100% Ambition, 0% Expertise...
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Missouri
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L Inline 6
100% Ambition, 0% Expertise...
So I just picked up my first XJ yesterday (Black 2001). It's actually going to be my first ever project/modded vehicle. My main issue is that I have no idea where to start with this thing, and so I'm glad I found this forum!
I'm not looking to make this thing purely a rock-crawler; I want it to be able to travel distances for future excursions across the country as well as hit the trails when I'm feeling frisky. I want a solid vehicle that is powerful, handles well, and looks mean as hell.
Let me give a quick rundown of where I'm at:
After reading up a bit I'm considering switching out the axle and replacing the 0331 head before it decides to crack, but I'm not sure I need to do these things. I'm also really wanting to fix the rust issues, whether I fabricate something or just buy new panels.
Opinions, directions... any comments are appreciated. By May 1st I want this thing in shape and ready for adventure.
EDIT: Pictures of the Jeep.
I'm not looking to make this thing purely a rock-crawler; I want it to be able to travel distances for future excursions across the country as well as hit the trails when I'm feeling frisky. I want a solid vehicle that is powerful, handles well, and looks mean as hell.
Let me give a quick rundown of where I'm at:
- The previous owner put a 3" Rough Country lift on the Cherokee with new wheels(15x8) and tires(33x12.5)
- Currently the tires rub when I turn sharply. Same owner had to cut away the fenders and, imo, didn't do a good job of it or replace with flares.
- The back hatch hydrolics fail to keep the door open.
- Leaf Springs appear to have some rust (is this a big issue?)
- The only other modication I know of is a steering stabilizer (unsure of specs)
- Passenger side rear panel has a good amount of rust damage (one other known small rust spot on driver door).
After reading up a bit I'm considering switching out the axle and replacing the 0331 head before it decides to crack, but I'm not sure I need to do these things. I'm also really wanting to fix the rust issues, whether I fabricate something or just buy new panels.
Opinions, directions... any comments are appreciated. By May 1st I want this thing in shape and ready for adventure.
EDIT: Pictures of the Jeep.
Last edited by GoingForBroke; 02-24-2015 at 11:06 PM. Reason: Pics
#2
Tire rub could be because there's not enough back spacing on the wheels. Surface rust on leaf springs is common and nothing to worry about but we'd need pics to see for those and the body. Lift assists for the rear gate are a cheap 5 minute replacement...well worth it after you get hit in the head a couple times!
#3
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Missouri
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L Inline 6
Looked into lift assists, piece of cake for sure. Thank you.
As far as the rubbing goes, I'll have to snap a picture. In order to get better back spacing I assume I'll have to buy some different wheels? I do think it may be possible to cut away some of the plastic underneath the wheel well that it is rubbing on, because the last guy kind of butchered it anyway.
Currently looking into new exhaust since the current exhaust looks pretty rusted. Would also like to tighten up the steering somehow and get better reaction out of my breaks.
Exhaust I'm looking at: http://www.autoanything.com/exhausts...xhaust-systems
Here are a few snapshots of the dirty side:
A small oil leak and rust on the exhaust. Planning on replacing this.
Rust on the leaf springs and Hub. Issues?
It may be a little hard to see here, but this is the trim join the last guy did when cutting away the fenders. I want to put on some flares, but do I need to replace this or can I remove/fix it?
Here is my biggest rust spot on the rear quarter panel. Thought about trying to weld on a piece of sheet metal and Line-X the bottom of the body all the way around. If I buy a new panel, I'll have to paint.
Found this weird bag of insulation looking stuff inside the rusted area. WTF is it?
As far as the rubbing goes, I'll have to snap a picture. In order to get better back spacing I assume I'll have to buy some different wheels? I do think it may be possible to cut away some of the plastic underneath the wheel well that it is rubbing on, because the last guy kind of butchered it anyway.
Currently looking into new exhaust since the current exhaust looks pretty rusted. Would also like to tighten up the steering somehow and get better reaction out of my breaks.
Exhaust I'm looking at: http://www.autoanything.com/exhausts...xhaust-systems
Here are a few snapshots of the dirty side:
A small oil leak and rust on the exhaust. Planning on replacing this.
Rust on the leaf springs and Hub. Issues?
It may be a little hard to see here, but this is the trim join the last guy did when cutting away the fenders. I want to put on some flares, but do I need to replace this or can I remove/fix it?
Here is my biggest rust spot on the rear quarter panel. Thought about trying to weld on a piece of sheet metal and Line-X the bottom of the body all the way around. If I buy a new panel, I'll have to paint.
Found this weird bag of insulation looking stuff inside the rusted area. WTF is it?
#4
Member
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Lone Star State // Vermont
Posts: 117
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Year: '98
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
None of the exhaust/underbody "rust" is of any concern, it looks like just very minor surface rust. Body on the other hand, yeah, fix that.
As for the rubbing what are the tires rubbing? Two options really...
Suspension components: the Backspacing on the wheels isn't right, BUT you can lengthen your steering stops slightly to fix that -- with a minor loss in steering radius. I have this done to my Wrangler, works fine.
Other ****: trim, bigger lift, bump stop extensions.
As for the rubbing what are the tires rubbing? Two options really...
Suspension components: the Backspacing on the wheels isn't right, BUT you can lengthen your steering stops slightly to fix that -- with a minor loss in steering radius. I have this done to my Wrangler, works fine.
Other ****: trim, bigger lift, bump stop extensions.
#5
::CF Moderator::
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Prescott, Az
Posts: 43,875
Received 1,526 Likes
on
1,238 Posts
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Service the cooling system!!
The 2000s and 2001s were prone to head cracking, which is aggravated by poor cooling system maintenance.
The 2000s and 2001s were prone to head cracking, which is aggravated by poor cooling system maintenance.
#7
Banned
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Florida
Posts: 2,379
Likes: 0
Received 13 Likes
on
12 Posts
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee(XJ)
Engine: Golen 4.6L
Yeah seriously. You want it to look mean. You don't want people to laugh at it.
If you want strong and reliable, I would do the head swap so you can trust it. You don't have to, until you do. I would rather do that on my timetable instead of according to the head's whim.
If you want strong and reliable, I would do the head swap so you can trust it. You don't have to, until you do. I would rather do that on my timetable instead of according to the head's whim.
Trending Topics
#8
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Missouri
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L Inline 6
LMAO... I hadn't even noticed this. Thanks for the observation.
Yeah seriously. You want it to look mean. You don't want people to laugh at it.
If you want strong and reliable, I would do the head swap so you can trust it. You don't have to, until you do. I would rather do that on my timetable instead of according to the head's whim.
If you want strong and reliable, I would do the head swap so you can trust it. You don't have to, until you do. I would rather do that on my timetable instead of according to the head's whim.
#9
Seasoned Member
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Hickory, NC
Posts: 417
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee(XJ)
Engine: 4.0 L
Agree, agree, agree. A simple cooling system flush is probably adequate, but for around $200 in parts and some of your time you could basically have a new cooling system. Good insurance in my eyes.
#11
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Missouri
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L Inline 6
Is there some sort of standard I should adhere to when it comes to backspacing, for instance "x inches of backspacing for every inch of lift"?
#13
CF Veteran
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: grove city OHIO
Posts: 1,169
Likes: 0
Received 5 Likes
on
5 Posts
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 HO
I'm also at 3in with 33s and have 3.75 back spacing. if your rubbing your fenders check to see if you have after market lower control arms. On stock control arms 33s rub like crazy on only 3 in. Because the axle is to far back.
Last edited by michaelOH; 02-25-2015 at 09:29 AM.
#14
Seasoned Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Albuquerque
Posts: 389
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L Inline 6
You're on the right path, overall. Drive it the way you want to drive it, and when you notice something that is not operating the way you want it to, fix/replace/upgrade it.
You'll be able to go a LOT of places with the set up you currently have.
You'll be able to go a LOT of places with the set up you currently have.