Greetings all! I am a new guy to the forum and found a 2000 Cherokee to modify into my hunting buggy. First off, I am NOT a mechanic and others will be making the changes. I think I found a winner and only paid $600.00 bucks for it. An old mechanic that I have known for many years had it. It belonged to an elderly lady who was disabled and recently passed away. The official disability placard was still hanging on the rear view mirror. The mechanic has worked on it from time to time in the past "routine maintenance" Hit in the passenger doors. No frame damage. Probably wrinkled the floor some. Per the mechanic the motor is solid with zero leaks. No transmission issues either. Cranked on the first try after sitting up for 4 months. Drove great. Will need passenger front seat. To follow is what I think I want to do to it. I am throwing all this out there on the forum for your opinions and thoughts. Again, I am not a mechanic so your expertise is much appreciated. Have the body work done of course on the passenger side. Change out all belts and hoses, flush radiator and possibly replace the rotors and pads. Have the old mechanic inspect all the little things that will cause you aggravation in the future and handle that now. Service the transmission. The carpet is just stinky and dirty. Take it out and power wash then re-install. Need a new headliner. Install 4.5" Rough Country lift "which one" 33/12.50/16 tires I am sold on the Firestone Destination MT 2 but if something is better let me know. When it is lifted what else should I be thinking about since I lifted? Brake lines, or anything that need doing when I lift it. Going to add a winch and winch bumper and I am going to do the CAMO rattle can paint job. Again any suggestions, advice and opinions are much appreciated. Thanks


Solid engine. 118K

Rear view

Just need both doors, post and minor floor work. Zero frame damage.

Need a front passenger seat and a new headliner

 

That's not minor bodywork. Expect a very large bill to fix that. Also, the XJ is not a body on frame vehicle, it's a uniframe vehicle, meaning the vehicle is integrated into the structure, that b pillar, bottom rocker, and floor are a HUGE part of the structure of the vehicle.

The other thing I would caution you against is the lift. These things are extremely capable in stock form. I suggest taking it to your hunting grounds first, wheel it and see where it needs improvement. 1-3" is much easier to do, and cheaper, but the higher you go, the more that needs to be done, like steering, trackbar, brakelines, shocks, SYE, driveshaft, etc...

Not to mention tires, big tires will want better gearing, so, see how all this adds up? I'd be skeptical about dumping a bunch of money into that thing. I suggest doing a mild lift,no more than 3", tires no bigger than 31s, and upgrading the steering to ZJ components. Your lift can be done with spacers and shackles, cheaply and effectively. Again, I would try to keep cost down as low as possible.

Just my opinion. Good luck.

 

Thanks for your input. Only have 600 in it so it’s like I got a freebie

 

I would consider that a parts vehicle and be looking for another chasis to put that driveline in.

If you were doing your own work or making a trail only rig then I would consider using what your have.

I also agree to not go big at the start and don't get suckered into RC marketing and pricing.

 

Agreed, especially on the RC stuff. Predatory company built from substandard products and service from unsuspecting wallets. I will never recommend them.

 

Thanks for your input.

 

There are some very knowledgeable people on this forum when it comes to the XJ, most replies on this thread are going to be like the ones previously posted.
When I first got my Cherokee I wanted 5 inch lift and 33s right away. As I learned about modifying these specific vehicles and about brands that make modifications for them, I pretty quickly changed plans. I’m now at 3 inch with 31s and it’s one of the most capable vehicles off-road I’ve ever been in. Keep in mind how small the Cherokee is aswell. For a hunting rig you definitely don’t need much modifications to get out there in an XJ. Like said before 3 inch or a little less and 31 inch tires Is definitely the sweet spot. Stock gearing works good and all you really need for the lift is springs and lower control arms.
As for the body, looks bad to me, but I have 0 experience in bodywork on any unibody vehicles so I can’t give much input.

 

Thanks for your positive reply. This rig will be another hunting rig for me. No rock crawling around here and if there were I would not be doing that as I have zero interest. Strictly muddy trails in the deep woods. The body not hit as bad as the photo depicts. Yes, most likely the floor may be slightly wrinkled and will need attention. The remainder of the vehicle is solid from front to back. As far as quote, "sell for parts" Naaa, don't think so. I will update as I plug along. Thanks again for your opinion.

 

If it's strictly an off road rig, then I wouldn't even bother with the body problems. Just do a mild lift and tires and you're good to go. I just hate seeing someone dump needless money into a project. Parts only? Nah...if you did a puck and shackle lift, and put 31s on it, then you'll probably keep your entire cost, purchase price included, under 1500. Pretty cheap hunting rig that will serve you well for many years.

I still think you're underestimating the severity of the body damage. Again, I'd leave it alone, and just wheel it.

 

Thanks. I will update as I move forward on the journey.

 

Looks can be deceiving. This is what i see needing some degree of work.

A pillar
door hinges front and rear
doors front and rear
floorpan
outer rocker
inner rocker
B pillar + door strikers
C pillar + door strikers
roof should be looked over
and any misc. bracing on that side of the vehicle

Be thorough, obviously. What appears to be a relatively easy fix might not be. Its a unibody. Parts get pushed while others get pulled. And vice versa. Been there and done that.

 

Thanks for your input. Much appreciated

 

Are both the front seats power & heated leather by any chance? If so, I’d like to buy the wiring harness off you. I can give instructions on where to unbolt & unhook the harness.

Since it’s a hunting rig, I’d do up to, 2 inch spacers in the front & up to a 2 inch shackle lift in the rear. Now it’s time for longer shocks. When replacing the rear shocks, you might want to buy “flag nuts”, the rear upper shock mounting points are notorious for breaking. Don’t forget longer brake hoses. Got afew extra dollars to throw at it, maybe go braided stainless steel brake hoses. Slow crawling in the woods? Maybe a larger transmission cooler. Maybe one of those 3 row / 3 fan radiators to help keep it cool. How aggressively are you wheeling it? Skid plates? Proper recovery points front & rear are always good. I have a “D’ ring that mounts into the rear 2" receiver. CURT makes a front receiver that would stiffen up the front a little. Maybe take the front fenders off (don’t cut), & see if you can sell the front fenders. Maybe the same for the header panel. This will help pay for your "upgrades".

 

Thanks for your input! Much appreciated. The seats in my rig are not power seats. Just thought if the nicer Grand Cherokee seats would retrofit, some day I might change them out. Not concerned about using the power seat feature. As for as being aggressive with the rig, It will be used for normal hunting. Occasionally would have the need to be able to move through big muddy ruts but not often. Really want the 4.5 lift and 33/12.50's for appearance. I have the cash to put into it over time but I will be frugal as well. Afterall, it is a hunting rig. .

 

The lift won’t get you ground clearance. It’s the tires that will lift you over obstacles. Larger tires will require regearing the front / rear axles to keep you in the power band. Removing the front fenders will help with bigger tires. Same for cutting the rear fenders. It will also help keep your center of gravity low. https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f59/ic...flares-107346/