My cherokee build

JohnnyJ · Jul 14, 2020

Looks really good.

YotaAtieToo · Jul 14, 2020

I tried reading through a few times, but I couldn't find what springs you used?

I really want one of these or a Wagoneer, I need more room than a 4runner, but not quite a suburban :laughing:

I need to just pick one up before the prices shoot way up, they're still pretty cheap around here for some reason.

Rooney77 · Jul 14, 2020

YotaAtieToo said:
I tried reading through a few times, but I couldn't find what springs you used?

I really want one of these or a Wagoneer, I need more room than a 4runner, but not quite a suburban

I need to just pick one up before the prices shoot way up, they're still pretty cheap around here for some reason.

I used a bds 4" lift kit from BJ's offroad. Probably overkill for the mall crawler status but I've always been happy with bds stuff.

YotaAtieToo · Jul 14, 2020

Rooney77 said:
I used a bds 4" lift kit from BJ's offroad. Probably overkill for the mall crawler status but I've always been happy with bds stuff.

That's funny, I had bds in my mind for some reason.

I like them also, I ran their YJ's on my 4runner, double military wrap and lifetime warranty :grinpimp:

I bent the shit out of one dropping off an undercut ledge. Sent them a Pic, they asked me to cut one end off and send in a Pic. New spring showed up a week later :smokin:

I don't even think I paid shipping.

Are those springs military wrapped?

Rooney77 · Jul 14, 2020

YotaAtieToo said:
That's funny, I had bds in my mind for some reason.

I like them also, I ran their YJ's on my 4runner, double military wrap and lifetime warranty

I bent the shit out of one dropping off an undercut ledge. Sent them a Pic, they asked me to cut one end off and send in a Pic. New spring showed up a week later I don't even think I paid shipping.

Are those springs military wrapped?

I don't recall. I'd have to look.

Rooney77 · Aug 2, 2020

So I finally had a chance to completely finish the lift. We've had a lot of house shit going lately so it's slowed me down.

Anyway. I've got these hub cover things I'd like to clean up and make work with my new rims. They are pot metal I think. Originally they were chrome but after years of PO bs they look like crap. How should I go about cleaning them and getting them shiny?

YotaAtieToo · Aug 2, 2020

Bead blast would make them matte shiny if that makes sense.

Otherwise I think you'll have to get them recoated. What that new chrome process that sticks to anything?

Firstram · Aug 2, 2020

Look into wet blasting? It's supposed to clean them up and close the pores.

Cowboy63b · Aug 28, 2021

I need to come over so with can piddle with the little shit. And bring my stupid jeep to taunt you.

Kaptain · Aug 30, 2021

Cool project. Nice work.

Rooney77 · Aug 31, 2021

Been a while. I'll try to catch everyone up via pics. Got the dash done. Ac works great and all vents are mounted now.

Rooney77 · Aug 31, 2021

Moved on to sound deadening. I hate that shit.

Rooney77 · Aug 31, 2021

And I started the headliner this week. Had to strip all the old nasty foam off which was a beating, then I had to repair and reinforce the backer boards in spots and finally I just finished covering them.

It's not perfect but given the condition of the backer boards, I'm happy.

Now the fun of installing it.

Rooney77 · Aug 31, 2021

Got the damn headliner installed. I don't care if I never have to do that again. Even drilled the holes for the new rear shoulder belts. Should have been a factory thing but it was the 80s.

Rooney77 · Aug 31, 2021

So now I've got a problem. My rear window crank handle stripped out. Pinning the crank to the shift isn't an option. I've got 2 oe busted cranks but they don't have splines till halfway down as well. I'm at a loss. Like about to shove jb weld putty in the crank and shove it on there and roll.

I should mention I do have the original crank mechanism that would give me another shaft but I can't think of a way to use it to extend the existing one.

Rooney77 · Sep 4, 2021

Still suffering engine issues but the headliner is done, carpet is done, visors are done, most of the side panels are done and the seats are in.

rockmup · Sep 4, 2021

Rooney77 said:
So now I've got a problem. My rear window crank handle stripped out. Pinning the crank to the shift isn't an option. I've got 2 oe busted cranks but they don't have splines till halfway down as well. I'm at a loss. Like about to shove jb weld putty in the crank and shove it on there and roll.

I should mention I do have the original crank mechanism that would give me another shaft but I can't think of a way to use it to extend the existing one.

I'd epoxy it and form the splines with a file "IF" the shaft fits deep enough to catch the good splines.

speed bump · Sep 18, 2021

What about filing in a slot for a key?

Curbkrawler · Apr 11, 2022

Any progress on this? I have been looking for an 80-83 Laredo to turn into my DD...

Rooney77 · Apr 11, 2022

Been trying to solve a cranking but no start issue. Think my injectors my be dirty. Nothing pic or update worthy. I let it sit idle for quite a while after my stroke and am just now getting back to it.

rockyota83 · Apr 12, 2022

this thing i awesome :grinpimp:

id like to build one some day, used to have one a LONG time ago :smokin:

Curbkrawler · Apr 12, 2022

Rooney77 said:
Think my injectors my be dirty. Nothing pic or update worthy. I let it sit idle for quite a while after my stroke and am just now getting back to it.

I had a similar issue with the first start of my LS1 in my CJ. Hit the injectors with brake cleaner and problem solved.

Curbkrawler · Apr 12, 2022

rockyota83 said:
this thing i awesome id like to build one some day, used to have one a LONG time ago

My love of them stems from an 81 that my cousin bought brand new and kept up until the early 2000's. Thing was mint. His wife heard a bang one day and went outside and saw a cadillac sitting upside down in their yard. Cherokee looked fine sitting in the driveway. Then she realized she had parked the Cherokee on the street. Cadillac completely caved the rear of it and knocked it into the driveway.

Rooney77 · Apr 12, 2022

Curbkrawler said:
My love of them stems from an 81 that my cousin bought brand new and kept up until the early 2000's. Thing was mint. His wife heard a bang one day and went outside and saw a cadillac sitting upside down in their yard. Cherokee looked fine sitting in the driveway. Then she realized she had parked the Cherokee on the street. Cadillac completely caved the rear of it and knocked it into the driveway.

That hurts.

We have a family friend down the road from me that still has their wagoneer. It's all original as well. I've been trying to weasel my way into it for a while now.

Rooney77 · Aug 14, 2022

So I've skipped a few updates here. I'm basically waiting on my rear driveshaft and I need to solve my intermittent no start issue and it'll be on the road. Pics of it sitting patiently in my filthy shop.