CWLONGSHOT Posted April 15, 2007 Share Posted April 15, 2007 My fathers Cherokee!! Its a 1987 Laredo 2DR, 4.0 auto. Orig had a 242 now its got a 231. Factory D44 rear and non disco D30 up front, both with 3:55 gears. 217, 000 miles. BUT its got a new engine w 80,000, a newly rebuilt tranny with about 50,000 and that 231 T case. All suspention changed here in the build up, brakes new as is the alternator. As you guys no, I have been saving parts for another build up..well here it is!! Here is the humble beginnings: I grabbed up a Trailmaster 3" lift with full leaf packs!! I added some CHEBY drop shackles. They measure 5.5" eye to eye and will get me an additional inch out back. (I know they are backwards. :oops: ) Last weekend we got it here and pop took to cleaning it top to bottom.. Once that was done, he put back on the front tow hooks. Then he put on the MJ's old front bumper. The rear wiper was shot. So EBAY to the rescue!! Then it was time for some sound upgrades. Actual lift time... Pop started with the rear springs... Luckly the only bolt to give us problems was the pass side front. Yup...it broke the nut loose inside the frame!! But thats not the worst of it!! The front spring hanger was badly rusted and completely seperated from the jeep. First order was to cut out the cancer. Then we took some heavy gage steel and cut it to size and welded it in. Then I made up a plate of 1/4" steel. I drilled a 5/8" hole thru ot and welded a nut to that. Pop twisted off the brake line and I forgot to get the replacement. So the brakes will have to be done Sunday... Everything else for the rear is done. The battery wasnt too good either. So I picked up a Optima for him!! Luckly the front went like clock work. No problems at all!! My brother-in-Law came to help so it went doubly fast!! I didn't get the adj TB, so I threw in a bracket to keep the axle centered. Worked perfectly!! Once the brakes are done its off to the alignment shoppe!! The extended brake lines where no problem up front. Here is the finished project!! Image Not Found I think it came out really nice!! Those RUBY tires really make it look great!! I have them mounted on 16X8 Cragar soft 8's. I don't think he will do a ton more. The interior needs some work, esp the headliner!! The radio is about shot. I have an ALPINE CD player/radio to throw in. He also still needs to put in the front speakers. I have a set of TJ axle shafts to go in. Likely not needed but I have them and its a easy upgrade. Gonna make a set of rock rails like I have on the MJ too. Hopefully the rain will hold off Sunday so we can replace that rear brake line and bleed the brakes so he can enjoy his new toy!! Also time will tell if we need a drop kit for any vibes... CW Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pingpong Posted April 15, 2007 Share Posted April 15, 2007 Nice Love the 2 door Xj's. As soon as I finish a few things on Pong... I think I am going to build that next Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CWLONGSHOT Posted April 15, 2007 Author Share Posted April 15, 2007 Nice Love the 2 door Xj's. As soon as I finish a few things on Pong... I think I am going to build that next I know what you mean..they are my second favorite..to MJ's of course!! I thought this was going to be mine...then Pop showed intrest, so I figured, what the heck. It was a good project that alowed us to work on something together again. Gives him something to do since my mom passed away earlier this year. CW Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twisty Posted April 15, 2007 Share Posted April 15, 2007 Gives him something to do since my mom passed away earlier this year. Sorry to hear that CW. Its been just about a year since my grandmother passed. Its still weird to see her house when she isnt living in it. Is your dad going to do some wheeling with that or just a driver? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mitch Posted April 15, 2007 Share Posted April 15, 2007 Thats awesome, glad you and your pops got something to do together. Enjoy that time together! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
feerocknok Posted April 15, 2007 Share Posted April 15, 2007 Is that a stock MJ on the curb in the video? 2-door looks nice! That was all in one day, too? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CWLONGSHOT Posted April 16, 2007 Author Share Posted April 16, 2007 Is that a stock MJ on the curb in the video? 2-door looks nice! That was all in one day, too? The lift was about 90% one day. Pops removed the leafs last week end. we did everything else Saturday. Sharp eye!! Yes, realitively stock MJ. At least lift wise... ;) Its my brother-in-laws. He liked mine so he started looking. Found that. Its a 1988 metric tonne long bed (D44!!). Pretty good deal too...but the engine is about shot...won't even hold in gear on a slight grade!!! CW Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CWLONGSHOT Posted April 16, 2007 Author Share Posted April 16, 2007 Gives him something to do since my mom passed away earlier this year. Sorry to hear that CW. Its been just about a year since my grandmother passed. Its still weird to see her house when she isnt living in it. Is your dad going to do some wheeling with that or just a driver? Thanks man... Its hardest thing I have had to deal with....... Thats the thing about life...its terminal, nobody wins. We all get to die in the end. :oops: CW Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now