LSK

So I just picked up my cherokee, 98 auto in steel blue with 240k on it.

First cherokee, not my first jeep.

It sat for a bit so I fixed all the immediate issues (fuel lines, rotted exhaust, rattling heat shields, etc.)

It has a 4.5 inch lift with Rancho shocks, and it'll have a new JKS adjustable track bar and a new ARB steering stabilizer this week.

I fully expect this build to get out of hand, but for now I'm just looking to build something I can have some fun with on the cheap.

1st up is wheels, the stock 5 spoke wheels are killing the look and they're tucked in way too far. It has some 31 inch destination ATs, I figured just black steel wheels would work, what backspacing do you guys suggest? they're basically new tires so I'll be switching them on to whatever wheels I get.

Next up: lockers/lsd etc. in the stock housings. I'm not going out and buying a set of curries so whats my best cheapest option here

Next: spare tire mount, 31s dont fit in the stock location and I need to use the trunk for stuff, so the tire needs to go elsewhere. I like the detours hitch option, will not be towing anything so that could work. I wont be running a roof basket with a spare on the roof for multiple reasons so that is out of the picture.

Heres a picture of it with its ugly wheels.

Alpha 1-4

You say you want to have fun on the cheap for now, so don't change anything and go with what you have.
The out of hand build list will all depend on what your intended final purpose is going to be. Daily driver? Weekend warrior? Mud runner? Rock crawler? Overlander? They all have specific parts that work better in one area than others.

LSK

the road manners are awful as is, hence the track bar and stabilizer. I won't end up using it as a daily, but the new toy fun hasn't worn off yet so that's what its currently doing haha.

All that really bothers me now is the wheels, so I'll do that first and take it out and see what happens.

andrewmp6

Those are zj wheels btw,A hitch carrier that you will get this year http://www.wilcooffroad.com/shop/hit...-carrier-jeep/

LSK

ah I knew I they were jeep wheels, but I couldn't remember what they were from.

put a set of decent LED lights on the bumper from Tractor Supply last night, little wiring project and an excuse to pull the mouse nest from behind the dash.

Anyone have suggestions for steel wheels? I know cragar or american racing is the usual, but Quadratec sells 5 pro comp steel wheels for less that $300. Are they crap?

bad_idea

I bought the Cragar Soft 8s for my 90 about 6 months ago. They are 15x8 w/ 4" of backspacing. $265 for four shipped from Quadratec. I have 33x12.5s mounted on them. They took a balance well, no vibes all the way up to 80. Very minor rubbing on the LCAs. So far, so good.

LSK

How wide is it with the 4" backspacing? Mine are pretty far tucked in on the ZJ wheels so I just want to go out a little wider. I still want to somewhat fit in parking spots.

Fred/N0AZZ

If you want a budget wheel for now you can a Summit Racing or a Jegs brand one for about $40 each and the size you need is a 15x8" with 3.75-4" max of BS. I run 33 and 35x12:50x15 on this size wheel. They have free shipping as well on them.


With a 4 1/2" lift you must have an SYE already installed and Adj. U/L CA's to center front wheel in the wheel well and set the driveshaft angle on the front. As for lockers I would wait till you decide on the final size of tires you want to run then if larger install gears/lockers at the same time, just run open till then as carrier size will change with gears and the lockers will have to be changed again.


You need to have a look at the list of items required for what size lift is installed it is a very minimum list to have. It is meant to keep you safe on and off road.


Good luck and have fun!

LSK

That's some good info. I haven't checked for a slip yoke eliminator yet, and I'm still thinking about doing a long arm kit in the future.

I'll check summit or Jeg's for a steel wheel with that backspacing.

bad_idea

With a 15x8 rim with 4" of backspacing with a 33x12.5 you end up with 6.25" from the mounting flange to the outside face of the tire. That is 3.5 inches pass the flare. With the same rim and a 31x10.5 you will have 2.5" past the flare. + or - half an inch.

LSK

excellent. That will be a big improvement over how it currently sits.

Fred/N0AZZ

I prefer the 3.75" BS if it is available in the wheel size/style you choose, that is what I run and no problems.

LSK

yeah I'll try to get as close to 3.75 as I can.

I need to check my dash out first, tach and speedometer are intermittent and the airbag light comes on when they go out. No idea whats going on. lol

LSK

good looks on the 3.75 BS suggestions.

Thanks guys

MWMahoneyJr

Sell those tires and wheels with perfect backspacing and get a couple cans of paint for that house!