I'm buying a cherokee

**ZeroGravity** · 10-05-2009, 09:43 AM

I'm going to be buying an XJ in the next couple months.

Since I can't leave any stone un turned, so I am going to be putting some initial work into this and I needed some help.

I plan on spending between $2000-$3000 on a clean XJ. 4 door, 2 door, whatever. Something clean. I'm then going to spend probably $1500 on mods. I figure you guys understand.

My first project is lifting it. I bought new 31x10.5 BFG Mud Terrains in March, which I'm going to be keeping for this. So first of all, with trimming, could I stuff the 31's under a stock height cherokee whatsoever? I need to sell my YJ once I get another vehicle, and since I'm keeping my old tires, I'm going to have to throw the BFG's on the XJ first thing. As far as lifts, there's plenty of info so I shouldn't need too much help. I'm looking at the Rough Country 3" or 4.5" lift kit with full leaf packs.

Now the next thing I'm going to need is recovery points. From what I understand, the stock XJ does not have these. It doesn't look like there's a lot while searching, what's my best bet? I want to get bumpers eventually, should I just get bumpers with D-ring shackles? What are my alternative options? If I chose to get bumpers first thing, where do I get these? Q-tech doesn't have much of a selection and I don't know where else to get off road goodies like that.

I'm looking to spend $200/bumper, but I won't mind paying a little more. I know some front bumpers cost like $1,200 alone, so I figured I would make note. Nothing fancy I just need some heavy duty steel bumpers.

My other thing is skid plates. I'm not as concerned about my transmission, but most of the XJs I see don't have gas tank skids. Like recovery points, I see the gas tank skid as essential to off roading. I can't find any manufacturers that make these, either. Any recommendations? I don't care on brand, again, just something solid.

So besides that I don't have any more plans for it. This is all after changing all the fluids, brakes, and any other drive train or engine work it needs. I'm not buying a rotten Jeep again.

**CJ7-Tim** · 10-06-2009, 01:09 PM

31's will require 2" lift for street use and 3-3.5" lift for trail use. You could trim the fenders and they might fit. You will have to look into the other needed lift parts like control arms, brake lines, disconnects, and a Slip Yoke Eliminator.

Google is the best way to find the parts you need. Q-tech is usually overpriced. 4wd.com is better on prices but you can find more choices and better prices by searching.

HiCountry, Rusty's and C4x4 make factory style tow hook brackets for the front. Install a 2" receiver hitch for the rear.

The factory skids are strong enough for 90% of Cherokee owners. Check the local junkyards for skids and tow hooks. ZJ gas tank skids are easy to adapt to the 97-01 XJ.

Read through the older JeepForum threads and you will find a wealth of information and more detailed info on your planned mods. There are some differences between early and later Cherokees that you need to be aware of. Start here -> http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f11/tech-faq-links-tsbs-89273/

bizzo15 · 10-06-2009, 01:27 PM

If you want a nice bumper check out JcrOffroad, Inc.

cbordea · 10-06-2009, 01:45 PM

is JCR the guy that takes 3 months to ship your bumper, that doesn't respond to emails or phone calls but in the end you get a really good bumper at a really good price? I might be confusing him with someone else.

XJMuscle98 · 10-06-2009, 03:14 PM

I'm pretty sure I saw a bumper kit posted before that was just the metal cutouts and then you weld it yourself.

I think it was pretty cheap like $140.

So $60 for a welder or $60 for beer for a friend with a welder sounds good.

Although, not too sure beer + welding should go together.

If anyone has that link please post it for me.