1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee

[4lowdean]

Long-time lurker, 1st time poster.

Chassis: 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Duties: Dual Duty Trail Rig and Daily Driver
Engine: 4.0L inline six (Currently milage is at 168xxx miles as of 2012/02)
Trans: 4-speed auto (Rebuilt trans installed in 2011)
T-case: NV-242
Axles: Dana 30 Front, Dana 35 Rear with four wheel discs (for now)
Gears: Stock 3.73s
Lockers: None (yet)
Lift: 2" 4wd Hardware Coil Lift (with 0.75" leveling spacer added in front)
Wheels: 15x8 Black Steel rims (Added 2012/01)
Tires: 31x10.50r15 BFG ATs (Added 2012/01)
Skids: Rusty's Heavy-Duty T-case cross member

Other mods: Custom roof rack, JKS Disconnects, aftermarket stereo, laptop based GPS, hand-held CB, and a few dents and scratches that weren't there when I got it.

+++

Part of the reason for me lurking for so long is that this thing has been collecting dust for the last three years. The trans went out on it in the spring of '09 and between school, life, and other crap it took me forever to get it back on the road. Anyway, long story short, it has a new transmission and new wheels and tires. I am heading out to Rausch Creek Off Road Park in central PA this weekend to stretch its legs and break in the new BFGs.

Aside from 4x4ing I am into mountain biking, kayaking, hiking, and other outdoor activities. I don't plan on building it a serious over-lander since I have plans to build a dedicated full-size truck for that once I am finished with my doctorate. In the mean time I plan to use this Jeep as a "base camp" for my outdoor activities. I do enjoy primitive camping with not much more than a hammock and a tarp, so I try to have a 'travel light' mentality.

At any rate, I plan to do less lurking and more contributing here soon now that my Jeep is back up and running.

 

[4lowdean]

Got up to Rausch Creek Off Road Park in central PA yesterday. Snapped a few poser shots.

I also built a rear storage box... but I need to figure out how to finish it. Not sure if I am going to carpet it or bed-line it. It slides in perfectly and can be easily removed by one person (if it's empty).

 

[xjman88]

The zj is lookin good. I am builing up a 96 zj right now. I have a 2 1/4 inch spacer lift and running 31 inch bfg ats. I also have a set of Swamper trxus m/ts for extreme wheeling. I need to post up pics. I started with the interior electronics and rear cargo storage area.

 

[4lowdean]

The zj is lookin good. I am builing up a 96 zj right now. I have a 2 1/4 inch spacer lift and running 31 inch bfg ats. I also have a set of Swamper trxus m/ts for extreme wheeling. I need to post up pics. I started with the interior electronics and rear cargo storage area.

Yeah, electronics are next on my list. I need a new CB and a new inverter to power my laptop. I also want to run better 12v supply lines since my cigaret lighter and factory auxiliary 12v plug seem to be rather anemic lately.

I also need to do something about front recovery points.

I look forward to seeing pics of your '96. My Jeep before this one was a '96 ZJ with the Magnum 5.2L. Had the same 2" coil and 31" tire set up I run on my '97. It's such a good combination and I know how to drive it since I've been on the same set up since 2004.

 

[xjman88]

Heres a few pics of my zj. These are prior to the lift. I have a nice cobra cb for sale if u are interested. Let me know.

 

[xjman88]

A few more. These are after the lift and i removed the running boards. I have a winch bumper and rock sliders on the way. Hope u enjoy. The black rims and wranglers are what i run every day. I also built the tire carrier the other day. I need to put some finishing touches on it.

 

[madZJ]

Nice looking ZJ's, both of you.

 

[xjman88]

Thanks alot. I am picking up another one next week. Its gonna be a trail rig though. Has all the goodies incl 8.8 rear, 231 w/ A/A sye kit, Carolina Drivetrain drive shafts and lots of armor and an OME lift under it w 32 inch Swamper TSLs. I wheeled xjs for 12 yrs but love the comfort and ride of the zjs. Ive had 5 in the last 6 yrs. 3 lifted out of that.