EMAW

Guys,
Glad I stumbled on the site, recently bought a '93 Cherokee, and looking to getting into building it. Its in decent shape, and I'll get the specs and such up asap. As it is it's completely stock. I'd love to get some basics down first, and eventually move on to bigger and better things. Any tips, or suggestions yall could give would be greatly appreciated. Anything that would make the biggest difference immeadiately would be appreciated. Being a college student you can imagine my budget so any low cost-high payoff parts/mods/build tips would be the best.
Thanks in advance.

lilredxj99

lunch box locker in the front, a cb, anf front and rear recovery points.

OverlandZJ

Moved to chat from build section.

DUDE454

x2 or an aussie locker, thats what im wantin to get for my rear axle, ive got only 2wd so it would help me a ton in the mud.

96tudor

I'm new to off-roading. Please excuse my ignorance.

Could you explain to me what a "lunch box" locker is as opposed to just any locking differential and why install a locker on the front axle as opposed to the rear?

Thanks for your information.

Tankerblade

One of the biggest things you can do now is get recovery points. Yes you can get lockers front and rear, but that just means you can get into even worse places that can make you stuck, which would make your day ever so aggrivating. Simple hooks up front and if you have a reciever get one of those reciver shackle things. JMO

XJs-R-us

Because the front tires are always the first to get stuck. Unless you offroad in reverse, lol.
Adding a locker to the front axle first, means you can go through worse stuff, than with just the rears locked, since you'll have both your front tires pulling you thru whatever/making the path for your rears, which are pushing of course.

But as to why they call it a "lunchbox"...I have no clue...looks more like a double cheeseburger to me...


Im sure someone else will tell you why, its called a "lunchbox"

clayton3854

recovery points, tires, lift. no real need for a locker stock IMO, i dont have one and i mean itd be nice to have one but other more needed mods for the money i say.

wheeler

lift and tires.... lockers are the last things to be thinking about. 3 inch lift and 31's

blackjeeps420

So, what I would do is start with some coils and leafs (the right size & price for you) and mod from there. Come to find out I can put a custom long arm kit on a jeep for less than some cheap kit! Tires are a must, no joke. I have 35in 12.5 bfgs, 35in 14.5 boggers and 38in 15.5 swappers. If you have no $ you could cut the fenders and find some 31in mudders and it will still shock the hell out of you! Just spend what you can and have some fun! turn down vol. to watch

XJs-R-us

Oooooh...the first things to buy.....

Lift + Tires + Recovery points = Basic Necessities

Then it should be Armor...like bumpers & skids.

THEN, a Winch & Lockers.


OH...and any tools you might have.
This is a list of tools I have in my Jeep:
Shovel
Axe
Multiple tow straps & chains
4-way
Hacksaw
Multiple pairs of vice grips in different sizes
Air compressor
Various handtools (pliers, srewdrivers, wrenches, etc.)
3 cans of fix-a-flat
Bolt cutters...for heavy guage wire (some got wrapped around my rear axle once, in a marsh?!?!)
Socket wrench set
Jumper cables


Hope this helps.

96tudor

Thanks for the feedback. You've got me thinking.

tannerp89

X2 on this, it all depends on what your building you rig for....
oh and they call it a lunchbox locker cause it fits in a lunchbox and can be installed on your lunch hour

blackjeeps420

just like this ^ then paint black!!! then copy tannerp's moter!!!!

96tudor

Does a lunchbox locker work similar to a traditional limited slip differential? How does it affect driveabililty on the street including on ice? Does it affect steering effort when installed in the front axle?