Where do I start?
 

So I just got my first Jeep. 1992 Jeep Cherokee, everything is stock. Where do I start? What do I have to buy, and what can I make?

Start with figuring out what you want to be able to do with your Jeep.

Do you want to rock crawl, explore, go camping... make a plan as to what kind of wheeling you will be doing and go from there. Not everyone needs a 6" lift on 35s locked front and rear.

For example... My 97 is becoming an "expedition" style rig. 3-3.5" lift on 30/31" tires. Eventually with sliders, front winch bumper and rear swing out tire carrier. I have no need to go much higher as the type of wheeling my wife and I do is rather mild compared to some. I've rethought my build more times than I care to think about. I'm building it to suit my needs, and not so I can look cool on the internet or to my friends.

What can you make? That all depends on your level of skill and the tools you have at your disposal. Bumpers, rock sliders, storage systems, roof racks etc are things that a lot of people make for their rigs. There's plenty of threads on how to and pictures of different ideas that you can use.

What do you need to buy? That is subject to what you want to do with your Jeep. Formulate what you want to be able to do and then decide what you need to buy based on needs, not wants.

Best of all... read. There are a number of websites, including this one, that have a plethora of information regarding lifts, tires, lockers, regearing, bumpers, driveline issues, maintenance and so on.

Do what makes you happy, don't let someone tell you how to build your own rig.

X2
always have fun if it is not fun then don't do it. only build to what you need not to inpress anyone else

Thanks! I think I just want to go exploring and camping. It still has to be my daily driver.

Looks like you need a boat.

Then I recommend a 3 to 4 inch lift with a max of 32's For height and what ever other goodies you want for looks an attitude. It is just my opinion though

If its just camping/exploring I would suggest a mild lift with 30/31" tires.

Options: Pre-built lift kit such as Rough Country, Rubicon Express, Old Man Emu etc. If you go pre-built make sure you get a full leaf pack, not AAL (add a leaf) and no blocks.

DIY lift: In other words, sourcing parts from various companies putting it together yourself (usually cheaper this way and you get what you need/want) You can also do a "bastard pack" (Google XJ/Cherokee bastard pack) and there are a great deal of threads on it. You can also use the front coils from a V8 Grand Cherokee for a small amount of lift coupled with coil spacers and you have a cheap frontal lift. Shocks from a JK can also be used on smaller lifts (3" or smaller)

Tires: Depending on your terrain either some good all-terrains or mud-terrains. BFGs, General Grabber AT2(I think thats the model) Goodyear Duratracs, BFG Km2, Treadwright (re-treads) are all common and proven choices

Bumpers: JCR, AJs Offroad, Logans Metal, ARB, DirtBound Offroad etc are common choices or build your own or have someone fabricate one for you. JCR and DirtBound both off a DIY bumper option where you buy the pre-cut bumper and you just weld it together, a very affordable option if you can weld or know someone who can.

Sliders: Same companies as above or others or fab some up

Roof rack: Buy one or fab one (EMT conduit has become popular despite naysayers of its strength, it's cheap to do and can be done w/out welding)

The higher the lift you go, the more you'll most likely need to buy. If you stay lower you probably wont have to worry about getting a SYE, lower control arm drop brackets or adjustable ones, adjustable trac bar etc etc. The parts start adding up $$ once you go taller.

For now, your best bet would to get some decent tires, a budget boost (coil spacers up front, shackles out back or make a bastard pack) and get some recovery points for the front and rear... go out exploring and wheeling and from there you can gauge what you "need".

Sadly, Jeeps are addicting and wanting to add more stuff to them is contageous. If you can be patient, make a plan, and shop around (Google and Craigslist) for good deals, you can find deals that will make your budget go farther.

Reading, reading, reading is what is going to save you the most headaches, money and time. Learn to work on your Jeep and you'll save yourself lots of $$ and get the satisfaction of doing your own work.

Thanks so much! Your advice is really helpful to a beginner Jeeper!

I have 3" on 31's with some other stuff and i locked the rear. I use it for everything. You'll be suprise what a 3" locked can do i couldnt be happier. Build it to your needs your budget and stick to your guns people will only respect your for it.

Google!

:thumbup1:

Armor and recovery should be at the top of your list.
Lift, Gears, & Tires are next.

First I'd get it in good running condition. Do some preventative maintenance too. It sucks sinking all your money in upgrades only to have it break down leaving you without transportation since its your DD. At least have some backup funds. Wheels and tires are generally the most expensive thing in a mild build but great deals can be found on craigslist and forum classifieds. For the lift Id go with new springs front and rear since they sag with age. Generally 31 inch tires do pretty well with stock gearing and a 3 inch lift will usually clear them without much trimming if any. Be prepared for the possibility of rear drive line vibrations. This can be cured with new U joints if their bad, transfer case drop, or slip yoke eliminator which is the best way to fix the vibes. Iron rock off road has the hack and tap sye for only 200 with rebuilt front drive shaft used as the rear which is the cheapest route. Also lifting and larger tires tend to increase the potential of "death wobble" which is usually caused by poor alignment/caster and worn linkage/bushings. Some people, including myself, tend to overlook the problems that can come about when modifying their vehicles. I'm just trying to prepare you.

What should I do as far as preventative maintenance?

Check all your fluids, if you don't know when the last time the cooling system was flushed replace the thermostat, water pump, hoses, and flush the system out.

Due a tuneup, plugs, wires, cap & rotor, air filter, fuel filter. Inspect your brakes, u-joints, ball joints, tie rod, etc.

That's what I always do with a new vehicle at least.

Okay, IMO save your money and do the following:

1. Old Man Emu Lift
2. Old Man EMU Steering Stablizer
3. Spacers for the rims
4. 31'' Tires
5. BE Done and Enjoy the RIDE...