Hi all, just introducing myself. I am a southwest desert player from the east coast.

Currently taking on a new project a 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee (ZJ) AWD Auto V8 5.2L (318). This build is going to be my double duty daily driver. Built solid for off-roading to get me to some rocky canyons.

This is my 8th 4x4 build. List in order.
1987 Toyota SR5 4x4 extended cab V6 Standard
1995 Dodge Dakota SLT 4x4 V8 Automatic
1996 Chevy S-10 SLT 4x4 extended cab third door Automatic V6
1996 Ford Bronco XLT 4x4 V8 351W Automatic
1996 Ford Bronco XLT 4x4 V8 351W Automatic
2004 Dodge Dakota SLT 4x4 V8 Automatic Quad Cab
2005 Jeep Wrangler TJ V6 Automatic

So far what has been done on the ZJ most of my build will be parts from Kevins off-road.
Roof mounted light bar with two kc dayligters, two kc fog lights and fire stick anntena.
Roof mounted tire carrier and hilift jack mount
Radiator Support with clevis hooks
Tuffy over sized box
Cobra CB NW
All new procomp shocks
2" day star spacer lift
4 new BFG AT KO
Soon to add a new Radiator.

Agian this is to be a reliable camp truck so not going sky high. I will be stuffing bigger tires after some serious trimming. To much to list as to plans to see this become a great camp truck.

Next on the list of projects. In six months I plan to buy two new jeeps a jeep unlimited (TJ or JK rebuicon) used and will be my solo hard core adventure jeep and a lightly used commander V8 4x4 this will be my wife, dog and I long travel camp truck for light duty off road.

 

sounds awesome. you should post some pics!!!!

 

From what I read and hear. If you want a solid ride on off road. I would not go with spacers. I would go with the lift it self. But if its going to be very mild riding then spacers would work. But if you do alot of riding. I would spend the extra and get the whole lift.

 

Welcome aboard mate...
I hope to see some pics from your jeep building projects....
Especially the ZJ that you're currently working on...

 

I will add more pics of the build as I go. Maybe this weekend.

Thanks for the advice on the lift.
I did consider a 5.5 kit from Rustys or a 3-4" from another manufacturer. Also considered going to 35" tires. Yet, I decded not to go that route on this build what to stay some what stock other then armor and reliable parts. My new TJ or JK will be the heavy modified.

Here are some photos of the trails I practiced on at Red Rock canyon Las Vegas NV. I ran the trail in a stock S-10 on 30" Goodyear AT, Bronco on 31" BFG ATs, and my Jeeps both TJ 30" BFG AT and ZJ on 30" AT KO. The trail allows me to figure out where I need to make changes to the vehicle before I go into more difficult areas. If driven right this road can be driven in a stock rig even in winter. I find tires and grip are the most important of all the mods anyone can make. Who knows I may change my mind and go to the Rusty 5.5 inch and 35". I Do love the look!

My 05 TJ runs with the HummerXClub when I started with them I ran a 2 inch skyjacker spacer lift on 32" BFG MT and it did everything the hummers did with no issues. I did go up to 3.5 inch fulltraction short arm kit and 33" BFG MTs not just for function but more for looks I knew I could handle just about anything short of hard core rock crawl.

 

i know i am a newb i am used to the racing forums imports and such but i have been convertd to my daily driver a 98 jeep grand cherokee 4.0 looking forward to learning so first off whats this zj and all that cj stuff

 

Grand Cherokees - ZJ 93-98,WJ 99-04,WK 05-...
Cherokee- XJ 84->
CJ,YJ,TJ,JK are Jeep body styles like the gray one in the first pic just different years. Here is some interesting reading on Jeep history and a breakdown of about every model.
http://oldcarandtruckpictures.com/Jeeps/
http://oldcarandtruckpictures.com/Jeeps/index1980.html

 

Yeah i felt stupid cause after i posted i read all that good stuff thanks thow looking forward to learning and showing off my ride on this site