BigMikey

I have a 91 Cherokee 4x4 4.0L 4 door that I use strictly for offroading. I do drive it on the streets/highway to get to the 'offroading areas' , but I only ever drive it when im going offroading.


Ive for a 4.5" short arm lift, 33x12.50x15 tires, D35 in the rear, d30 up front (axles are stock). all tie rods etc are stock


Im a bit of a newb, but im trying to learn and do my own work on it....well my tight budget also forces me to do my own work haha


I have never worked on a vehicle prior to this one.....and the first things I had to do last month is replace the rad, tstat and steering gearbox. I was overheating and the gearbox was hurtin, so I swapped them out.


All good, then I went offroading yesterday and snapped the pass side front axle at the wheel where it holds the ujoint in.


So now im wondering about upgrades. Im on a tight budget so I can spend a lot of cash. But, basically I want to get some advice. If I put $500-750 of parts into my rig this year , what should I focus on?


Im getting a free axle shaft to replace the broken one...so that's great. but ive read on here that the zj track bar/tie rod swap is a great cheap upgrade, so I will prob do that.


I also might be able to get my hands on a 8.25 rear diff with a Spartan locker in it already for around the $200 range and the guy will help me swap it out.


What else should I look at doing this year with the $500-750 I will have to spend this year?




Thanks in advance.

Fred/N0AZZ

The Chry 8.25 is a good deal I would pop for that also for $200. I just did the tie rod upgrade using all new parts from AutoZone for under $100, real upgrade as far as strength.

With a 4 1/2" lift you do need an aftermarket Trackbar. Don't go cheap on one buy a higher quality one in the beginning. My XJ had a cheap one on it when I bought it, now replacing with a double shear.

If and when money permits shocks are always a good investment JMO.

unidentifiedbomb

Do you have sway bar disconnects? What kind of lift kit is it and how are the arms? Flex joints will give you better articulation and longer life compared to poly bushings that fight your rig to flex.

BigMikey

sway bar is removed


I was told it was a rubicon express lift


I will see if I have any pics of the suspension the way it sits now

BigMikey

this is the only pic I have of the susp - jeep is at my folks place in the nice warm garage haha


this was actually taken earlier tonight when I pulled out the broken axle shaft

SeriousOffroad

Long Arms.

andrewmp6

8.25 swap first then i would look in to beefing up the front dana 30 since you already broke a axle in it.Next on the list to me would be frame/chassis frame reinforcement kit and rock sliders then off road bumpers.

BigMikey

I don't really do any 'crawling' .....just lots of mudding!!! haha....

andrewmp6

Even just mudding you need a winch for when you get stuck.The frame reinforcement kit will stiffen up the body and remove any flex it has.