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It took me a long time to finally get this one done, but I've completed the ZJ seat conversion. I opted to keep the floor flat which meant I had to sacrifice flipping the seat cushion forward and storing it that way since the seat backs are much taller than the stock one. They definitely sit higher than the old bench, too.
twins! haha check out my build thread not too in depth yet but hopefully. Mines the auto though. my paint is starting to come off on my hood though. You have any problems with your paint?
This past fall I sold my TJ and bought an XJ because I needed more cargo room. I do enjoy wheeling for sport, but the main objective of this vehicle is to get me to hiking trailheads so I can photograph the backcountry as that's what I do. Therefore, I shall call this my Wilderness XJ.
Here's what ***** looked like when I brought him home:
He already had a 3" BDS lift which (after much vacillating), I decided is plenty for my needs. However, I wanted 31" tires and am a fan of the BFG KM2 so that had to happen.
It gave it a bit more of an aggressive look:
My quick and cheap "mod" of mounting my maglite:
A list of changes/mods since I bought ***** (in case you don't want to read this whole thread ):
My shocks have started going real soft on me so I've placed an order for RC N2.0 to try out. While I was at it, I bought a bigger steering stabilizer and new ball joints (they went bad as well). They should arrive in time for a weekend install job.
I've also finally pulled the plug on getting a SYE with a Tom Woods drive shaft. Even with my 3" lift, there are a few vibes around 50mph and my rear pinion started leaking since the new gears. The shop that did the job said it leaks because of my pinion angle and the new gears cause more vibrations as the drive shaft is now turning a lot faster. I'll probably be adding some shims to the rear as well. I'd rather fix it right than lose some clearance with a t-case drop. It'll be a few weeks before that's fully installed.
Put the new shocks in and what a difference! Now I wish I had done that a couple of years ago. I haven't run a trail with them yet, but the city driving is much much better.
I really like how you've handled your build. Clean, done right, and not "bubbafied" like so many I've seen. I'm all for creative ingenuity, but some of the home-grown "mods" I've seen on many Cherokees look like ***.
I also have a 98, but with the AW4. It's my DD, and I've been running it with a 2" OME lift and 235/75-15's for the last 4 years. Funny that I just found this thread. I also have the Surco rack, and a set of JCR sliders waiting to go on.
I'm currently torn about which direction to take with mine. Over the last year, I bought an RC 4.5 X-Series lift with shocks, control arm drop brackets, 4.10 gears with full install kits for front a rear, a SYE, and a dropped pitman arm, and an adjustable track bar. All this stuff is still new sitting in boxes, waiting until I had time to do it.
But now that I have it all, I'm uncertain about doing all the work. I think I got caught up with the "look" of a higher lift. But now I'm concerned about handling, fuel economy, safety/stability if I go higher. I'm now considering just doing some flat flares with the existing 2" lift, putting 31's on, and doing the gears.
I really like how you've handled your build. Clean, done right, and not "bubbafied" like so many I've seen. I'm all for creative ingenuity, but some of the home-grown "mods" I've seen on many Cherokees look like ***.
I also have a 98, but with the AW4. It's my DD, and I've been running it with a 2" OME lift and 235/75-15's for the last 4 years. Funny that I just found this thread. I also have the Surco rack, and a set of JCR sliders waiting to go on.
I'm currently torn about which direction to take with mine. Over the last year, I bought an RC 4.5 X-Series lift with shocks, control arm drop brackets, 4.10 gears with full install kits for front a rear, a SYE, and a dropped pitman arm, and an adjustable track bar. All this stuff is still new sitting in boxes, waiting until I had time to do it.
But now that I have it all, I'm uncertain about doing all the work. I think I got caught up with the "look" of a higher lift. But now I'm concerned about handling, fuel economy, safety/stability if I go higher. I'm now considering just doing some flat flares with the existing 2" lift, putting 31's on, and doing the gears.
Once again, great job on yours!
Thanks for the compliment! It's interesting how you noticed yourself wanting to change your Jeep based on the looks rather than the function needed to meet your needs. I think a lot of people do that, but it is easy to do as the XJ is a good looking vehicle on 4.5" lift and 33s.
For me, these mods have been about practicality and my needs. Once I determine the actual need, I then find solutions to meet it and still look good/stock. If all you need is a 2" lift and gears, stick with it!
01-06-2015, 10:30 PM
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