man cooperates, some 31's and billstiens are coming up (the RCs need to go!)

 

Any problems while changing the mounts? I need to get mine done, but the brown dog mounts are so pricey.

 

Nope, the instructions that were included were very detailed. FYI I got mine on sale on black friday, cant remember what i paid though

 

How do you like those Brown Dog Motor Mounts? Worth it? Any noticeable differences? Vibrations?