Wilderness XJ Build
#46
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 80
Likes: 0
From: North Carolina
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
One of my favorite builds on here. Seems regearing would be a great option, or perhaps finding donor axles with the 3.55 would be enough and cheaper alternative.
Having had selectable lockers in the past, I love that set up, but as you mention the price tag really adds up quick. This time out, I am going to try the spartan in the rear because I feel confident I can do the install myself and it has good reviews.
Having had selectable lockers in the past, I love that set up, but as you mention the price tag really adds up quick. This time out, I am going to try the spartan in the rear because I feel confident I can do the install myself and it has good reviews.
#47
Thread Starter
Seasoned Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 335
Likes: 57
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: Golen 4.6L
I never thought about doing an axle swap just for the lower gears. Thanks for the suggestion - I'll have to look into that. Although, my wife may not like having axles all over the place.
#48
Thread Starter
Seasoned Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 335
Likes: 57
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: Golen 4.6L
Got the sliders installed today. Took longer than I thought, but then again, I had to run to the hardware store to get another drill bit. This happened on hole 1 of 26:
I really like how the slider is attached to the body seam as well as the frame rail. I really noticed a significant strength difference during the install.
And here's the installed slider:
The only thing I wish I did differently was use a primer from a spray can as I didn't even think about brush strokes. I'll probably be the only one that notices them though.
Now I just need to get some posing shots...
I really like how the slider is attached to the body seam as well as the frame rail. I really noticed a significant strength difference during the install.
And here's the installed slider:
The only thing I wish I did differently was use a primer from a spray can as I didn't even think about brush strokes. I'll probably be the only one that notices them though.
Now I just need to get some posing shots...
Last edited by WillyXJ; 03-06-2016 at 04:15 PM.
#50
Thread Starter
Seasoned Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 335
Likes: 57
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: Golen 4.6L
Here's a couple of profile pictures with the new sliders on:
Took it to town today after the fresh snow and found an inconvenience with the new sliders: pant legs will most certainly get dirty when getting in and out of the vehicle. I didn't think about them sticking out the sides enough to make it more difficult to get in without getting dirty. Oh well. We'll live it and learn how to step over the mud they pick up. I still think the stage 3 slider from JCR looks good.
Took it to town today after the fresh snow and found an inconvenience with the new sliders: pant legs will most certainly get dirty when getting in and out of the vehicle. I didn't think about them sticking out the sides enough to make it more difficult to get in without getting dirty. Oh well. We'll live it and learn how to step over the mud they pick up. I still think the stage 3 slider from JCR looks good.
Last edited by WillyXJ; 03-06-2016 at 04:16 PM.
#52
Thread Starter
Seasoned Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 335
Likes: 57
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: Golen 4.6L
Originally Posted by BNJeepsta
How are those BFG's in the snow? Love the build man! I really want to do flat flares to mine!
#55
Thread Starter
Seasoned Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 335
Likes: 57
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: Golen 4.6L
#56
Thread Starter
Seasoned Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 335
Likes: 57
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: Golen 4.6L
Back in November I noticed my front axle is not centered and is using the stock track bar. So, I ordered a Rock Krawler adjustable track bar just before Christmas and recently got notified it will be a couple more weeks before it ships. Apparently, they've got a backlog of orders.
In the meantime, I'll work on drawing up my plan for lighting for when I've got money for the purchases. I'm thinking two PIAA fogs on the front, two KC flood lights on the back of the rack for when I need to backup on a trail on those moonless nights, and then four lights on the front of the rack (maybe two PIAA driving and two PIAA fog/floods?). Any suggestions?
In the meantime, I'll work on drawing up my plan for lighting for when I've got money for the purchases. I'm thinking two PIAA fogs on the front, two KC flood lights on the back of the rack for when I need to backup on a trail on those moonless nights, and then four lights on the front of the rack (maybe two PIAA driving and two PIAA fog/floods?). Any suggestions?
#58
Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 183
Likes: 0
From: chicagoland
Year: 2004
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 I6
your pics in front of your house are awesome!! i would love to live out in the rockies just doing my own thing and not have people always around all the time. what professional do you do that allows you to live out there? if you dont mind me asking..
#59
Thread Starter
Seasoned Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 335
Likes: 57
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: Golen 4.6L
Thanks! My wife and I love living in the Rockies. I'm a full-time systems administrator (work from home) and a part-time nature photographer.
#60
Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 189
Likes: 0
From: Northern Kalifornia
Year: 1987
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0