Amauri's build thread: 1996 ZJ

[Amauri]

How it currently sits:

Well I purchased this Jeep with no intentions of wheeling it. The plan was to keep it for a year and then buy a TJ. Well it's been over a year now and I've decided to keep it for a while longer and build an expedition rig.


The Jeep is a 1996 Grand Cherokee 4.0 2wd. It will be converted to 4x4 as well as some other goodies by the end of the summer.

Here it is a week after purchase:

Inside(Why I bought a ZJ)

I bought it stock but it needed new shocks and tires so I bought a BB and d some 31's.
Soon there after I decided that 2wd and street tires bring on the suck:

So I started collecting parts to make it 4wd, I had everything I needed but some stuff came up and I needed the money so I sold everything.

A long time went by and all I did was abuse it, but I was slowly starting to fall in love with my POS 2wd ZJ.

 

[Amauri]

....I decided to keep it, it's to good to me. So slowly I started fixing things that needed fixing and adding small things here and there...

A few months ago I decided to re-do my headliner. It was gray and falling apart before a lot of the trim was gray as well. Wrapped it up and took some pictures today. Took longer than I thought it would it was a PITA removing all the trim and anything gray. I went to the store to pick up some adhesive for the headliner I saw some spray paint for carpet, so I decided to give it a shot. It turned out pretty good.

Pretty happy with the way it tuned out. Cost me like $50.

Cell phone pics don't do it justice.

No gray!!

Old mats vs. painted carpet

I added a CB with a PA that I got off craigslist for $30:

I had the antenna laying around from my old Samurai

Installed some Hella 700's:

Today I replaced all four of my lower control arms for Pro Comp chromoly arms, they are the same length but much beefier. I'm at 3" right now and don't plan on going any higher so they should do:

 

[Amauri]

Coming soon:
33x10.50's
4wd
Sleeping arrangement's
Storage
Armor

 

[Root Moose]

When you buy the 4x4 stuff again get a Dana 30 out of a XJ. It's bolt in and at the same time has a high pinion differential housing. It's a touch stronger as a result. Some argue that it is as strong as a Dana 44 but the housing itself and the bearings don't compare so that is more urban legend or internet lore than anything. While you have it out consider welding a truss on to the housing.

 

[FlagYJ]

cage?

 

[Amauri]

Root Moose- I have a HP30 with 4.10's that's going to go in. I'm looking for an 8.8 with 4.10's to match.

FlagYJ- No plans for a cage in the near future.

 

[BIGdaddy]

wicked. those control arms are beef, dude!

lemme know when you are gonna wrench and I'll come over with tools and such...

 

[Amauri]

Thanks, I definitely will. I'm going to need some help when the conversions comes together.

 

[SWbySWesty]

sounds like you've done your hw with it. It's about ready to grow up to a big boy's ZJ now!

 

[Amauri]

sounds like you've done your hw with it. It's about ready to grow up to a big boy's ZJ now!

It's been a long time coming, I'm glad it's all finally starting to come together.


I drove my Jeep on the freeway for the first time since I replaced my CA's and it appears that it helped with the vibrating issues I had been having. I think it's because my tires have a bit of negative camber now so it's sitting on the part of the tire that still has thread.

 

[Amauri]

Tires came in today, they get installed on Wednesday.... :wings:

 

[OverlandZJ]

Nice.. I'll be watching this thread for ideas on my 98 ZJ.

 

[Amauri]

Nice.. I'll be watching this thread for ideas on my 98 ZJ.

Thanks. I can't wait to see what you do with your ZJ I love your XJ :drool:

 

[Amauri]

"Teasers" I'll get better pictures tomorrow.

 

[OverlandZJ]

Whats the backspacing on the wheels? Have any clearance issues flexing the suspension?

I'll also be running a 33x10.5, hoping to pull it off with factory Canyons but not sure.

Your gonna hate that heavy fiberglass antenna on the fender mount. Get yourself a base loaded steel whip. Much lighter and it'll be easier on the mount.