The family truckster got totaled last winter, so I am getting something to replace it. I've been all over the map on what to get. We've had a couple CJ's in the family and we would love a late model Wrangler or even a YJ, but we know we'd just end up spending more than we'd like and we need plenty of room--family of four plus a coon dog.

We have settled on a Cherokee. I've found one dirt cheap that needs a little mechanical love. It's a '96, and I plan on building it up a little bit.

My two main requirements are that the truck is reliable and practical.

I am not building a rock crawler or a show truck. I need it to get me to work in the winter when it snows and I don't want to drive with white knuckles the whole way in my little Hyundai commuter car.

I hunt and fish. It has to be able to get me down mild trails with no worries.

I would like 31" tires. I am researching the best way to get this done. I guess a combo of lift and fender trimming is best. I do not want drivetrain issues, so I do not want more lift and/or tire than the truck can handle.

Any advice/comments is much appreciated.

 

Welcome to the forum from Fantic.
Two inch budget lift clears 31s, no need to trim fenders.
Look for NP242 transfer cases that have also the full time 4x4 that is great on snow.

 

Thanks for the welcome.

What budget lifts do you recommend? I though there would be a lot of rubbing with 2" of lift and 31's.

I'll check into the transfer case.

 

I have a 3" BDS lift that works well for me, and I tuck 31's no problem. Dunno how it'd be on your 96 though.

Even without the lift your truck should be fine on mild trails. I wouldn't worry too much.

 

Welcome, from Maryland. Agree withg the above on the budget boost. Rusty's gives you a decent one,http://rustysoffroad.com/mm5/merchan...ode=sus_xj_kit.
Then a set of 31 10.50's on stock wheels works fine. You should have a NP231 transfer case. It will do just fine in the snow.

 

Ok, the current plan is to add coil spacers and shackles (not sure what brand yet) and 31" tires.

What other drivetrain, suspension, engine mods are recommended on a '96? My main goal is reliability. I don't plan on any hardcore off-roading for the sake of hardcore off-roading, but when I do go in the woods I will most likely be alone. I do plan to add a winch that I'll hopefully never have to use, but I was curious if there are any must-do tricks and tips for the gen Jeep.

 

Welcome to CF.