GREENCHEROKEE build

HAPPY

HAPPY

Mike B.
Joined
Feb 21, 2010
Location
Granite Falls
I've had this XJ for a few years now. I figured it's about time to do a build thread.

When I got it, it had a "redneck" 4 inch lift, coils and leafs ( not sure what they came out of ) and the rest of the suspension and everything else was stock.

First thing was a set of wheels and 32 11.50 BFG KM1's from Rides of Conover

I got the bumper from a guy on here but can't remember what his name is. He lives over in Mt Airy.

Added a Spartan locker from Rides for the 30 up front. Welded the 8.25 rear. Kept this set up for a good while.
Copy of IMG00172.jpg
 
Got tired of the old rough blue paint and added a tail light boxes after busting a few sets of the factory ones. Added the back bumper, and a little more fender trimming.

2010-10-29_15-49-42_613.jpg
2010-11-11_17-27-27_353.jpg
 
Picked up a winch from Rides. I mounted it with a cut down TJ winch plate and cut out the gill to get it as far back as I could. Next was some much needed suspension work. I picked up a set of 36 12.50 TSL's from Spraypaintman on here. Then I sent it up to Chris at Buckeye Performance , Novacayne75 on here, for a 6 inch lift and fabricated 3 link front.
034.jpg

4aeb6974-0b01-1147.jpg
2012-02-18_12-10-45_931.jpg
2012-02-18_12-10-08_811.jpg
425920_237409676352578_189428861150660_493967_154433445_n.jpg
1845.jpg
408092_229372457156300_189428861150660_474841_1252454851_n.jpg
 
Last edited:
Part of the suspension work was a fabricated 3 piece cross member and t-case skid. I made a set of lift blocks at my shop, I made them 10" long and added an extra set of holes so we could move the rear axle back. I thin we ended up moving it about 2 inches, moved the front forward about 1 inch. also built a new drive shaft.
P1030686.JPG
P1030686.JPG
4aeb82b4-2cd9-1617.jpg
4aeb6974-0b2d-504c.jpg
4aeb6974-0b18-6614.jpg
 
Then a little interior work. Got rid of the radio and added a switch panel, it's plastic for now, I will make one out of aluminum when I get it all worked out. Patched a few holes in the floor. When I cut the rear quarter panels out I didn't realize I was opening up huge holes straight into the hatch area so I patched those also. Buckeye put in the fuel cell earlier when he cut the rockers and built some cool 2X6 tube sliders. I will get pics of those up latter, I don't have any on my laptop right now.
P1030642.JPG
P1030647.JPG
P1030644.JPG
P1030648.JPG
P1030640.JPG
1127.jpg
P1030649.JPG
 
SOLIDDDD! Impressive the chrysler 8.25 is holding strong especially welded with them meats on them. And I thought I should worry locked with 33s :flipoff2: I envy the true 3 link!
 
Next was some cage work. Chris and I brain stormed a lot of ideas before we settled on a plan. I guess it's a hybrid internal/external cage. Weight was a big issue since I still have the small axles, didn't want to get too top heavy. I think it turned out pretty good. It's tucked nice and tight.
1004.jpg
1005.jpg
uploadfromtaptalk1356727136230.jpg
1024.jpg
 
We ran the front bars inside the fenders. That caused a clearance issue with the head lights. We ended up making some beefy headlight plates from 1/4 inch, bolted to the fenders and welded to the bar and frame. I mounted a set of LED's, worked out pretty good.
1001.jpg
1002.jpg
965.jpg
966.jpg
1169.jpg
1170.jpg
1171.jpg
 
The rear bumper was made from tube and a set of bumper bracket that I made at the work.
961.jpg
962.jpg
963.jpg
1173.jpg
1027.jpg
 
The brakes on this thing sucked. After taller tires and the cage weight I figured it was time to upgraded.

Took it back up to Buckeye. We used XJ front rotors, S-10 calipers with a set of Speedway motors weld on brackets. Ended up with a late 60's Corvette master. The pedal is a little firm and could use a dual diaphragm booster but it does pretty good as is.



Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

uploadfromtaptalk1369532163894.jpg
uploadfromtaptalk1369532193361.jpg
uploadfromtaptalk1369532223120.jpg
uploadfromtaptalk1369532246397.jpg
uploadfromtaptalk1369532270525.jpg
 
Last edited:
We did slides about a year ago but j forgot to post those. Chris just cut out the beat up rockers and used 2 x 8 box and braced it to the unibody. They have taken a beating.



Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

uploadfromtaptalk1369532564231.jpg
uploadfromtaptalk1369532584250.jpg
uploadfromtaptalk1369532598919.jpg
 
Last edited:
Ton's and 42's would be nice.....
 
Thanks guys... a few of the ideas are mine but most of the credit goes to Chris.

Now I'm on the fence.... finish building the current axles / tires and wheels.... or go with tons and 42's. It goes pretty good now, but I really want tons. I realized just how bad I need them this past weekend on Tank Trap. I made it but it was intense.... that and Chris almost got hit with a falling tree.
 
Mikey, I say, continue to fix the issues, Like now, cooling. Just like the braking issue, it needs to be addressed.
You can get by with what you have for a while. Take your time, collect parts, and in the mean time, wheel that sombitch and have some fun! When you have collected the parts, and the funds, go for it. Maybe the Buckeye buggy will move on up to Rocks, then there will be a set of tons available!
 
Build it and they will come. I say 2.5 tons and 44'$ Or atleast get something bigger than Drew:D

*Plan your next ride @ THE FLATS 828-442-7932 *
 
That's kinda the plan for now I guess. Need to get the Mustang sold.
 
All I can say is please don't go the Dana 44 route! I did and regret it so much. I have enough money in mine to have put a 60 in a long time ago. Bad thing is a stock 60 is still stronger than my chromo 44!
 
Go tons Mike, I wouldnt do Rockwells again for nothing. There just a pain. It doesnt seem like it but, when you use Rocks it is just a domino effect. Meaning use rocks then you come up with other issues, like clearance, steering, 4 links issues, weight, etc. Take my advice an use tons, YOU WILL NEVER LOOK BACK.
 
I had a set of half tons but after pricing out the parts it just didn't make since.

Like you said I never really liked the weight of rocks and clearance under a Cherokee would be a pain in the ass.

I'm looking for tons now but finding driver drop is is tough.

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2
 
I'm working on cutting the hinges on the rear doors but I can't seam to find a harness plug. Does anybody know if there is one?

Sent from my A1-810 using Tapatalk
 
Back
Top