First Cherokee

Deereman

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jan 5, 2008
Location
Archdale
:driver:Hey, I just aquired a 89 Cherokee and I need some newbie wheeling advice. The previous owner said he had a 2" lift put on it, don't know what manuf. I want to make this thing a decent off-roader and still use it as a dd. Any info from engine to suspension would be great. Thanks
 
1st Brace the frame at the steering box. They are very prone to cracking esp. with larger tires and off road use. C-Roc makes an excellent one that wraps around the frame ~$90 and you might want to also run one of the braces that goes from the nose of the steering box to the passenger "framerail". They're ~$50 and made by a number of different companies. If you are going to build a bumper for it you can also integrate the brace into the bumper for more structure.

2nd lockers. Lockright in the rear and an ARB in the front for street use.

What size tires would you like to run? Will it be used for trails, rocks or mud?
 
... what rear axle?... if a 44, lock it and beat away... if a D35.. pull it and swap in a 29sp. Chrysler 8.25 from a 97+XJ (direct swap and should cost less than $150.00)... then lock it and beat away..

if you're only planning to run 31's just take it out and wheel it.. it'll be fine.. Lockers will make it more fun though..

Also add:
*front/rear diff covers
*rock rails
*transfer case skid

enjoy it...
 
Get a 4x4 mag, looks through the parts list, read the articles and the buildups and see what is in your range.
 
If it already has a 2" lift then just trim the fenders to fit the 31's. Also look into some good recovery points like tow hooks on the front and a receiver in the rear if you're not running aftermarket bumpers. I would also add some rocker panel protection as well as a t-case sid as mentioned earlier. Also sway bar discos will help a ton for getting more flex on the trail and if it still has the rear sway bar throw it in the scrap pile - you don't need it and it does not affect drivability.
 
lock it

armor it

skid it

have fun with it.

simple as that!
 
Deereman said:
:driver:Hey, I just aquired a 89 Cherokee and I need some newbie wheeling advice. The previous owner said he had a 2" lift put on it, don't know what manuf. I want to make this thing a decent off-roader and still use it as a dd. Any info from engine to suspension would be great. Thanks
Click to expand...

first decide how big you want it to be to start.. cause it wil end up bigger eventually..

second get skid plates and protection for it..
IE: rock rails, gas tank skid, transfer case skid, etc.

third get some good bumpers and get your self a winch for the front.

fourth wheel the hell out of it with open diffs so you can learn to drive it..

fifth get lockers and then have some real wheeling fun..

if you do things in this order you jeep will be protected with the skids and be able to get yourself out of bad situations with the winch, and you wil know how to drive and wheel your rig open so when you go to lockers it will be even better
 
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