i just bought a 93 cherokee xj base model 4x4 for $500. It has 245,000 miles on it. I am currently in the process of replacing the front driver/ passenger side floor/ cargo floor pan and both rocker panels.

I got the jeep so i can use it for goin muddin and i wanna put a 4.5" suspension lift kit on with some bigger wheels and tires.

The part i need advice on is it worth it to put all the money into this jeep. I mean it runs great just needs some tlc on the body

 

If you're doing the rust repairs yourself, why not? If you're paying a shop to do it... ouch.

Assuming it runs good, 4x4 functions properly, etc. At that mileage count on replacing all u-joints, etc soon. Really need to see some pics to get a better idea of how rough she is.

 

Like said if you can do the rust repairs yourself go for it,If your paying a shop i would think hard about finding a different jeep.

 

here is how she looks inside. motor fires up first turn of the key and runs great.

 

im in the process of fixing the rust myself.

 

 

That's some significant rust(at least to me, here in S. Texas). But certainly not beyond repair, and since you're comfortable DIYing it, I say go for it! Sheetmetal is cheap, and you scored it for $500. That's a win. I've had to fix far worse on vintage Stangs, totally fixable, and you'll have something to be proud of for sure!

 

honestly i dont think its to bad. ive seen other people do repairs on far worse rust and once its done id be super proud cuz people say " can you do something like that" and i say yeah thats easy just takes time but should i put a $900 lift kit with $300 wheel and tire kit on it????

 

Id say yes its absolutely worth putting the money in for lift and tires if your gonna use it. At that many miles you may want to keep a little cash tucked away to make unexpected repairs but as far as spending money on lift and tires, once you install them you wont regret it. In your case I would probably go with the rough county 4.5 in X series lift. Its $830 and it has really impressive out of box flex for not being long arm. Then you can easily clear 33x12.5" Mt's. After that the jeep bug sets in then you get bumpers sliders roof rack etc... lol do it you wont be sorry, owning an xj is one of the funnest things I have ever done!

 

thanks for the advice. Yeah the 4.5" rough country kit is what i was planning on getting and i found some 15x8 pro comp wheels with 31x10.5x15 wild country tires for $300.

and the jeep bug has set in and i dont even have that stuff yet

 

Of course! Once the rust repairs are complete, you'll have a solid XJ that runs great, why wouldn't you?



When building a ride for yourself, you shouldn't weigh the cost of your upgrades against what you "could've bought" or what an average XJ with such and such upgrades sells for. Build it the way YOU want, damn the torpedoes!

This is my Jeep.
There are many like it, but this one is MINE.



Keep the pics coming as you get her together!

 

If your planning on buying the 31's new I would spend the little extra cash and pickup 33's. They will perform better in the mud and they will look way nicer on the 4.5in lift. I"m not trying to promote rough country here but they also sell the Mickey Thompson Baja MTZ Radials for super cheep. You should start a build thread so we can see how you are doing?

 

This is my daily driver and project. I also gonna do a 4.5 RC lift but with 33s. Mine has 230k. And more rust than yours.,lol

 

Wow I'm so sorry for you guys. In Oregon we don't really have near that much rust!

 

As long as you can weld get replacement floor pans and rockers online cheap and weld them in.