Lifelong Jeep owner, first Cherokee
11-01-2012, 04:21 AM
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Model: Cherokee
Lifelong Jeep owner, first Cherokee
Hello all! Have been lurking here for along time, and gained a lot of knowledge so first off thanks to everyone for all the information, plans, and pictures.
I learned to drive on a '78 CJ5 with a 3 speed and a 304. After that I've never met anything with 4 wheels I couldn't drive. Drove that Jeep all through high school, with lots of mods along the way. Still own it although it doesn't run anymore. Will restore it one day when I hit the lottery.
Recently got a 1996 Cherokee Classic to be a DD and winter/trail vehicle. I live in the great Midwest so, no rock crawling here, just lots of farm and woods trails, mud, and snow.
Unfortunately, turned out the floorpans were pretty much gone, as well as the usual rocker rust and some problems with the doors (missing check straps resulting in torn hinges). Anyway, I have already started restoring and modding it. Luckily I have access to a couple of good MIG units (love that Miller 350p), plasma cutter, etc. So far we have replaced all the floor pans with 14g plate, added crossmembers under that, boxed the frame rails with 3/16 overlapped channel, internal 1/4 inch plate, and 3/16 inch plate in the cargo area. Finished that up with 2x6 rocker/sliders which are tied into the new channel rail frame around the floorpans. New seat mounts, and a few more things along the way. Most of these ideas came from the forums and the Jeep is rock solid now. No squeaks or rattles, doors close with a 'thunk' and just feels solid. Calling it the 'Up-armored Cherokee'
Next up is a lift, probably going with a Zone 4.5 and a few other parts including a hitch. Currently on 225/75's with some 16 inch Grand wheels. Looking to go with 31/33's eventually. Will probably fab up some custom bumpers over the winter as well.
Have lots of pics to share of the work done so far, and loving being back in a real 4x4 again!
Thanks and look forward to talking more with everyone!
(Pic 1 before, Pic 2 after with new rockers just installed)
I learned to drive on a '78 CJ5 with a 3 speed and a 304. After that I've never met anything with 4 wheels I couldn't drive. Drove that Jeep all through high school, with lots of mods along the way. Still own it although it doesn't run anymore. Will restore it one day when I hit the lottery.
Recently got a 1996 Cherokee Classic to be a DD and winter/trail vehicle. I live in the great Midwest so, no rock crawling here, just lots of farm and woods trails, mud, and snow.
Unfortunately, turned out the floorpans were pretty much gone, as well as the usual rocker rust and some problems with the doors (missing check straps resulting in torn hinges). Anyway, I have already started restoring and modding it. Luckily I have access to a couple of good MIG units (love that Miller 350p), plasma cutter, etc. So far we have replaced all the floor pans with 14g plate, added crossmembers under that, boxed the frame rails with 3/16 overlapped channel, internal 1/4 inch plate, and 3/16 inch plate in the cargo area. Finished that up with 2x6 rocker/sliders which are tied into the new channel rail frame around the floorpans. New seat mounts, and a few more things along the way. Most of these ideas came from the forums and the Jeep is rock solid now. No squeaks or rattles, doors close with a 'thunk' and just feels solid. Calling it the 'Up-armored Cherokee'
Next up is a lift, probably going with a Zone 4.5 and a few other parts including a hitch. Currently on 225/75's with some 16 inch Grand wheels. Looking to go with 31/33's eventually. Will probably fab up some custom bumpers over the winter as well.
Have lots of pics to share of the work done so far, and loving being back in a real 4x4 again!
Thanks and look forward to talking more with everyone!
(Pic 1 before, Pic 2 after with new rockers just installed)
11-01-2012, 07:58 PM
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Year: 2004
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 4.7L V8
Good looking XJ. The '97 ZJ I owned had those wheels on it, but it ran w/245x70x16"s. That comes out to about 29 &1/2" x 9 &1/2"s.
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