cheaper/better build

ridinbikes247

Active Member
Joined
Oct 31, 2007
Location
High Point
I have around $3000 saved up to spend on building or buying a new playtoy for my family. I've been looking for 2 months and dont know which way to go. Maybe I can get some help from you guys to see which way would better suit my needs from experience. I am looking for a Uwharrie/ trail vehicle that could be driven occasionally onroad. Basically I'm torn between buying a early 90's cherokee that has been lifted, with a 8.8 rear end and etc. in the 3000 range OR, I own a 1991 jeep wrangler YJ. 4.0 with 5 speed that is completly stock. 190,000 miles - it runs good, but has ALOT of strange noises from tranny, stock axles and etc. I am affraid of putting $3000 in lifting/gearing/tires/wheels for my wrangler and it end up costing more in the long run.
But, I hate to spend $3,000 on a used cherokee and it break first trip out.....just any experience in dealing with cherokee and YJ and which one is better and why.
 
Also, more Info.
If choose to fix my Wrangler up, I would go with a 8.8 rear end, 4" lift or SOA with 35" tires, SYE, lockers, 4:88 gears. I would hope I could get that stuff used for under $2 grand or so. But, im affraid the tranny and motor would end up failing me after I got all that done, seeing it has 190,000+ miles. Ive seen some nice cherokee on here for the 3500-3200 range that seem to already be decently "built"
I'm Just stressing way to much over some small decision
 
There's nothing in the world like wheeling in an open top Jeep. I don't care how much you build a Cherokee/Toyota, etc, it's just not the same.

That being said, the 4.0 you already have is a great engine. Lots of torque and horsepower in stock form. I'd look at some rigs that are already built and determine where you would want to build to and that will give you an idea as to where to spend your money. Also, think of your wheeling style if you have one. Are you the "balls-out, all throttle" type, or do you like to pick your line and ease up the trail/obstacle?

For the ThrottleHead, I'd overbuild your axles (one ton) and go with 36-38" tires. You should be able to get a set for about $1000-$1500 and get some used tires for $500-$1000. Hold off rebuilding the tranny until it breaks. AX/15's are notorious for noise. Change the fluid and put Lucas in (I don't remember what fluid spec it calls for). Should help a bit. The AX/15 is a decent trans until it starts popping out of gear. Then worry about it.

For the slow-rider, I'd stick with Dana 44's front and rear and gear them 4.56 or 4.88. You can run 35's nicely and have tons of control on the rocks. Get a locker in the rear and you will enjoy a great deal of trails.

Either way, build your rig SOA with the stock springs. Put some add-a-leafs in the packs for longevity. Spend your money on steering.

This all assumes you are doing the work yourself/with buddies. If you have to have a shop do the work, you will burn cash fast and then maybe buying something already built may be better.
 
there is something like wheeling in an open top jeep, its called a toyota 4runner, i just bought a great running 1985 toyota 4runner that is also fuel injected for $1000, drove it an hour home after i bought it, with the little bit of body work i did and i bought a soft top off of ebay i have less than $1400 in it and drive it to work everyday, took it to URE and stock on 28 inch tires it went everywhere my buddies 93 runner did thats on 35s, if you get a runner though get a 5 speed, the autos xcase are not worth a shit, just my .02 though everyone in there mother has a wrangler, you dont see many 1st gen 4runner running around out there
 
ManglerYJ said:
There's nothing in the world like wheeling in an open top Jeep. I don't care how much you build a Cherokee/Toyota, etc, it's just not the same.
Click to expand...
MEGA Ditto! When you drop the windshield, it's a whole nuther world!

Jeff H said:
there is something like wheeling in an open top jeep, its called a toyota 4runner,
Click to expand...
:rolleyes: Let us know when you have NO top or windshield...
 
haha soft top took care of the no top thing but if you have a big rock or hammer we may be able to take care of that no windshield thing, all it does is collect dust and bugs anyways
 
Give your 4.0 a health checkup, compression & vaccum test. If it's in decent shape I'd build the YJ. Trans and tcase can be swapped cheaply and easily enough. 8.8s on the board for $200, SOA with your stock springs, 35"s and you are out the door for - $1000?

If you need help with the checkup PM me to schedule your 4.0L physical :)
 
JC said:
Give your 4.0 a health checkup, compression & vaccum test. If it's in decent shape I'd build the YJ. Trans and tcase can be swapped cheaply and easily enough. 8.8s on the board for $200, SOA with your stock springs, 35"s and you are out the door for - $1000?

If you need help with the checkup PM me to schedule your 4.0L physical :)
Click to expand...
X2, build the Jeep.
 
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