Hey guys my name is Liam, I live in Connecticut. I currently just got a 1994 Jeep Cherokee Sport. I've been struggling on what do to with it first. I'm looking for some recommendations on what you think I should do to my jeep to customize it, whether it's lifting it, what type of lift, tires, wheels, an intake, performance mods, etc.. Anything guys would be a great help. I'm 17 years old looking to go to school for automotive. I do all the work on my cars myself.
Things done to my jeep:
-Oil change/filter
-Valve cover gasket
-Thermostat
-Radiator hoses
-Air filter
-Brake lines
-Brake booster/master
-Proportioning valve
-Spark plugs/new wires
-Front rotors
-Brake pads
-Catalytic Converter
-Tailpipe
-Sway bar bushings
-Steering Stabilizer
-Sway bar end links
Guys please help!!!!

 

Welcome to the addiction..lol

1; Determine your desired lift height and tire size along with the purpose for the lift. what kind of wheeling you're going to be doing. Mudding,rock crawling, light trails,,weekend warrior.
2; Research, research, research. Determine which manufacturers met your requirements.
3; Formulate a parts list, and continue researching to confirm your choices.
4;Cost out your build based on the parts list above. You need to know what you are getting yourself into.
5; Start looking for the deals either from a retailer, eBay, Craigslist, or whatever source you identify. We have good vendors here on Cherokee Forum.
6; Don't be impatient. Haste = lost $$$ and/or inferior lift.
7;When you've finally collected all your parts and you're ready to install, it's best to have some expert help or someone who knows Jeeps. Jeeps like to throw you curve *****.

***For this entire process, the only notable mistake that I made was ordering my shocks(Yeah Right lol). I thought I had the correct shock lengths based on my research but they came out too short ($250 mistake). If you can wait until you have the lift on your vehicle, take your measurements then instead of guessing beforehand.
Look around on CF on how to measure for shocks.


Never put a Fram oil filter on your Jeep.

Always no matter what someone might say.. Never use ATF-4
Always use Dexlll/merc transmission fluid.


Fill out your CF info
Year
Model
Engine
Transmission
Transfer case

 

A lot of people go with the 4.5 inch lift and 33's with long arms. Some do a 3 link others do 4 just depends on what you want. The reason behind it from what I can tell is that they don't have to change drive shafts out the angle on the axle still works and you can pretty much go anywhere with it. If you looking to wheel, you may want to think about lockers too

 

First, stop the BEGGING for HELP.

It's especially obnoxious when you are just asking for general advice, and don't have any particular problem that needs to be solved.

 

sorry about that!

 

Do yourself a favor and go for diesel or specialize in something like welding or electrical diagnostics. There's very little money to be had in the general automotive field.

 

I was actually planning on doing that. But my plan was to get my associates in automotive technician and then go back and specialize in small motor, diesel, or welding. Thanks though!

 

Yes, in just about any field, it's the specialists who make the most money.


And like it or not, certifications = $$$.

 

Follow this, it is a good way to start out! Know what your Jeep will be used for. Whether you want it to be a daily with occasional offroad use, or a daily that is built to handle more abuse offroad, or whatever it may be. Do you have a tight budget, or is it fairly loose per say?

I'm 19 now, but bought my XJ as my first vehicle, and it still is. Gone through the mild building process, and if I could do a lot of things differently, I would. I rushed to get it lifted, so it didn't become exactly what I wanted, etc. etc.
So I should be able to help out haha. What do you want to do with your Jeep? What kind of wheeling, how often, etc.

 

Look into an apprenticeship program with a state, county, local government agency. They will teach you everything you need to know and you get paid at the same time. Once you secure a job with a government agency you will be set for life.

 

Honestly i would just do the standard up keep and fix anything that breaks,Leave the jeep stock have a good daily driver.Then get a good paying job save up and do the lift and tires and re gear right.