Finally after searching ebay, craigslist, and AutoTrader I found something at a reasonable price, not rotted out, in overall good shape, and low miles...well low for a Jeep. Sold my JK two years ago and my XJ a year ago so I have been without one for sometime. It will be nice to finally be back in one.

So here she is, my new 1996 ZJ Laredo 4x4 with the 4.0. Has 140k miles and is a one owner. Purchased from a dealer before they sent it to auction. Plan on leaving her mostly stock during the winter...mainly because I have my Mustang already tore apart in our garage. But come Spring/Summer I am thinking of doing a RC 3.5" or 4" lift. Not sure on wheels and tire size yet, I have some research to do on those.

I will have to get better pics later, but for now here are two.

 

Nice, looks like mine. I used Rust Oleum bed linner spray on the bumpers and side cladding because they were ashy and dull, turned out looking like a different Jeep by the time I was done. Here is a few pics.

 

Thanks!

I was thinking of doing the same thing. These are not too bad, but the black gives it a new look. I might also do the same to the grill. I have seen a couple photos of guys who blacked out the grills and it looks good.

 

Looks identical to one my brother had except he had twice the miles. We put a 4" lift and 33s on it but they rubbed a little at full stuff.

 

If you have a picture of it I would like to see it if possible...feel free to put it on this thread.

Thanks

 

Found this one with from when we first lifted it with some old 32s on it.

 

Thanks...gives me a good reference pic to show the wife what I plan...I mean "want"...to do.

 

Well finally decided on and installed a lift. I decided since my off-road time would be very little for the foreseeable future, I had no real reason to dump a bunch of money into a lift right now. So I went with a Rubicon Express 2" BB w/ RE shocks. I also purchased a set of M/T Classic II wheels and installed a set of Falken 30x9.5 tires. I like the looks and the ride is not bad at all. I also have a Dynomax exhaust I hope to install this weekend. So below are a few photos of the progress. Before photos are in OP.

Just after lift before wheels...



After wheels and alignment...




I will take some better photos with a real camera in the next day or so. But you get the idea with these cell pics.

 

Nice! I think bedlining the side and such will really fit in with the tires!

 

I have been thinking of it. I plan on painting the grill black as well...no bling here.

 

Chrome won't get you home!

 

I like that!

 

Here is the other pic I took today. Shows how far the wheels stick out better than the first pic.

 

That's a nice clean looking ZJ. That little bit of extra width and feel nice on those fast corners.

 

Thanks

Well today I made some progress...more than I thought I would too. I got the exhaust on and I like the new sound...at least in my driveway. Will have to wait a day before I can actually get out and drive it.

Well after the exhaust I was bored so I pulled the grill and front bumper off. The grill was in bad shape and I tried to save it. I sanded it down and used buildable primer, but it is just too far gone. But for the time being I went ahead and painted it along with the bumper. (Will get a new one or look for one at a JY.) I like the black much better than the grey, but I will have to wait until next weekend before I can finish it.




(Bumper was still wet from me hosing it off, plus directly in the sun is not very flattering.)