Project "Grow A Set" Redhatman's long lost build thread

**redhatman** · 03-25-2010, 10:10 AM

I have been kicking myself for a while now for not having a build thread so I figured I would start one and try to make it look decent. I am very busy so I will keep adding stuff as I go.

CLNinja · 03-25-2010, 10:11 AM

build thread looks awesome so far Pat... keep up the good work

**redhatman** · 03-25-2010, 10:30 AM

HAHAHHAHAHHAH you actually got me laughing on that one. Good one matt... my laptop keyboard was acting up so I switched computers.

**redhatman** · 03-25-2010, 10:35 AM

So I bought a 1995 Cherokee, long story short the day after my license was achieved a woman rearended me while I was at a stop light, and totalled out the $2,200 XJ to over 5k in damage. So I got $3,300 from insurance, and spent $3,800 on this lovely batch of cookies

1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited
-4.0 Liter
-Np249 TCase
-Dana 35 Rear End
-LP30 Front End
-3.73 Ratio
-Leather

CLNinja · 03-25-2010, 10:37 AM

**redhatman** · 03-25-2010, 10:40 AM

Hahahhahaha just kidding guys.....

Anyway. I first upgraded the sound. It had the stock infinity "premium" sound, all I kept was the amp. Bought all new kenwood 1661 door speakers, which apparently were pretty good at the time, same with the hot new Kenwood 238 Deck w/ipod/aux inputs.

My buddy told me I should lift it, which I knew nothing about. I did not know the difference between a solid axle and independant suspension. I researched online, and ended up finding out I live 20 minutes from Iron Rock Off Road.

I called them and talked on and off with Jason, Darrick, and Josh for 2 weeks and finally went in to get a budget boost, because 3.5" was MONSTROUSLY HUGE!!! .....Before I walked out of there I found myself agreeing to buy a 3.5" lift and setup an appointment for the install.

So then it was done a few days later, I picked up some 31 x 10 BFG AT's. WHICH WERE HUGE!!!

and added my first decal ever

**redhatman** · 03-25-2010, 10:42 AM

Did some awesome wheeling out on my uncles land up north

**redhatman** · 03-25-2010, 10:46 AM

Figured out how to replace PCV's.... Oh man I was so proud of myself

I figured with all of this hardcore wheeling I was doing I would want a tow-rope.

I was into RC at the time and made rollcages (back when I was 16) and I used my awesome cool big huge Jeep to show off the cage.

Changed both diff fluids, LP30, D35

**redhatman** · 03-25-2010, 10:50 AM

Cleaned up and Painted the covers while they were off..

My garage compressor I bought (then served as onboard air in the jeep for a while)

So what was I missing, I was now a cool new wheeler with a Jeep, and what does every Jeep Driver have? A CB! Of course, so I made a CB mount and bought a 40 channel Cobra CB, with a firestick Firefly antenna from Walcott CB - CB Radio, Mobile Electronics and Communications Superstore, in stock products with same-day shipping - - Electronics Superstore www.WalcottCB.com

I then became a supporter of Jeepforum, and got a cool decal. Iron Rock Off Road also gave me a free .com decal.

**redhatman** · 03-25-2010, 10:53 AM

I ordered a KOR Radiator Support and Installed that

My buddy aircruiser on here sold his Sebring to buy a Jeep Cherokee XJ

Mounted Two Cheapo Wal-mart lights on the front. 100 watts a piece, SUCKED.

**redhatman** · 03-25-2010, 10:57 AM

So now it was time to get serious, I wanted a winch. I mean who doesn't see a bunch of guys trying to get a shrub out of their yard and think man, "if only I had a winch on my 1998 ZJ with a 3.5" lift and 31's I could totally charge them and make $40 off of this somewhat simple task and show them who the real man is"

Thats what I thought, so I had to put a winch on. I got the Smittybilt XRC8 Winch On sale $284.95 with free shipping. I would be pulling shrubs, I mean Jeeps out in no time!

Mounting brackets for unibody rails

**redhatman** · 03-25-2010, 11:02 AM

I tacked it all together like this because with me only having a 110 welder I was not going to try and weld 1/4 steel strong enough for pulling 8k+ lbs. So I brought it all to a welding shop once it was done.

Here is the build thread for more information..

http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f37/m...thread-534374/

**redhatman** · 03-25-2010, 11:07 AM

Time to get down and dirty and fix some rust spots. The hood was rusting in front, rear hatch on bottom, and the bottom of the front fenders.

**redhatman** · 03-25-2010, 11:09 AM

I made some home brew quick disconnects...

**redhatman** · 03-25-2010, 11:14 AM

I went out to my Jeep after work one night and found someone had put a bumper sticker on my hatch without me knowing... I still have it to this day. (Not on the Jeep)

Visited Ironrock and thought the black ZJ was the coolest thing ever, and I could only dream that someday mine was like that. Crappy crappy cellphone pic

Tested out the flex:

I came out after school and found out some super hot chick wrote on my windows hahahah I guess girls like lifted Jeeps....

Saw Darrick from Iron Rock Off Road Drive by my work in his white WJ. LMFAO It looks like a lockness monster photo.