ZJ Tie Rod switch
Custom Gas Tank Skid Plate
Working with "Brody" from frontrange4x4.com. He is one of the best builder/designers in the area. We came up with a solid solution for protecting the gas tank on the XJ. 3/16 steel, bolt on and welded, use of the receiver hitch for strength. Take a look...
JCR Stage 2 Rocker Guards
Protection for the rocker panels on a uni-body vehicle is very important. If you smash or tweek this vulnerable area, it could result in your doors not opening. So I installed a set of beefy JCR Offroad Sliders. They came raw, so I primed and painted them with Rustolium Satin Black. The install went smoothly.
Update on the tires.
Okay, they are very loud on the street! No problem, I did not buy a Jeep because of their "quiet-ness" or comfy ride. Off road is a whole new story, just air them down and let them loose. The Super Swamper LTB tires are superior! I have gone places where other XJs with 31" tires get stuck. I have taken the same line with open diffs too. They seem to have a definite edge over other tires.
Front Fender Trim
Well, I needed to trim up the front fenders a bit to allow for the beefy tread on those LTBs. Turned out to be very easy to do. I wanted the "trim" to be as minimal as possible. Using a box knife and tape, I scored through the fender flair and the front bumper end caps. It cut like butter. Now there is no rubbing at full turn or stuff.
Done... Finally!
Just completed putting on the Rubicon Express Lift kit and LTB Tires.
The install went okay. There were a couple of issues with Rubicon Express that I am not happy with and will gladly share with you. One, when the kit says "recommended but not necessary" additional parts like Axle Shims and Trac Bar, that is a load of crap. These parts are very necessary! When I contacted RE on these issues the sales rep said:
"just because the kit does not come with them
doesn't mean I don't recommend them. Any time I sell this kit I always
upgrade my customers to those two parts."
Thanks,
Sean Smith
Well now isn't that neato!! So to keep the price down, Rubicon Express will sell you an incomplete lift kit, that in my opinion is un-safe, and "upsell" you on more parts. FU Rubicon Express! So since I had to purchase more parts to make my kit complete, I chose to spend my money on ProComp axle shims and a JKS Trac Bar (which is top-knotch, no complaints at all).
The local 4x4 shop (Four To Go) was very helpful. These folks are knowledgeable and good to do business with. So please support the locally owned no matter what state you live in.
In the next months, I will be testing and blogging. Please check back.
Dynatrac D30 Diff Cover
Just received the D30 Diff Cover from Dynatrac. It is heavy duty protection for the front pumpkin and should take some abuse. With only 31" tires, I will be putting it to the test and will let you know.
My goal is to be able to go just about anywhere with a minimal lift and skid plates. Put my driving skill and line choice to work. : )
Start Here...
Over time you will see the transformation of this rare* yellow stock 2001 Jeep Cherokee Sport (XJ) into a trail fortified weekend warrior. Stay Tuned!
* the color is rare only because it was never offered on the Cherokee. Only the Wrangler had an option to order Solar Yellow. In 2000 when Chrysler discontinued the XJ they painted just a few in the left over yellow color for that year. They went to the showrooms as 2001's
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