97 Cherokee Spools
CF Veteran
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,209
Likes: 5
From: Puyallup wa
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.5L Stroker
Look into clocking your tcase and making a flat belly skid. It's two good mods you don't see done often but really helps for ground clearance. Also if your only going 33s I would suggest a 4.5" Lift and maybe some Napier flat flares. Will be a lot more stable and controlled. Good luck with build. Start a build thread I'd be intrested to see your project
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
Model: Cherokee
Look into clocking your tcase and making a flat belly skid. It's two good mods you don't see done often but really helps for ground clearance. Also if your only going 33s I would suggest a 4.5" Lift and maybe some Napier flat flares. Will be a lot more stable and controlled. Good luck with build. Start a build thread I'd be intrested to see your project
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
Model: Cherokee
Look into clocking your tcase and making a flat belly skid. It's two good mods you don't see done often but really helps for ground clearance. Also if your only going 33s I would suggest a 4.5" Lift and maybe some Napier flat flares. Will be a lot more stable and controlled. Good luck with build. Start a build thread I'd be intrested to see your project
CF Veteran
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,209
Likes: 5
From: Puyallup wa
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.5L Stroker
Personally I think the coils up front and leafs in the back is a good all around setup. The leafs make the xj more stable when side hilling. If you use shackle relocation brackets and a long shackle with some soft leaf springs like the (Old man emu CSO33RB) and some long shocks you can get a lot of flex out back.
As for the front, a good 3 link kit like (BLee off road) with some 4.5" Rubicon express coils will flex and ride great. I'm not a fan of buying kits though. You usually end up with a better setup if you pic the parts individually. But that's up to you.
I'm running 5" of lift with 35s and I think that is a great setup on a cherokee.
As for the front, a good 3 link kit like (BLee off road) with some 4.5" Rubicon express coils will flex and ride great. I'm not a fan of buying kits though. You usually end up with a better setup if you pic the parts individually. But that's up to you.
I'm running 5" of lift with 35s and I think that is a great setup on a cherokee.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 596
Likes: 7
From: Tallahassee, FL
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
What are your plans for your jeep, Rock Climbing vs. Mud Bogging vs. Street Driving all will have different build plans.
How easy or crazy are going to be the trails.
You said "adding a performance package that will add 40% more torque", what packages is that?
Who will be doing all the work? You or are you paying someone?
Be careful, over building it can have its issues (I can hear the WTF from people already), but I have seen people over build their vehicle where they are not challenged or enjoy their Jeeps at the trails down the road anymore, and end up using it only 2-3 times a year as they trailer it to an off-road park, and quickly go "What a waste to have my $15K or ??? Jeep just sit in the driveway"
Also a wickedly built jeep in the hands of a novice can be dangerous, sometimes there is something to be said for building your jeep as you build your skills, it also helps you decide how to build your jeep.
Plus building a killer vehicle right off the bat many times results in a project that never gets finished..... All of a sudden that $10K no problem projects ends up costing $20K gets delayed and you lose interest.
Things to consider when building your jeep that come to my mind;
How easy or crazy are going to be the trails.
You said "adding a performance package that will add 40% more torque", what packages is that?
Who will be doing all the work? You or are you paying someone?
Be careful, over building it can have its issues (I can hear the WTF from people already), but I have seen people over build their vehicle where they are not challenged or enjoy their Jeeps at the trails down the road anymore, and end up using it only 2-3 times a year as they trailer it to an off-road park, and quickly go "What a waste to have my $15K or ??? Jeep just sit in the driveway"
Also a wickedly built jeep in the hands of a novice can be dangerous, sometimes there is something to be said for building your jeep as you build your skills, it also helps you decide how to build your jeep.
Plus building a killer vehicle right off the bat many times results in a project that never gets finished..... All of a sudden that $10K no problem projects ends up costing $20K gets delayed and you lose interest.
Things to consider when building your jeep that come to my mind;
- Added HP (Stoker, Turbo, Supercharger, Motor Swap)
- Added Cooling, (3 row radiator, High Flow Water Pump, tripple fans or upgraded fan clutch), hood vents, etc.
- Trans Cooler !!!!
- Lift Kit - Long Arms, Shackle Relocators, Springs, Shocks, Bumpstops
- Armor - Gas Tank, Transfercase, Transmission, Rock Sliders, Quarter Panel
- Roll Cage - Hybrid, Inside, etc
- Tow Points/Winch Bumper- Proper bumper brackets, Rear Bumper Tie-ins to Hitch mounts, etc.
- Axles - Dana 30 HP (not LP), truss?, 8.25 29spline good to 35's, gears, lockers, etc. If dana 35 in rear swap ASAP to 8.25, 44, or 8.8
- Driveshafts, Tatton, Tom Woods, Adams
- Wheels and Tires?
- Brakes - Disc Brakes in back, extended brake lines
- Steering - 1 ton steering, IRO, B. Lee, and a few others.
- Water tight - if you are going to see deep water - extend breathers, look at a snorkel, or DIY Cowl intake (kits no longer available), etc.
- Frame Stiffeners
- As well as Motor and Trans mounts, Steering box upgrades (PCS, Durango, YJ) and mounting plate, lights, bumpers, Winch, and probably a bunch of other stuff I missed.
Last edited by bryweb; May 19, 2016 at 06:24 PM.
CF Veteran
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 1,242
Likes: 41
From: Newport News, VA
Year: 96 & 88 4 dr Cherokees
a spool in the front will make steering very very very hard......
And I hate to say it, but if you are asking what axles you have, you may be in over your head.
And I hate to say it, but if you are asking what axles you have, you may be in over your head.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
Model: Cherokee
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
Model: Cherokee
What are your plans for your jeep, Rock Climbing vs. Mud Bogging vs. Street Driving all will have different build plans. How easy or crazy are going to be the trails. You said "adding a performance package that will add 40% more torque", what packages is that? Who will be doing all the work? You or are you paying someone? Be careful, over building it can have its issues (I can hear the WTF from people already), but I have seen people over build their vehicle where they are not challenged or enjoy their Jeeps at the trails down the road anymore, and end up using it only 2-3 times a year as they trailer it to an off-road park, and quickly go "What a waste to have my $15K or ??? Jeep just sit in the driveway" Also a wickedly built jeep in the hands of a novice can be dangerous, sometimes there is something to be said for building your jeep as you build your skills, it also helps you decide how to build your jeep. Plus building a killer vehicle right off the bat many times results in a project that never gets finished..... All of a sudden that $10K no problem projects ends up costing $20K gets delayed and you lose interest. Things to consider when building your jeep that come to my mind;[*]Added HP (Stoker, Turbo, Supercharger, Motor Swap)[*]Added Cooling, (3 row radiator, High Flow Water Pump, tripple fans or upgraded fan clutch), hood vents, etc.[*]Trans Cooler !!!![*]Lift Kit - Long Arms, Shackle Relocators, Springs, Shocks, Bumpstops[*]Armor - Gas Tank, Transfercase, Transmission, Rock Sliders, Quarter Panel[*]Roll Cage - Hybrid, Inside, etc[*]Tow Points/Winch Bumper- Proper bumper brackets, Rear Bumper Tie-ins to Hitch mounts, etc.[*]Axles - Dana 30 HP (not LP), truss?, 8.25 29spline good to 35's, gears, lockers, etc. If dana 35 in rear swap ASAP to 8.25, 44, or 8.8[*]Driveshafts, Tatton, Tom Woods, Adams[*]Wheels and Tires?[*]Brakes - Disc Brakes in back, extended brake lines[*]Steering - 1 ton steering, IRO, B. Lee, and a few others.[*]Water tight - if you are going to see deep water - extend breathers, look at a snorkel, or DIY Cowl intake (kits no longer available), etc.[*]As well as Motor and Trans mounts, Steering box upgrades (PCS, Durango, YJ) and mounting plate, lights, bumpers, Winch, and probably a bunch of other stuff I missed.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
Model: Cherokee
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
Model: Cherokee
What are your plans for your jeep, Rock Climbing vs. Mud Bogging vs. Street Driving all will have different build plans. How easy or crazy are going to be the trails. You said "adding a performance package that will add 40% more torque", what packages is that? Who will be doing all the work? You or are you paying someone? Be careful, over building it can have its issues (I can hear the WTF from people already), but I have seen people over build their vehicle where they are not challenged or enjoy their Jeeps at the trails down the road anymore, and end up using it only 2-3 times a year as they trailer it to an off-road park, and quickly go "What a waste to have my $15K or ??? Jeep just sit in the driveway" Also a wickedly built jeep in the hands of a novice can be dangerous, sometimes there is something to be said for building your jeep as you build your skills, it also helps you decide how to build your jeep. Plus building a killer vehicle right off the bat many times results in a project that never gets finished..... All of a sudden that $10K no problem projects ends up costing $20K gets delayed and you lose interest. Things to consider when building your jeep that come to my mind;[*]Added HP (Stoker, Turbo, Supercharger, Motor Swap)[*]Added Cooling, (3 row radiator, High Flow Water Pump, tripple fans or upgraded fan clutch), hood vents, etc.[*]Trans Cooler !!!![*]Lift Kit - Long Arms, Shackle Relocators, Springs, Shocks, Bumpstops[*]Armor - Gas Tank, Transfercase, Transmission, Rock Sliders, Quarter Panel[*]Roll Cage - Hybrid, Inside, etc[*]Tow Points/Winch Bumper- Proper bumper brackets, Rear Bumper Tie-ins to Hitch mounts, etc.[*]Axles - Dana 30 HP (not LP), truss?, 8.25 29spline good to 35's, gears, lockers, etc. If dana 35 in rear swap ASAP to 8.25, 44, or 8.8[*]Driveshafts, Tatton, Tom Woods, Adams[*]Wheels and Tires?[*]Brakes - Disc Brakes in back, extended brake lines[*]Steering - 1 ton steering, IRO, B. Lee, and a few others.[*]Water tight - if you are going to see deep water - extend breathers, look at a snorkel, or DIY Cowl intake (kits no longer available), etc.[*]As well as Motor and Trans mounts, Steering box upgrades (PCS, Durango, YJ) and mounting plate, lights, bumpers, Winch, and probably a bunch of other stuff I missed.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 596
Likes: 7
From: Tallahassee, FL
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
OK, well if money was not object and I was going to build an XJ...... I PERSONALLY would build something like this (although ask 20 people you will get 20 different answers)
- Chevy LS or maybe VW 1.8L Turbo Diesel (tons of torque and 30+ mpg) - see video below before you knock a VW motor.
- AW4 Transmission with Trans Cooler, Shift Kit, and Temp Gauge
- Atlas 4sp Transfercase
- Currie Rockjock Dana 60HP or Ford 9" Front Axle with RCV Shafts w/ARB or other selectable locker, 5.38 gears or taller.
- Dana 60 or 14 bolt Rear Shaved, w/Alloy Axles and w/ARB or other selectable locker, plus disc brakes
- Tom Woods driveshafts
- Currie Antirock Swaybar link
- Custom 3 Link Suspension up front with coil overs
- Custom 4 Link Suspension in back with coil overs
- Custom Steering with PCS Gearbox, Pump, and ram assist.
- Boostwerks Steering Gearbox Brace or similar
- Hybrid Roll Bar
- Armored up with aluminum skids underneath
- Custom Rock Sliders.
- Frame Stiffeners front to back
- 40" or about Goodyear MTR with True Beadlocks
- I would cut wheel wells as much as I could and bump stop as much needed to keep a Low Center of Gravity, with 4" - 6" of lift.
- Warn Xeon Platinum 10-12K Winch
- Custom Bumpers and Roof Rack.
- Corbeau or Mastercraft comfy seats w/harnesses
Last edited by bryweb; May 19, 2016 at 06:55 PM.
Seasoned Member
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 404
Likes: 3
From: md
Year: 98
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 6 cyl.
the detroit in the front will also make it hard to steer, consider a e-locker in the front. its selectable to locked or open. i have a detroit in the rear & a e-locker in the front, 90% of my offroad driving is w/ the front unlocked. i only lock the front when i need it then open it back up soon as i can. its amazing where you can go in 3 wheel drive. btw in run 4.56 & 35's w/ a 5" lift, 6 1/2 " would feel to tippy to me.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
Model: Cherokee
Wow, that's one hell of a beast. If money were no object that would be awesome, I could see myself doing something similar. Id like to keep the whole build under 20k. I'm looking to invest around 6 grand over the next two months making my first modifications, first will be the Detroit lockers, lift, along with wheels and tires and 4.56 gears. I've been going back and forth between the size of lift I think would be best. Initially I wanted to go with 4.5 and 33's, but I know I'm going to want to get in the water and think I should go higher, maybe 8" and 35's. Snorkel kit and waterproofing will be a must for me, which may interfere with the supercharger kit unless something can be fabricated, but I'm okay if that ends up not being an option. I can still increase torque really well without forced induction. Thoughts?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
Model: Cherokee
the detroit in the front will also make it hard to steer, consider a e-locker in the front. its selectable to locked or open. i have a detroit in the rear & a e-locker in the front, 90% of my offroad driving is w/ the front unlocked. i only lock the front when i need it then open it back up soon as i can. its amazing where you can go in 3 wheel drive. btw in run 4.56 & 35's w/ a 5" lift, 6 1/2 " would feel to tippy to me.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 925
Likes: 6
From: Eagle River, Alaska
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
I have a spartan locker in the front and 95% of the time I forget about it till I get a little click while doing a u turn type turn. It has very nice road manners.