cherokee EV [Archive] - Expedition Portal

LUISJG

08-15-2006, 05:49 AM

starting the cherokee expedition vehicle project.
hopefully starting thursday ,
installations will be

airflow snorkel
cb radio
gps chartplotter
3 inch rustys full pack
31x10.5 mtrs
soft 8 cragars 3.75 backspace
zacatal roof rack
hellas

and future bumpers and tire carrier.. as $$ permits

will post progress pics here

before picture...

OverlandZJ

08-15-2006, 08:35 PM

Scott Brady

08-15-2006, 10:00 PM

Very exciting! The Cherokee is right there with the Trooper for best value/performance for the $$ in an expedition platform. It will be fun to watch the changes :victory:

LUISJG

08-16-2006, 01:15 AM

Nice looking XJ!

I'd like to see you rethink the 3.75" backspaced wheels, you need more offset to keep your tires under the flares. IE..i'm running 33x12.5's with 4.5" BS'ing and have about 2" tire outside of flare.

Planning on an SYE? With 3" on a 97+ you'll need it.

Never heard of Zacatal...have a link?

insatlling a transfer drop 1 inch

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/jeep-xj-zj-suv-Zacatal-Rack-Cargo-safari-roof-rack_W0QQitemZ260016745005QQihZ016QQcategoryZ33651 QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

OverlandZJ

08-16-2006, 01:45 AM

insatlling a transfer drop 1 inch

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/jeep-xj-zj-suv-Zacatal-Rack-Cargo-safari-roof-rack_W0QQitemZ260016745005QQihZ016QQcategoryZ33651 QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

The rack looks good!

Not to take away from the excellent technical knowledge on this site, but are you familiar with NAXJA? It's a Jeep Cherokee specific site. www.naxja.org

LUISJG

08-16-2006, 02:42 AM

yes , im fqamiliar with that site. thing is im starting to lurk arround here because i like expeditions a lot.

LUISJG

08-16-2006, 04:39 AM

oh well,, for some reason i thought SYE,S were like 800 dollars,
just saw them for 179 .00.
so this is not bad ,,actualy better that the transfer drop

YJ Dave

08-16-2006, 04:27 PM

Be a little careful when you look at SYE's the cheap ones tend to be "hack and tap" versions where you need to cut down your out put shaft and tap it for the fixing bolt.
As you spend a little more you get a output shaft that has been cut down and pretapped (is that a word?). If you keep spending more you get a more beefy out put shaft for the t-case, and an SYE that will be just short of indestructible with the 4.0.

LUISJG

08-16-2006, 11:07 PM

LUISJG

08-16-2006, 11:15 PM

this xj are lot difrent than tj,s
remembering my tj it was easy to modify. to bad it was a small vehicle for my needs, and what it was to be my family vehicle soon converted into a trail machine ,and there was to much invested in it, so i had no choice but to sell it and bought this cherokee and still had 12k left for my new family vehicle.

here is a picture of my late tj im stil crying....

OverlandZJ

08-17-2006, 12:09 AM

thanks for that information, will look into the pretaperation deal;)

i put my order on hold for the suspention and wheels because im hearing diferent info every day about alot of stuff and need to be sure

You cannot go wrong with researching your options, which waas what i was trying to gently "nudge" you to when suggesting wheel BS and NAXJA. Theres so much technical knowledge there....

I first built my latest XJ 5 years ago, in that time i'v rebuilt the suspension 3 times (to suit my fancy at the time) and logged 25K miles....and i'm still not completely happy. My 1st XJ was ideal for my current needs.

Check out Tom Woods for an SYE, you can get a new driveshaft and SYE for $500.

Where are you located?

Beautiful TJ! :smiley_drive:

LUISJG

08-17-2006, 02:53 AM

John, im in texas,
i only need to rud 31's . and thought the backspace was like on tj's.
what do you recomend other than the sye and bs closer to stock.

LUISJG

08-19-2006, 06:26 AM

John, took your advice and im stiking to my factory alloys .
did order the 3 inch full pack from rustys since seems to be a favorite among xj owners, ordered a tranfer drop for now, then will look into the sye.
to bad i wont have time to install anything this weekend but till next one.
i have to get a vehicle rady for sept the 1st weekend , im going to my place up int he mountains ,,,time to take down the apples, trees are full and ready!

OverlandZJ

08-19-2006, 05:52 PM

Rusty is good people! He and i spotted several vehicles through Tellico's lower 2 years back on a NAXJA event, then i rolled mine on Guardrail.

FWIW you may have issues with Rusty's leaf packs, some were reporting sagging after a few years use. Most leaf packs will sag, but reports were Rusty's did moreso than others. I have read that Rusty DID make things right with those situations. I believe he may also be using a different manufacturer or manufacturing process to eliminate said sagging. I have several products from Rusty and have been 100% satisfied, i think you'll be happy.

Cool....you'll save money by running the stock alloys....that frees up money for other mods. The TC drop is a temporary bandaid, research this and save your pennies for a decent SYE, then you can get your transfer back up where it belongs. Get yourself a transfercase skid......i run Rusty's.

Are you planning to replace control arms?

LUISJG

08-20-2006, 02:13 AM

well no control arm change is contemplated, since most of the trails were a run i dont hink i will requier ., i ran my tj with 2 inch lift and 33's for 4 years and never had any problems or needed more mods.

what i know is that rustys use now the same manufacturer of leaf springs as rubicon express,.

picked up my 31 mtrs today. and wed my lift should be here acording to ups tracking.
today i just made a bracket that will hold my cg radio and gps, this bracket
bolts on to the 2 bolts that hold the passenger seat to the cahsi.
monday or tuesday i will post the pictures once its finished and painted.
and also need to get my snorkel instaled next week also.

then i will have someone instal my lift kit,, i like to do it myself but will take to much time away from my work so i will leave it to the pros and have it instaled in a couple of hours,,jeje this guys in the shop are preety fast and since they are good friends i will pay only 130 for the install.

OverlandZJ

08-20-2006, 02:40 PM

I run RE leaf packs, you'll be thrilled :exclaim:

Cant wait to see the finished product...

LUISJG

08-22-2006, 11:19 PM

ok finaly something done,,

LUISJG

08-22-2006, 11:21 PM

bracket pics,,,it bolts to existing seat frame bracket and one bolt thrue the console this last one its hard to do.

LUISJG

08-24-2006, 03:08 PM

airflow snorkel now instaled

OverlandZJ

08-24-2006, 10:17 PM

Sweeeeeet!

I need to shoot some new pics of my XJ...yours will look very similar when your done.

I see a Cabela's sticker!

LUISJG

08-26-2006, 06:07 AM

instaled the 3 inch suspension today ,,mecanic wasnt here so i had to do it myself,,preety straight forward.
will have pics monday

OverlandZJ

08-26-2006, 03:11 PM

Awesome!

Can you also post a pic or two how the airflow snorkel tube runs from the fender to the airbox? My Safari has a tube that runs in front of the front tire..not exactly most desirable.

LUISJG

08-27-2006, 01:20 AM

i think im going to have to buy wheels ,,since this ones are from a tj and the backspace is like 5.5 i think, so they are very tucked in there, im afrain i will rub real bad on the wells, i think i need atlest 4 inch backspace wheels,,,this one looked awsome but no good and i realy dont like wheel spacers.

hey on the snorkel , i havnt finished the inside portion yet, probably next week,
i am to sore from the lift install LOL. but i can tell you this...this snorkel has the tube thrue the fender, right behind the washer fluid reservoir, here is apic from another person http://www.dpgoffroad.com/images/airflow3.jpg
and the install here http://www.go.jeep-xj.info/HowtoSnorkelInstall1.htm

OverlandZJ

08-27-2006, 03:15 AM

Thats a much better design than my ARB Safari Snorkel...so it passes straight through the inner and outer fender.

Mine has a tube running from between inner and outer fenders,down in front of tire, over towards rad and up through core support and into airbox. Problem with that design is contact between tire and tube can occur and eat a hole through.

I wonder if your snorkel allows for use of Bushwacker flares where the ARB doesnt.

The stock wheel backspacing for TJ,XJ,ZJ,MJ are all 5.25", if you want a wider stance try a different backspace as you suggest. I ran a 32x11.5 and just barely rubbed on rear wheelwells, no rubbing in front with stock wheels....i honestly think 3.75 is too little backspacing unless your running 35's or bigger.

Take a look at www.jeepsunlimited.com in their Cherokee forum, they have different pic threads with different size tire/backspacing. You could find exactly the look your after.

Either way it's still a cool Jeep your building! :D

LUISJG

08-27-2006, 03:47 AM

this snorkel was design for 2 reasons,,
number 1- easy install and hose routing simple ,, NOT the case on the ARB
number 2- does not interfier with bushwakers.

cshontz

08-27-2006, 04:59 AM

Great looking Jeep! Post more pics when you get the chance - we'd love to see em! :)

I also agree that you needn't to worry about buying new wheels. I ran 32x11.50 tires on stock wheels, and backspacing-related rubbing was not an issue. Plus, it keeps your tires tucked neatly under the fenders. That's money that can be better spent elsewhere.

LUISJG

08-27-2006, 05:31 AM

anyone here can comment on this rack

http://www.windrockoffroad.com/PART/OLY.906-15/V/index.htm

OverlandZJ

08-28-2006, 03:57 AM

I'm not familiar with that rack, but i do remember the manufacturer having a cheesy reputation....fair or unfair i dont know.

I run one of these with 4" sides.

http://www.wildernessracks.com/expedition.htm

There are a few others out there. I think ARB has an XJ rack system?

Matter of fact theres one local to me on Craigslist...a Surco Brand. Here it is... http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/pts/198306548.html

Here's a pic of my XJ with 33x12.5's with 4.5" backspacing on an 8" wheel. Slightly wider than my state allows.

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d24/ExpeditionXJ/IMG_8806.jpg

cshontz

08-28-2006, 07:17 PM

ARB has a rack that fits well on an XJ. I think it is the best looking, and possibly the highest quality rack out there, but it lacks some utility, comes at a high price tag, and might have poor availability.

Wilderness racks are (last I knew) of good quality, are modular, and offer a large amount of utility with the availability of numerous bolt-on accessories. They come in many shapes and sizes and are my favorite due to their versatility.

I agree with John on the image of Olympic. I don't have any first-hand experience with their racks, but my thoughts are: it's hard to screw up a rack, and the out-riggers are kinda cool and might be beneficial for "confined" off-cambers. I think there is a fair chance you could go with the Olympic rack and be happy with it.

LUISJG

08-29-2006, 02:00 AM

ok, well im preety much done for now.
lift,tires,gps,radio,snorkel.
by the end of next month i should have the rear bumper and gerry can holder.

took it for a test drive yesterday and that suspension works wonders, :smiley_drive: im very pleased.

friday im leaving for a 2 day trail run up in the mountains, will post pics sometime next week.

hanks for the help

ps, i ended up buying wheels since i got an offer of 380 for the ones i have ,
i ordered 4.50 backspace cragar steel black street lock. plus i had money left for a zacatal roof rack. so cant complaint. now i feel better with steel wheels ;)

jeffryscott

08-29-2006, 02:42 AM

i ordered 4.50 backspace cragar steel black street lock. plus i had money left for a zacatal roof rack. so cant complaint. now i feel better with steel wheels ;)

Luis, let us know about the Zacatal roof rack. I've been looking at those on ebay for a while and am curious what the quality is like.

Nice job on the rig, it's fun to see them come together so fast.

Jeff

LUISJG

09-06-2006, 05:46 PM

i will let you know when i recieve it jeff.

LUISJG

09-18-2006, 07:51 PM

Update,,chero gets matching kayak

cipioxx

10-05-2006, 09:31 PM

That is a nice looking Cherokee. I have one that I plan on building one of these days... I am working on a K5 Blazer and was thinking about selling the Cherokee to finance the build. Your Jeep and this thread made me change my mind completely. Thanks

\\'anderer

10-10-2006, 04:50 PM

Nice Cherokee, I just found this website (my first post). I have been in the process of building my xj for expeditions (slow process for me). There have been a couple changes since this photo was taken, but I have a ways to go still.

http://mysite.verizon.net/gods_lamb_chop/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/jeep1.jpg

LUISJG

10-11-2006, 02:07 AM

hi Andrer,, looking good ,, thats a BIg mighty kayak you got there looks like a pungo 14

LUISJG

10-11-2006, 02:09 AM

rack on the works............will have pics monday once i finish all the welding and painting

LUISJG

10-17-2006, 05:19 PM

rack pics

LUISJG

12-18-2006, 07:16 AM

updated ready to go. I also now have VIAIR on board.

OverlandZJ

12-18-2006, 01:38 PM

Looks good Luis! Which model...1200...1400?

Curious why you have the Eezi-Awn opening to the rear? Will the hatch still open with it opened and ladder there?

cshontz

12-18-2006, 01:42 PM

Luis, when you get the chance, can you please post pictures of the Eezi-Awn in its closed and covered position on the roof of your Cherokee? I'd like to get an idea of much space it consumes, and how far it extends, or sticks out from the sides on an XJ.

Why did you choose to mount the tent for rear entry as opposed to side entry? It looks like the ladder and tent platform would restrict access to the tailgate.

Thanks, Luis! Your Cherokee is awesome! Have fun on your adventure! :)

LUISJG

12-18-2006, 04:29 PM

well i dont know yet but i might change it to side opening ,,i just got lazy and didt want to unscrew it and turn it,

LUISJG

12-18-2006, 04:34 PM

Looks good Luis! Which model...1200...1400?

Curious why you have the Eezi-Awn opening to the rear? Will the hatch still open with it opened and ladder there?

is the 1200 ..series 3 " note the larger side windows.. i might change it to side opening .
though i realy didnt check if the tailgate will open ,,,i think it will...

right now im working on a last minute build of a gas tank carrier ,,need to finish tomorrow,

LUISJG

12-18-2006, 04:43 PM

gas can and carrier

LUISJG

12-18-2006, 09:55 PM

Almost There,,.........

LUISJG

02-13-2007, 08:46 PM

more pics..................................

Clay

07-05-2007, 02:22 AM

Have you done anything more, lately?

riverfever

07-05-2007, 04:34 AM

That looks great Luis. Nice lookin' XJ.

PolishX

07-09-2007, 06:45 AM

ok finaly something done,,

where did you get that mount ? part number .. I need one for my VHF

LUISJG

07-09-2007, 08:10 AM

I Made it myself. check the pics and you can copy it very easy.

cshontz

07-11-2007, 08:55 PM

Luis,
What kind of load bars did you mount your Eezi-Awn to on your old XJ?

LUISJG

07-13-2007, 05:26 PM

the best way I ended up was buying the surco mounting brackets they are at very good price only 39 i think for the set of 4 ,this ones mount perfect to the factory rails Not the gutters.

the I got 1 inch sqaur steel tubing to conect them acros welding a little plate to the tubing this little plate rest on top of the brackets with a hole for the bolt, if you dont want to weld the plate you can just put a hole thrue the sqaure tubing but this way you will need the 1.5 inch sqaure tubing.

then you get some plastic caps and paint them

very inexpensive and very eficient and strong,, used them to the huasteca expedition without a single problem or vibrations.

the surco bractes are model j100

LUISJG

07-13-2007, 05:32 PM

Have you done anything more, lately?

I wish,,I sold it..still missing her.
right now im on the drawing board to equipt my JK.
I have a project that includes fabricating a custom hard top,
preety much already have tha hole design in my mind and just waiting to
get some time to make it reality.hopefully by sept it will be finished.

cshontz

07-13-2007, 05:49 PM

LUISJG

07-13-2007, 05:55 PM

Brilliant! Thanks for this bit of info, Luis! Would you happen to have a high-resolution picture that shows, or kinda shows your mounting setup?

let me look ............................

LUISJG

07-13-2007, 06:05 PM

ok this one is the best i have ,,in the picture shows the 1 inch bars with the
"car -top-tent" prootype I had.

, the advantage of using this setup is that your eezi awn wont be very high from the roof.

http://expeditionportal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=5912&d=1171767924
http://expeditionportal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=5913&d=1171767942

LUISJG

07-13-2007, 06:39 PM

and here i another pic on how it will look without a tent on top,
then you can use them to load a kayak or something else

also there is a way to get them even 1 inch lower by welding the plate and seating the bar on the side of the bracket...
but i think its ok if you go the normal route