OrangeSkidPlates Cherokee build Peej2.0

[OrangeSkidPlate]

After suffering major withdrawals from the lack of a wheeling rig, I decided it was time for something new. I learned a lot from having an Xj, like I want a frame and not an Xj. So I picked up another Xj. This time around I have a 92 Laredo with 178000 miles, automatic, dana 30 front, 35 rear, 231j and bone stock. The poor thing sat in my neighbors driveway for 4 years with no attention. I ended up towing it half a block to my house, cleaned the battery terminals and threw a newer battery (free newer battery) in and fired right up. Definitely needs a tune up and just about every gasket replaced on the engine. Seems to run well enough and drives pretty good. I am aiming for something in between Nates and Thenags Cherokee. My plans as of now are: 8.8 rear and figure out a front depending on what I can find for cheap, 4.56's or 4.88's, 4"ish lift, 35's, long arms, and something similar to my last rear setup, and plating the unibody first off. I'll armor it as I go and as i find things cheap. As of right now, I am a staggering $0 in the Jeep. It will probably be a month or so before I can start throwing money at it. Hopefully I learned a thing or two with my last Jeep so I can not go and waste money on parts I ended up not liking.

 

[ID Bronco]

Free is Awesome!

 

[thenag]

I am aiming for something in between Nates and Thenags Cherokee.

Thanks.

So that makes my XJ the biggest money pit on RME!

don't forget RockMonkey 's "cheap Cherokee" for inspiration, which is far more capable than mine.

Nathan

 

[Bart]

Congrats on the new to you XJ. I may know where there are some frame stiffeners close by.

 

[N-Smooth]

Congrats! The second XJ is always easier.

 

[jeeper]

Xj's are my favorite platform. And that's a champ for being a free one!
Good luck!

 

[kmboren]

Congrats on the 2nd XJ. I am 9n my 3rd. Great rigs for sure.

 

[THSDragoon]

Subbed. This should be an interesting build as I'm planning on eventually getting an xj myself, and am trying to learn all I can about building these up.


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[OrangeSkidPlate]

I have been wanting to do a low COG Cherokee like Nates ever since my last trip to Moab, and reading his build thread, I think that is the way to go. I would really like to stick with at least a 35", I would like a lower crawl ratio than my last rig, and some sort of selectable locker in the front or a 2 low option in the transfer case. I really like Nathans OBA system, i remember someone turned the a/c compressor into OBA and that seemed to work well so probably give that a go.

 

[N-Smooth]

I'm flattered you want to make your rig similar to mine (or how it was). I loved my Jeep with the 3" lift and 33's and it would've stayed that way forever if it wasn't for competing. I quickly found that I was lacking height for competition so I raised it another couple inches and it's been great. With cutting and bumpstopping you could definitely fit 35's on 3" but it would be easier with 4.5-5" obviously. I intend to put 35's on mine when I can drop the coin on gears. I'm still rocking 3.55's...

Anyhow, I'm excited to see what you do with it!

 

[OrangeSkidPlate]

So I have been talking to someone about trading my Cherokee for a Comanche. It is an 86 has the 2.5, AX4, 231j, short bed and dana 30 and 35. I have wanted to build an MJ for a long time now but never have been able to find something worth while, not saying that this one is but it is something different. Obviously the only thing that it has going for it is the transfer case and short bed. Thoughts?

 

[N-Smooth]

So I have been talking to someone about trading my Cherokee for a Comanche. It is an 86 has the 2.5, AX4, 231j, short bed and dana 30 and 35. I have wanted to build an MJ for a long time now but never have been able to find something worth while, not saying that this one is but it is something different. Obviously the only thing that it has going for it is the transfer case and short bed. Thoughts?

The t-case isn't even good since it's 21 spline. I love MJ's, I even had one just like that but 2wd and had high hopes for it but it was too much work. I always said I'd have one eventually but I doubt it since they're so hard to find in decent shape and they are pricy. Just my dos pesos

 

[OrangeSkidPlate]

How hard would it be to swap an ax15? Do they even mate up to the 2.5? I don't mind the 4 banger since less weight isn't a horrible thing.

 

[N-Smooth]

I'm not even sure if it's possible since the AX5 came behind the 2.5
I don't ever want another AX cause they're garbage compared to the AW4, regardless of your preference of auto vs manual it's not even arguable that the AW4 is a better transmission

 

[OrangeSkidPlate]

I did really like the auto in my last xj, I really like driving manual though. I was looking for easy swaps for the 2.5 for a better tranny and transfer case. Seems like a sm420 is common and fairly straight forward. I think I will just have to do some research and decide which I'd rather have. I know the pros and cons of an xj, not too sure on an mj though, other than less power, crappy tranny and less seats.

 

[N-Smooth]

I bought a donor XJ with a 4.0 and AW4 to swap into my MJ but decided it sucked. That's the route I would go if I were to do it.
Driving manual is fun but they just don't last long enough before you start to grind gears. There are swaps like the SM420 but IIRC that puts the shifter like right up against the firewall and it's kind of a pain

 

[OrangeSkidPlate]

Ugh fine, I'll keep the xj.

 

[bryson]

What's wrong with an AX5 and a 21 spline input 231? Both components are pretty reliable behind a 2.5 as far as I've seen/experienced. I do think the 4.0 is a better engine than a 2.5 though, even with them being very similar.

BUT - if the Comanche is an '86, a 4.0 swap won't be easy - before 1987, the GM 2.8 V6 was the 6-cylinder option, and the firewalls are not shaped/clearanced to accept an inline 6-cylinder. Honestly, a V8 swap would be easier than a 4.0 swap. This will hold true for any XJ/MJ before '87.

MJs are definitely cooler than XJs. Fact.

Wanna sell the Comanche?

 

[OrangeSkidPlate]

So the guy said it was a 4 speed not 5, so its an AX4, same thing as an AX5, just one less gear. He said the fuel pump is bad so I won't know if it runs or drives well until I fix that. So the xj I have now already runs and drives great. I am thinking xj is the way to go. I have been looking at 63" chevy leafs (really 64", buddy yelled at me) for the rear. Something about an xj with a rear stretch makes me excited.....

 

[thenag]

There are swaps like the SM420 but IIRC that puts the shifter like right up against the firewall and it's kind of a pain

That is what I remember when I looked into using my np435 from my Bronco.

MJs are definitely cooler than XJs. Fact.

I agree

I am keeping an eye out for a NSG370 6 Speed manual from the tj's... 6 speeds are cooler than any auto

Nathan