Correct. Got to get the chunk off the ground.

 

I originally posted under the lift and tire section thread with no response so I figured I would just add my question to my thread. See below.

Hello from the Southland!! I have a 2000 Cherokee 4x4 that I am converting to my hunting rig. Zero rock climbing for me. Just a hunting rig on muddy trails from time to time during deer and turkey season. At first, I thought HEY! I will jack it up with a 4.5 suspension lift and 33/12.50's and I am set. Well, after joining the forum and reading all of the massive amount of information, I have discovered it is not that simple. There are a lot of things that may or not need to be done with that set up. Brake lines, drive shaft, different gear ratio and on and on. I am not going to the top of a mountain. I am going in the swamp on old logging roads in the deep south. With all that said, I want it to have a little beefy look with my rattle can camo paint job that I will eventually do. Here is the question. What is the biggest lift I can do without having all the additional expense of all the other crap that would have to be modified or changed out with a 4.5" lift. What would be the biggest mud tire I could stuff under the rig. I don't mind if I had to do a slight trim on the fender. I think you know what I am looking for. Your suggestions and ideas are much appreciated........Thanks

 

See post #2 of this thread. Read the last paragraph.

 

 

Had a body guy look at the red rig. Said he could fix it but way cheaper to just find a donor rig and switch out the body. Well, I bought the donor rig a few weeks ago for 400 bucks and it still runs. The interior is toast but who cares. Looking forward to getting started on the project.

 

Good call! and good luck with the rest of the project

 

Thank you. So looking forward to getting going!

 

Well, I have been driving the 2000 XJ around from time to time. I have run about 5 tanks of gas through it. Runs and shifts out great. Absolutely ZERO leaks of any kind. I am ready to get started on this. I found a donor 1999 4x4 rig and bought it. Got it .extremely cheap and there is zero body damage and no rust. Inside trashed but who cares. I have already been told I have 2 options. 1) cut out all of the damage on the 2000 model then cut out what is needed for the repairs off of the 1999 model. Or 2) swap the unibody from the 1999 and put it on the 2000 model. I am not a mechanic and I am not a body guy. I know this thing can be fixed. How difficult would it be to just switch the unibodies out.. I appreciate your input.

 

You can fix a unibody by cutting and welding in parts. How safe it would be on the streets probably depends on how extensive the cutting out and welding in is. For the woods, cut away, weld it in and maybe add some extended lower rockers to stiffen it and add some side "tree" protection.

I have never seen a true body swap with a XJ. The most common swap is to swap drivetrain and interiors. I will be interested in your progress, so keep posting some pictures.

Years ago, I ran a stock 84 XJ both on the road and in the muddy woods. I never got it stuck as I always was able to carry enough
speed into a bad mud hole. I would go where a high lifted full size truck would have to winch himself out of! The weight of the XJ lets you stay on top without high centering with a little speed (and soft gumbo mud). If you have a winding trail through trees, you might have a problem in deep ruts if it is a hard soil outside the ruts but no room to drive around them. My current XJ serves a dual purpose as a hunting vehicle and a vehicle for easy beach access. I enjoy driving a XJ, although I am not fond of the mileage!

 

Thank you for your insight. I appreciate it. I really want to get this project going. The red one really is a cream puff as for as the engine transmission etc. An old disabled lady had it since new. I was probably the first person to put in 4 wheel drive. Never been in the woods are on a muddy trail. If I can get this body stuff figured out I can get going with all that I want to do. Thanks again!

 

Before

On the frame machine

Closeup
Well, I am finally getting started. I remember when I originally started the post, a few threw some shade and said to sell for parts. Said could not be fixed. Well, it can. We thought there may be some serious cutting. Well, not the case. This body guy has been at it for 40 years. As it turns out, after the frame machine work he does not even need to cut out anything. He found a little rust on the passenger floor and will fix that as well. I know it looks rough now but he said when finished it is going to be a great hunting rig.

 

Underway!