Tr1ps

Hey guys whatsup. So my dad just bought a '96 jeep cherokee for $400. Its in pretty good shape, it has 124k miles on it, 4x4, leather. He's already fixed a few things on it such as the driverside headlight, the front piece that goes across the front thats right below the hood (cant think of the name of it atm lol), mirror, so far none of these parts have cost him a thing seeing as how he works in a body shop and they're two jeeps around the same year just sitting down there. He's gotta get a new front windshield for it and also new tires. My question for you is, what are some cheap mods? and what are some good (cheaper) off road/ winter tires that look good? And where's the best place to get them at? Also, a friend told him he could lift it 2" for about $30... anyone know if this is true? The previous owner painted the stock wheels gloss black and my dad is thinking of painting the whole truck camouflage, I think that would be pretty cool but I think it would look better with a fresh coat of black paint on it. He's been in the paint and body buisness for 20 years so he can fix all body and paint damage thats on it. Not sure if he's going to keep it or fix it up and sell it but if you guys want I can get you some pics of it?

MasterShakeXJ

you can do a 2" BB for pretty cheap with junkyard parts. like s-10 leafs and some longer coils. different shocks and relocate hardlines. not sure of an exact price though. BFG is always a good name for tires, but theyre not cheap. i've seen some pep boys brand MT's that are pretty aggressive and good offroad as well as on the road, dont remember the name. will it be a DD? AT and MT tires both have their pluses and minuses, just shop around. i think ntwonline.com(maybe) is good as well as tirerack.com



oh and welcome from VA/WV

jonb8

Welcome from W.V.

BlueXJ

Welcome from TEXAS. Yes a BB of 2" can be done cheaply but I think $30 is a little low. For frony coils mid 80s era F150 coils work but give a harsh ride. You already heard about the S10 rear leaves and relocating brake lines but the shocks are up to you.

Yes send us some pics. The part you could not remember is the cowl.

BuckB91XJ

Welcome to CF from Washington state. Sounds like you have the beginnings of a pretty nice budget XJ, there. Having a Dad that can do body work is great!!! Gloss black paint with gloss black wheels looks pretty mean and cool at the same time.
There are several companies out there offering what is called a Budget Boost. They are typically in the 1.5-2" area. I have a Daystar budget boost on my XJ. I got it from Rocky Road Outfitters for around $80 shipped. It was spacers on the front and shackles for the rear. The best deal on mud tires around right now, in my opinion, is Tread Wright re-treads. They have their new Good year MTR lookalikes available in 30x9.50s. These would look pretty tuff with a 2" lift.

drakan1908

Welcome to CF from Va.

Oregon

Welcome. I'd recommend:
2 inch budget boost $80.00 (coil spacers in front, blocks in rear) vb
31x10.50R15 Maxxis Trepador tires $590.00 shipped
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/4-NEW...#ht_1350wt_905

That would give you a good stance, aggressive look, ok wheeling ability, and keep it a comfortable daily driver.

If painting it go with Desert Tan. There is a build on here https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f46/project-desert-metal-build-up-337/ . Looks really good when done

BuckB91XJ

Shackles are preferable over blocks because blocks create wheel hop.

Oregon

True, and they are easy to install.

BuckB91XJ

4 nuts and bolts per side for blocks vs, 2 nuts and bolts per side for shackles...and as you lift with shackles they automatically angle the pinion for the lift. We could debate this all day, really. Blocks and shackle both work good for an inexpensive way to lift the rear.

xer0

he may be thinking you can do a body lift with just pucks. but u cant on a Cherokee because it is a uni-body

BuckB91XJ

I was sure we had everybody on this forum knowing you can't put a body lift on an XJ, by now.

Oregon

No, Just coil spacers... No body lift is common knowledge

Howler_GT

Welcome to CF from Eastern PA.

FYI: Many people are not aware of the unibody construction of the XJ. Most times, people hear the word JEEP and automatically picture CJ-style customizing.

REWSTER

welcome from IN, and if you want a cheep lift check out ^howlers^ spacers for the front and S10 packs in the rear and the flat tan like mentioned before is what i woud do just my oppenion though good luck with the build