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What did you do to your Cherokee today?

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Old May 25, 2020 | 12:12 PM
  #92371  
BroncoMan's Avatar
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I added a false rear cargo deck, so that I could keep my 31x10.50" spare in the back and still have a full storage area.

I started with smaller pieces of cardboard to outline the side contours of the cargo area. Then, I transferred those pieces to a larger piece of cardboard to form a template that I used on a 3/4" piece of plywood to cut the deck. After a few cans of spray adhesive and speaker box carpet, I ended up with the setup below, which forms to the area decently well.

Now, I have some storage underneath the deck and a full area above the tire. I'd be happy to help, if anyone is looking to do something similar.










Last edited by BroncoMan; May 25, 2020 at 12:15 PM.
Old May 25, 2020 | 12:40 PM
  #92372  
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Originally Posted by EatonXJ
Looks good. You set the backlash yourself?
I did. First time! To be fair, I used my factory gear set, so it was basically setting pinion preload and ring gear backlash.

Originally Posted by Ralph77
Did installing the Trac Lok involve all the stuff I read about when guys change gearing and whatnot?
Or is it a simplified version?
there's nothing simple about it. To be honest though, it's really not bad if you're mechanically savvy, and can dedicate a whole day.
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Old May 25, 2020 | 04:33 PM
  #92373  
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Spot-on method, BroncoMan!
I used to use a similar technique to layout stainless biminis jigs for sailboats.

Last edited by AudioFreq; May 25, 2020 at 05:01 PM.
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Old May 25, 2020 | 04:50 PM
  #92374  
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Originally Posted by Jpoe0108
I did. First time! To be fair, I used my factory gear set, so it was basically setting pinion preload and ring gear backlash.
Never messed with Gears. Just that went over my head lol. Good job saving some $$$

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Old May 25, 2020 | 05:58 PM
  #92375  
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Originally Posted by EatonXJ
Never messed with Gears. Just that went over my head lol. Good job saving some $$$

If you have the space, a free, random axle would be a good learning experience. Something to take apart and understand what going on without having to depend on it.

Now, ideally, a Dana 30 or Chrysler 8.25 would better serve learning!

Tool wise, basic mechanic tools will get you pretty far, but you need a dial indicator and magnetic base ($30 HF) a Click Torque wrench ~150lbs ($30 HF), Beam Torque Wrench In/lb ($30 HF), and a home made carrier pre load tool ($20 lowes, + $10 exhaust shop for a quick weld)

You can buy nicer things, but that's enough to get you started.
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Old May 25, 2020 | 07:53 PM
  #92376  
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Originally Posted by Jpoe0108
If you have the space, a free, random axle would be a good learning experience. Something to take apart and understand what going on without having to depend on it.

Now, ideally, a Dana 30 or Chrysler 8.25 would better serve learning!

Tool wise, basic mechanic tools will get you pretty far, but you need a dial indicator and magnetic base ($30 HF) a Click Torque wrench ~150lbs ($30 HF), Beam Torque Wrench In/lb ($30 HF), and a home made carrier pre load tool ($20 lowes, + $10 exhaust shop for a quick weld)

You can buy nicer things, but that's enough to get you started.
Thanks for the info. It would be something good to learn. The installation price is the main reason I'm still on stock gears.


Originally Posted by Ralph77

That thing is clean. That two tone wasn't a factory option was it?

Last edited by EatonXJ; May 25, 2020 at 08:00 PM.
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Old May 25, 2020 | 09:44 PM
  #92377  
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Bled brakes, full fluid exchange, ATE TYP 200, DOT 4. I had a $25 liter left over from previous car that I couldn't return. Driveshaft and filling differential are all that's left on the ZJ rear disc and Trac-Lok install.
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Old May 26, 2020 | 12:33 AM
  #92378  
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Originally Posted by EatonXJ
That thing is clean. That two tone wasn't a factory option was it?
It came from the factory like that with the exception of couple small things. Those are seat covers and the seats from the factory are Camel.
In my case they are Agate though cause I can't find heated seats in decent enough condition to use in Camel. Hopefully someday.
The map pockets I added that I got off a set of Limited door panels. I would have used the limited door panels but they are not 2 tone like the regular ones.
And I like the 2 tone. I do have an idea I am going to try. I picked up some Agate interior paint and going to paint the inset. See how it turns out.
The part I circled is where the fake plastic wood grain trim would be on that panel. Which is something I do like and want.
And for some strange reason I thought an Agate console lid would look nicer then a Camel one. Kind of following the theme of Agate higher up and Camel lower.


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Old May 26, 2020 | 10:12 AM
  #92379  
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Originally Posted by Ralph77
So yesterday beat me up pretty good. Figure I would do something easier today.
Detailed the interior. She is usually pretty clean. Not like when I was younger and practically lived in my vehicles.
Empty beer bottles, empty take out containers, empty coffee cups, empty packs of Camel Non-Filters, etc. LOL
I used to pull up to the garbage can in a commuter parking lot every once in awhile and just shovel everything out.
So if I can get the outside of the Jeep done that will be it for maintenance. Weather has been crappy so I am behind schedule.
Not that I have a schedule but am usually already done and putzing around with my little projects by now.
The only thing left is spark plugs but I am going to swap them out and combine that with installing my 155 amp alternator,
getting the old battery cables that are still zip tied in there out, and doing the Viper Coil Mod.
So not that you can see or smell but some obligatory pictures of a shiny nice smelling interior.

When I did the coil mod on my 01, took me longer to get the old coil pack out. Then to install the new set up.

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Old May 26, 2020 | 10:15 AM
  #92380  
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Originally Posted by JeepWoman
When I did the coil mod on my 01, took me longer to get the old coil pack out. Then to install the new set up.
What did you use for wires?
I purchased some 8 mm ones for a 4.0 cause I felt that having 90 degree boots at the coil end would be better.
Somebody on another forum did this also and said it worked out pretty good.
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Old May 26, 2020 | 01:59 PM
  #92381  
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Took it to get groceries

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Old May 26, 2020 | 02:04 PM
  #92382  
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Originally Posted by Ralph77
It came from the factory like that with the exception of couple small things. Those are seat covers and the seats from the factory are Camel.
In my case they are Agate though cause I can't find heated seats in decent enough condition to use in Camel. Hopefully someday.
The map pockets I added that I got off a set of Limited door panels. I would have used the limited door panels but they are not 2 tone like the regular ones.
And I like the 2 tone. I do have an idea I am going to try. I picked up some Agate interior paint and going to paint the inset. See how it turns out.
The part I circled is where the fake plastic wood grain trim would be on that panel. Which is something I do like and want.
And for some strange reason I thought an Agate console lid would look nicer then a Camel one. Kind of following the theme of Agate higher up and Camel lower.
That's cool I didn't know any came like that. Some wood would be a nice touch. I did notice them map pockets lol.

Originally Posted by unidentifiedbomb
Took it to get groceries
​​​​​​Nice grocery getter.

Last edited by EatonXJ; May 26, 2020 at 02:07 PM.
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Old May 26, 2020 | 03:01 PM
  #92383  
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Originally Posted by EatonXJ
That's cool I didn't know any came like that. Some wood would be a nice touch. I did notice them map pockets lol.​
The higher end models came with a little wood grain trim.
Don't have any shots of my wood grain door panels. These are shots I grabbed off the internet.


I have sets of both. I was toying with the idea of trying to take the inset off the Agate panel and put it in the Camel panel.
I also have the wood grain bezel in mine you see in the shot above.
On Ebay I found a couple wood grain trim pieces. They most likely were part of an bigger aftermarket kit.
Cruise Control and Tranny bezel.



All part of my "clone" build.
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Old May 26, 2020 | 04:28 PM
  #92384  
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Originally Posted by BroncoMan
I added a false rear cargo deck, so that I could keep my 31x10.50" spare in the back and still have a full storage area.

I started with smaller pieces of cardboard to outline the side contours of the cargo area. Then, I transferred those pieces to a larger piece of cardboard to form a template that I used on a 3/4" piece of plywood to cut the deck. After a few cans of spray adhesive and speaker box carpet, I ended up with the setup below, which forms to the area decently well.

Now, I have some storage underneath the deck and a full area above the tire. I'd be happy to help, if anyone is looking to do something similar.








Looks great! I'll have to consider doing this myself.
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Old May 26, 2020 | 04:43 PM
  #92385  
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This might be too much but thinking it would be cool if you could put hinges in
the back and put some supports up front to hold it up when in the up position.
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