I have been dragging my 1996 Geo Tracker down some horrible trails for a a couple of years, and decided to "trade up" for a 1999 Jeep Cherokee. The Classic Sport is absolutely stock right now.

After taking it down 10 miles of moderately horrible dirt road and trails this afternoon, here are some reflections and questions:

1) seems pretty bouncy - need new shocks or ???

2) gearing in general seems high - too fast in low gear (automatic) even in 4L.

I am not sure I like it better than my stock Tracker, but, it is getting impossible to find parts, mechanics or upgrades for the tracker.

What should I do first?

?? remove the rear sway bar - did not seem to have an articulation problem

?? get new shocks

?? do a 2 or 3 inch lift kit

?? get bigger tires (now have 225s)

I understand that these items are somewhat related.

My goal is to be able to go down bad dirt roads and trails to visit archaeological sites in the desert. Not interested in extremes, rock crawling, or 4wheeling sports, per se.

I just need a safe buggy to get me way out in the boonies where no one else generally goes, and to get me back!! I often need to go out alone.

TNX for you comments.

Rick.

Also forgot to mention that something is banging around under the rear of the vehicle when going over extreme bumps - not badly banging around, but it is noticeable on larger potholes and such.

what is that?

look into old man emu OEM suspensions...if your looking for a little bit of lift without compromising the ride...and its not to pricey either

If I'm understanding right, You would probably be pretty happy with swaybar discos and 235 a/t's. I guess if the higher gearing is an issue you can do a transfer case swap or refear axles. I would search it, I'm sure it's been done.

Welcome to the forum, And enjoy your Jep!

Thank you.

I am not sure what "swaybar discos" are - swaybar disconnects? rear, front?

I would like a little more ground clearance, so probably need something bigger than 235s. 2 or 3" lift?

often in rocky areas - skid plates?

TNX again.

Here's a list of stuff to help you make your Jeep suit your needs.

1) Get some new shocks if you think you need them. I'd recommend getting a set of Rancho RS5000 for the terrain you described as they are gas shocks. Also buy some shock shields to keep all the loose gravel from denting and chipping the paint on your shocks.


2) Run larger tires than the stock 215s. Buy a set of 30x10.5x15 All terrain tires. They are wider than stock and will do better in sand and loose gravel as they have a larger "footprint". You will need to do a little trimming on the fender flares so the tires don't rub but its no big deal. You'll be fine with larger tires and no lift as long as you're not doing any hardcore wheeling and you're just running trails, sand, and dirt roads.


3) The desert is hot. The Cherokee is notorious for running hot as it has an inadequate cooling system from the factory. I would recommend finding a larger aftermarket radiator to swap in. Take a look at this one. It's a little pricey, but it'll keep your Jeep nice and cool. http://www.quadratec.com/products/51210_2813.html

4) Also, look into doing the Ford Taurus electric radiator fan swap. The Taurus fan is one of the fastest spinning OEM fans out there and will be an extremely cheap junkyard find. There is a how to writeup on it here: http://jeep-xj.info/HowtoTaurusFanInstall1.htm

5) Look into adjusting the TV/kickdown cable for your transmission. It will lower the shift points. Here's a video courtesy of a CF member!

6) Change all the fluids and do all the routine maintenance (filters, injector cleaner, new serpentine belt, brakes, throttle body cleaner, etc.) before taking it off road, especially since you just got the Jeep.

7) Don't remove the rear swaybar unless you plan on doing any heavy offroading. If you're just doing trails as you stated and desert stuff, you don't need to do it. Removing the rear swaybar will affect the XJ's handling to a very small amount, but it's still an amount nonetheless.

great ideas. Thank you!!

* the radiator link is bad - product/mode number

?? why do I want to lower the shift points on the transmission?

?? I have 225 tires on now ... in relatively good condition ... will the 30x10.5x15 do enough to make the expense worthwhile?

Unfortunately, I leave Monday for two weeks in the desert, but good to know ...

I also wonder about ground clearance. Heavily rutted desert roads are common, and the stock XJ has, what, 8" of clearance??

Do I want a mild lift to get up a bit higher??

TNX again.

Rick.

Getting bigger tires should help out on the gearing if get a 3" lift you can go with the 30x9.50x15 tire or a 31x10.50x15. Also 4 lo shouldn't be used unless it's for a last resort to get out of a bad situation. One more thing get good recovery points. No point in having a lifted jeep and not being able to get pulled out safely. I'd say invest in that first

Get a 3 inch lift with 31s. Zone offroad makes a 3 inch lift with shocks, coils, and an add a leaf for $290.66. I have the kit and 31s on my Jeep and its awesome. I have tons of ground clearance now. As for the shift points, you want a lower firmer trans for the trails trust me. also, I agree on the recovery points. Get some tow hooks or D rings if you don't have already have them.

Yep on the swaybar disconnects, a lot of people just get rid of the rears altogether and never notice it on the highway, but the fronts should definitely have them.

http://www.800-923-jeep.com/techCorner/tire_fitment.cfm < This will give you a general idea of what you can fit with what lift. It seems about about an inch generous in a couple of cases but it's a great guide.

I guess if you're going to be hitting a lot of rocks, skid plates are a must, and probably a Diff cover of some sort. It sounds like a lot, but I would bet that once you start modifying, you just can't stop!

basically every one who has commented has given you some goood advice,
but as for a moderate lift i would look in to the rc 3'' II aal kit great price for a 3'' lift, and get some 31'' all terrain tires. the step up in tires will help out your ratio problem. and look into some wheels: http://www.jeep4x4center.com/jeep-wh...-397-5x4.5.htm wider wheels= better stance and feel better to drive imo

also, offroading of any type without recovery points is like mall crawling, its incredibly stupid.

and any pictures of the jeep?