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New SoCal Owner
Hi everyone,
A gal pal of mine recommended this forum and I have been lurking/reading for a while and just recently registered. My boyfriend and I had been tossing around the idea of getting a 4x4 for a while because we like to go camping and some of the areas that we would like to go are not accessible or at least safely accessible with the vehicles we have now. My mechanic who is a 4x4 person and the friend that directed me here both suggested Cherokees because of their low cost, availability of parts and performance. So I recently bought a 97 Cherokee and i will post the build down below. This vehicle will likely not become a daily driver although it would be nice to have a spare vehicle for daily driving in case one of our current daily drivers needs to be in a shop for a while. Our focus with this vehicle is to take camping and also to get us to our mountain property that we plan on getting within the next 2 years where it can snow quite a bit during the winter. It is all stock except for the 235 75 r15s and the aftermarket stereo put in by the previous owner. It is also 100% manual all the way around...windows, door locks, transmission etc. We really don't want to put a lift on it if at all possible, but my mechanic doesn't want me to tall skinny tires on it. It is my understanding that 31" tires with the wheel wells trimmed if "off-set wheels?" are used. I would appreciate some input on this and other things, keeping in mind that we do not have deep pockets or a desire to crawl over boulders. We got it with a 115,000 miles on it and the engine checked out well at the mechanics. The vehicle had never had a tune up done on it as it had all the original components on it. That is the first thing i have done with it. It has about 20% of of the brakes remains and needs new rotors. The shocks also need to be replaced. It has some rust just above the seal of the windshield where it meets the roof. We bought some Ospho to treat it. It may have a little rust through as I might have seen a gap. We would like to treat all the rust, push out a dent that size of a beach ball where the gas filling door is and then paint the whole thing in a brownish bed liner. We will also be a heavy duty bumper with guards on the front and towing on the front and rear to use with a hitch style wench. We would also like the have a heavy duty rear bumper with attachments to hold 2 metal gas cans. So far the junk yards have yielded a front skid plate and the short diagonal one that I think y'all call a transfer case skid. We also were able to get a towing hitch for the rear. The instrument panel on it now it the basic one with lights instead of gauge needles, so we found one that has the needles on it and says 150,000 miles on it. Not sure if a mechanic can adjust the mileage to reflect the true mileage of the vehicle. We also found 2 front hooks and a rear loopy thing for getting pulled out of mud. We haven't found the other skid plates yet. Other things we want to do are the DIY roof rack, it currently has a thule rack on it now for a bike and surfboard. We would also like some a couple of lights on it. We will be having rings welded on to the hitches or bumpers. I think the link below will take you to pictures of it: https://www.cherokeeforum.com/member...9/albums/omba/ Any suggestions/input is appreciated Here is the build sheet: Gross Vehicle Weight Rating 4001 - 5000 lbs Series SE Engine 4.0L I-6 HO MFI (ERH) Unleaded-Gasoline Country of Manufacture United States Manufacturer Jeep Corporation Vehicle Type Without side airbags Body Style 4-door Sport Utility Assembly Plant Toledo South Plant, Ohio, USA Model Lines Cherokee 4wd (LHD) Series / Trim SE Model Year 1997 Monotone Paint 117 Amp Alternator 500 Amp Maintenance Free Battery Power Front Disc/Rear Drum Brakes Reclining Front Seats Rear Fold w/Removable Cushion Seat Traveling Inboard Seat Belt Buckle Next Generation Front Air Bags** Carpets - Floor and Cargo Area Cargo Compartment Carpet Cargo Tie Down Loops Plastic Liftgate Trim Panel Passenger Assist Handles Lift Gate Assist Handle Full Length Floor Console Command-Trac Part Time 4WD System Dana M30/181MM Front Axle Corporate 8.25 Rear Axle Tinted Windshield Glass Front Door Tinted Glass Tinted Rr Drs/Qtr/Liftgate Glass Rear View Day/Night Mirror Deluxe Insulation Group 100 MPH Primary Speedometer Var Intermittent Windshield Wipers Cigar Lighter Dual Note Electric Horns 12V Auxiliary Power Outlet DESCRIPTION NOT AVAILABLE DESCRIPTION NOT AVAILABLE DESCRIPTION NOT AVAILABLE DESCRIPTION NOT AVAILABLE DESCRIPTION NOT AVAILABLE Headlamps On Warning Chimes Glove Box Lamp Front Dome Lamp Halogen Headlamps CHMSL Lamp Front Bumper Guards Black Windshield Moldings Rear Qtr Solid Window Insert Belt Moldings Body Color Drip Trough Molding Black Door Handles Silver/Chrome Badging EVAP Control System 20 Gallon Fuel Tank Dark Blue Pearl Coat Power Steering Normal Duty Suspension Front Stabilizer Bar Rear Stabilizer Bar Compact Spare Tire Inside Mounted Spare Tire P215/75R15 BSW Wrangler AP Tires Upgraded OBD-II Connectors Tethered Fuel Filler Cap Build To U.S. Mkt. Specifications Payload Rating - 1800# U.S. Dealer Retail Zone 53-Minneapolis XK-Vehicle Family JS-Vehicle Family Minnesota State Code Minnesota State Code Prem Cloth Hi-Back Bucket Seats DESCRIPTION NOT AVAILABLE SE Decor Group DESCRIPTION NOT AVAILABLE High Back Bucket Seats Highline Door Trim Panel All Manual Transmissions 5-Speed Manual Transmission 3.07 Rear Axle Ratio All Engines 4.0L I6 Power Tech Engine Rear Window Defroster Power Mirrors, Fold-Away All Vehicles W/Power Mirrors Air Conditioning Analog Instrument Cluster Instrument Panel Black Bezel Rear Window Wiper/Washer DESCRIPTION NOT AVAILABLE Shift Indicator Warning Lamp Black Front Bumper Black Rear Bumper Front License Plate Bracket Black Grille Federal Emissions Dark Blue All Radio Equipped Vehicles AM/FM Radio 2 Speakers Fixed Long Mast Antenna Luxury Steering Wheel Goodyear Brand Tires 15X7.0 Styled Steel Wheels All Steel Wheels Manuf Statement of Origin 8 Additional Gallons of Gas Spring - Left Front Spring - Left Rear Spring - Right Front Spring - Right Rear Customer Preferred Package 2TB Customer Preferred Package 25B No Charge Air Conditioning Customer Preferred Discount |
welcome welcome!
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You want an offroad toy, but you don't want to lift it? :confused1:
I can suggest the setup I have. Get 31"s and a 2" lift kit. I used coil spacers in the front and am putting shackles in the back. Gave my Jeep enough clearance on the 31" tires with stock wheels. My 31"s actually cleared with no lift for a while haha. A 2" lift is easy and you don't have to mess with anything else. |
Welcome from Wisconsin. Not trying to be rude, but your profile stats. say 1991. Your intro and pics say 1997. (I happen to like '91's myself.) The first thing I would do, is fix the rust above the windshield (before it becomes a hole, if it has not already) and leads to floor pan rust. You, folks are like me. I use my XJ mostly for a hunting, camping, dog hauler, and bad weather vehicle. But you still need to drive it to the places you want to go. So if I was you, (And in the near future) I would check into a 2" OLD MAN EMU suspensions systems. They are the best ride and handling ones available. And you wouldn't have to trim the fenders to fit 31". In the mean time the 235's wouldn't look bad, till you wear them out. Because you don't plan on climbing over boulders, It doesn't have to ride like a lumber wagon just to get alittle height. Here is a site with PDF format Mopar - Chrysler OEM parts catalogs for your year XJ. These are handy because they show exploded views of every thing. Not just for the part numbers.http://www.xjjeeps.com/ And it is FREE. The build sheet you listed must be a dealerships listing. You can get the actual build sheet from Jeep. Fill it out and ask for the build sheet. Here is the website. http://www.jeep.com/wccsapp/universa...ull&category=U this mine, According to our records, your vehicle was equipped from the factory
with the following: *XL Leather Trimmed Bucket Seats -SA AHT Trailer Tow Group APAS Monotone Paint ARPP Limited Decor Group BAFP 130 Amp Alternator BGAS Power Front Disc/Rear Drum Brakes CACP Low Back Bucket Seats CDBP Reclining Front Seats CFMS Rear Folding Seat CKBP Floor Carpet CKNP Cargo Compartment Carpet CKTP Cargo Tie Down Loops CKVP MOPAR Third Row Cargo Bins w/Table CLEP Front & Rear Floor Mats CSAP Spare Tire Cover CSCP Cargo Compartment Cover CUFP Full Length Floor Console CUNP Overhead Console DGB All 4-Speed Automatic Transmissions DGSS 4-Speed Automatic AW4 Transmission DHAS Lock-Up Torque Converter DHPP Selec-Trac Full Time 4WD System DHSS Floor Mount Automatic Shift Lever DJHS Dana M30/181MM Front Axle DMDS 3.55 Rear Axle Ratio DRMP Dana 35C/194MM Rear Axle ERH 4.0L I6 Power Tech Engine GAJP Sunscreen Glass GBBS Tinted Windshield Glass GCBS Front Door Tinted Glass GEC Front Left Side Sliding Window GFAP Rear Window Defroster GNCP Sun Visors w/Illum Vanity Mirrors GRKP Left Power Mirror GSKP Right Power Mirror GTKP Power Mirrors GVBC All Vehicles W/Power Mirrors GXMP Remote Keyless Entry HAAP Air Conditioning HGDP Deluxe Insulation Group JAYP Instrument Cluster w/Tach JCAS 85 MPH Primary Speedometer JGBP Digital Clock JHAP Var Intermittent Windshield Wipers JHBP Rear Window Wiper/Washer JJAS Cigar Lighter JPAP Power Windows JPBP Power Locks JPTP Power Front Driver/Passenger Seats LACP Illuminated Entry LAJP Headlamps On Warning Chimes LBBP Courtesy Lamps LBCS Glove Box Lamp LBDP Ash Tray Lamp LBEP Cigar Lighter LDAP Underhood Lamp LDBP Cargo Compartment Lamp LHDP Headlamp Off Time Delay LMAS Halogen Headlamps LNJP Fog Lamps LSAP Security Alarm MBPP Body Color Front Bumper MBQP Body Color Rear Bumper w/Step Pads MCAP Front Bumper Guards MCBP Rear Bumper Guards MDA Front License Plate Bracket MFKP Body Color Grille MHAP Black Windshield Moldings MMCS Upper Door Frame Moldings MMGS Belt Moldings MMKP Body Color Drip Trough Molding MTAS Bright Liftgate Applique MWGP Roof Rack NAAS Federal Emissions NBKS EVAP Control System NFAS 20 Gallon Fuel Tank NHBP Auxiliary Transmission Oil Cooler NHMP Speed Control NMCP Heavy Duty Engine Cooling PS7 Dark Silver Metallic QS7S Dark Silver Metallic Clear Coat RAAC All Radio Equipped Vehicles RAFP AM/FM Cassette Radio RCGP 6 Speakers RDCP Power Antenna SBAS Power Rack and Pinion Steering SCGP Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel SFAS Standard Duty Shock Absorbers SGAS Rear Shock Absorbers SUAP Tilt Steering Column TBB Full Size Spare Tire TBLS Inside Mounted Spare Tire TRMA P225/75R16 BSW On/Off Road Tires TZAP Goodyear Brand Tires WJGP 15" Aluminum Wheels WLZC All Aluminum Wheels YAAS Build To U.S. Mkt. Specifications Z03P Rear Spring Group Iii Z59P Left Front Spring Group Ix Z78P Right Front Spring Group VIII Thanks for driving Jeep, have a great day! I hope these are helpful, and have a good day. |
1 Attachment(s)
Congrats on your first Jeep purchase. It doesn't look bad. As stated above, the 2" lift might be your best bet for 31" tires on stock wheels.
Attachment 371403 |
Originally Posted by FisherXJ
(Post 1800200)
welcome welcome!
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Originally Posted by maximan1
(Post 1800514)
You want an offroad toy, but you don't want to lift it? :confused1:
I can suggest the setup I have. Get 31"s and a 2" lift kit. I used coil spacers in the front and am putting shackles in the back. Gave my Jeep enough clearance on the 31" tires with stock wheels. My 31"s actually cleared with no lift for a while haha. A 2" lift is easy and you don't have to mess with anything else. what brand of shackle and spacers do you have if i may ask and which tires are you running? we did come across a xj in a yard with a shock called a rs5000 and one was removed and we didn't know how to tell if they were in good condition or if they would benefit us. |
Originally Posted by 91 limited owner
(Post 1800644)
Welcome from Wisconsin. Not trying to be rude, but your profile stats. say 1991. Your intro and pics say 1997. (I happen to like '91's myself.) The first thing I would do, is fix the rust above the windshield (before it becomes a hole, if it has not already) and leads to floor pan rust. You, folks are like me. I use my XJ mostly for a hunting, camping, dog hauler, and bad weather vehicle. But you still need to drive it to the places you want to go. So if I was you, (And in the near future) I would check into a 2" OLD MAN EMU suspensions systems. They are the best ride and handling ones available. And you wouldn't have to trim the fenders to fit 31". In the mean time the 235's wouldn't look bad, till you wear them out. Because you don't plan on climbing over boulders, It doesn't have to ride like a lumber wagon just to get alittle height. Here is a site with PDF format Mopar - Chrysler OEM parts catalogs for your year XJ. These are handy because they show exploded views of every thing. Not just for the part numbers.http://www.xjjeeps.com/ And it is FREE. The build sheet you listed must be a dealerships listing. You can get the actual build sheet from Jeep. Fill it out and ask for the build sheet. Here is the website.
Hi, yes...i had made a typo. It is a 1997. We are gathering the materials needed to do the best repair on the rust within our means. Will be searching to see if this rust location is a common problem and seeing what is the best DIY reapir for it. We just picked up the Ospho on Sunday so we might be able to start addressing it this next weekend. Thank you for the suggestions on lift options. As far as tires go, my mechanic doesnt like the idea of the 31" tires on the stock 7" rims...in particular the areas we would like to go it is recommended to air down. He wants to see us get into wheels wider than the 7" (15x7) so that we can get into wider tires without stretching the limits of the wheel width to tire width ratio. With the 2" OLD MAN EMU you have suggested, what kind of wheel width/tire width in 31" do you think is possible? We are not opposed to fender trimming. This is the build per the https://owners.jeep.com website1997 Jeep Cherokee Standard Equipment
No Dealer Installed Equipment Optional Equipment
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As a side note a local tire shop has offer us 5 cragar 15x8 soft wheels with 4" back spacing and BDG AT TA KO Tires in 31x10.50-15" installed for just under $1200 dollars, but they werent 100% sure if they would fit stock or with a little lift and/or a fender trim.
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Just upload 2 pics of an internal rack we made to an album.
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Welcome from Nor Cal.
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Welcome to the site
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