Jeep Build.....

[mjonesjr]

I picked up a '96 Jeep Cherokee last night. It needs a little work, but not all that much.

Specs:
1996 Jeep Cherokee Sport (XJ)
4.0L Inline 6 cylinder
Automatic Transmission
Manual Transfer case
Dana 30 Front Axle w/ 3.73 gears
Chrysler 8.25 Rear Axle w/ 3.73 gears
33x12.50x15 Mastercraft M/T's (less than 200 miles on them)


Plans:
1. Remove the 3.5" lift kit and install a 6.5" lift kit
2. Fix the knock in the head
3. Clean it up a bit
4. Remove the TJ fender flares
5. Wheel the hell out of it

I still need to find a 16'x6' cheap trailer to haul it on when I go wheeling. Hopefully I can pick one up for $1,000 or less with dual axles and brakes.

Here are the only pictures I have of it as of now.

 

[86 slo-vo]

its a good start, ive owned a few myself for a jeep they are a nice rig

 

[BlackBII]

Blasphemy.

Looks nice though. Small pictures...WTF?

Head knock? Lifter tick or something?

 

[COPPERHEAD85]

Nice score Jones!

 

[84stealthranger]

nice rig. how much did u give for it? i had one last may but i sold it cuz a huge oil leak and no reverse lol should have kept it tho...

 

[88_Eddie]

i like it, i'm pretty sure that's what i'm building next after my b2 is "to a lesser degree of not being completed"

 

[mjonesjr]

Blasphemy.

Looks nice though. Small pictures...WTF?

Head knock? Lifter tick or something?

Those pictures are the ones off CraigList. I have some that I took tonight after doing some work on it that I will post tomorrow.

A buddy of mine who builds engines (everything from tractor diesels to high horsepower V8's) seems to think it is the oil pump after hearing it and seeing how clean the inside of the engine is. The rocker arms are tight and torqued to spec.

nice rig. how much did u give for it?

I got it for $1,600.


I have a 6.5" Rough Country lift coming. It should be here either Tuesday or Wednesday. That should eliminate any tire rubbing.

 

[84stealthranger]

thats pretty good deal

 

[Ranger Sport Honduras]

looks really nice!!

 

[mjonesjr]

Welp, I had to pull the motor today. It sure is a good thing I took the day off. It broke either a wrist pin or rod in the # 6 cylinder.

Needless to say it was interesting yanking out that old beast.

I should be picking up its replacement either Friday or Saturday.


My brother trying to separate the engine and the transmission.

 

[mjonesjr]

Well I found the culprit. It was a piston. The #6 piston blew apart. The rod and wrist pin is still in tack and in good shape.

I picked up a used 4.0 from a local junk yard for $450. It has a 30 day warranty so hopefully it will last and run.

I put a new water pump and thermostat on it before going into the Cherokee.

Going in was easier than coming out. Once the radiator was out of the way, she fell in place.

I took all the A/C items out except the pump. I am going to make the pump into an air compressor and mount a tank in the rear cargo area.


I got everything ready to go except for a power steering pump and a heater hose. I broke off one of the nipples on the power steering pump, so I have to put a new one in. It should be at the parts store today, so hopefully she runs today.

 

[88_Eddie]

nice work, you're moving right along

 

[railman]

hopefully you will be ready for a "shake-down cruise" soon....say Interlake or Turkey Bay......just some suggestions

l8r, John

 

[mjonesjr]

It's definitely coming along. I am ready to test her out for sure. It probably will be a local wheeling spot in case something isn't quit right with it.

She fired right up today after I got the last few items buttoned up.

I was worried when she first started because there was white smoke coming out of the exhaust. After letting it warm up and a trip around the block, the smoke stopped. I think it was left over coolant and oil that was setting in the muffler from when the first motor blew it's wad.

The 4"'lift comes off tomorrow after work and the installation of the 6.5" kit begins.

I also need to pick up a set of 15x8 wheels with 3.75 or 4" backspacing. If anyone knows where I can find a good used set, let me know.

 

[mjonesjr]

Well, got the 6.5" lift swap started. I should have the front on and done tomorrow after work.

Here is the difference in the 4.5" springs and the 6.5" springs.

Here is the difference in the stock upper control arms and the Rough Country upper control arms.