Came into some cash...need to choose some mods...

[BIGdaddy]

Here's my wishlist

Front recovery setup
Repair A/C or convert to OBA
(if the former is decided upon rather than the latter, add an air compressor to the list..haha)
upgraded steering
replace sagging suspension with new stock or 1-2" lift setup
Safari snorkel
Roof storage of some sort
tcase skid
diff cover skids
camping lab awning.
rear storage solution...
hitch/wiring (done!)
more suitable tent (done!)

I'm trying to think of the stuff I'll need on my sierra's trip that
we'll take this fall. I'm not a rock-crawler and am planning no major mods
to the drivetrain of this rig. I like how it goes, so far.

we're good on camping gear.

$ budget can go up to $450.00, but I'd like to get a few things in that amount

EDIT: Got hitch and nutstrips. I'll get some bolts tommorow and officially be able to use my jeep for useful things other than carrying people and groceries. ahah!

Oh, and I was looking around at tents to buy, and one was given to us for free. check!!

 

[ExpoMike]

Personally the very first thing I would do is to get some rocker protection. I really love my AJ Super Rails but there are a bunch of different ones out there. Both my buddies went with AJ's.

My one buddy is basically stock and he managed to get through places using the sliders to slide over items. My other buddy kept talking about getting a set and after he put a big dent in his pass. side rocker, he had to fix that and then bought the AJ rails. He would not have damaged the rocker had he had them first.

Unless you are doing graded fireroads ONLY and won't accidently get off the beaten path, save the heartache and get some rails.

As for a winch bumper, make sure you get one that ties into the main "frame" back behind the steering box mount.

If you have a budget of $450, a winch bumper is going to eat most of that. You might want to look at getting a set of tow hook brackets (which ties into the frame rails) and tow hooks. Use them for a while until you have the budget to get a bumper and winch, then sell them and get back about 75% of what you spent. If you're not putting a winch on the bumper right away, the bumper is a big budget item that could be spent elsewhere.

My .02 worth.

 

[IllianaXJ]

Skidplates and rockrails are a stock height XJ's friend. Front towpoints are also a great idea.

For the rockrails and winch bumper, check out JCR Offroad. They have great stuff at good prices. Through July 6th, you can take 17.76% off your order with their Independence Day sale. AJ's is also good.

For towpoints, you can get D-ring mounts for not much more than regular tow hooks.
Check out High Country Offroad's stuff here: http://www.hicountryoffroad.com/Products/Cherokee/Recovery/cher_recovery.htm

 

[BIGdaddy]

Personally the very first thing I would do is to get some rocker protection. I really love my AJ Super Rails but there are a bunch of different ones out there. Both my buddies went with AJ's.

My one buddy is basically stock and he managed to get through places using the sliders to slide over items. My other buddy kept talking about getting a set and after he put a big dent in his pass. side rocker, he had to fix that and then bought the AJ rails. He would not have damaged the rocker had he had them first.

Unless you are doing graded fireroads ONLY and won't accidently get off the beaten path, save the heartache and get some rails.

As for a winch bumper, make sure you get one that ties into the main "frame" back behind the steering box mount.

If you have a budget of $450, a winch bumper is going to eat most of that. You might want to look at getting a set of tow hook brackets (which ties into the frame rails) and tow hooks. Use them for a while until you have the budget to get a bumper and winch, then sell them and get back about 75% of what you spent. If you're not putting a winch on the bumper right away, the bumper is a big budget item that could be spent elsewhere.

My .02 worth.

Detours' backbone system is $280.00. Winch mount and tow points...very simple and low-profile...http://www.detoursusa.com/xjbackbone.php


this logans metal brand is 309.00http://www.logansmetals4x4.com/id9.html


i was thinking one of those:chef:

sliders are a great idea...:coffeedrink:

 

[Desert Dan]

High Lift Jack, tow strap and Side Rock Rails

 

[BIGdaddy]

http://www.hicountryoffroad.com/Products/Cherokee/Recovery/cher_recovery.htm

thats cool!

 

[BIGdaddy]

High Lift Jack, tow strap and Side Rock Rails

:victory:lol...I've been wheeling for about 15 years...lI've got three tow straps and have used a hi-lift enough to have sold my last one a while ago.

Too much possibility of injury.

i'll be adding an airjack to my quiver, though. Much more controlled function with equal ability, and reduced weight to be carried.

10-4 on the rock rails, though!:wings:

 

[BIGdaddy]

i love how this looks. Waaayyy functional but mostly stock...

-rock rails
-stout bumper w/ front tow point
-hitch w/ detours d-shackle mouts
-steel wheels w/ tough tires
-removed front sway bar for flex
-engine tranny skid
-front spacers to offset bumper
-load air bags in rear
- chrys. 8.25

lol...i'm inferring a lot, but i like that plan...and it remains a viable dd'r

only thing i'd add to the look is a snorkle:snorkel:

 

[Maximus Ram]

You can find the stock tow hook brackets at a picknpull. maybe some stock skids too.
I found my sliders and bumpers on e-bay. Never hurts to look there.
Keep an eye on craigslist,also. every now and again bargins can be had ...

 

[BIGdaddy]

You can find the stock tow hook brackets at a picknpull. maybe some stock skids too.
I found my sliders and bumpers on e-bay. Never hurts to look there.
Keep an eye on craigslist,also. every now and again bargins can be had ...

:REOutArchery02:

 

[Root Moose]

I'd start with good quality sliders and transfer case skid plate. Our transfer cases are strong for what they are but if they come in contact with rocks they crack open like eggs.

That'll eat $450.

 

[ExpoMike]

http://www.hicountryoffroad.com/Products/Cherokee/Recovery/cher_recovery.htm

thats cool!

That's a nice setup for recovery mounts. Even the full deal with shackles is a fairly good price.

I echo the transfer case sides but an engine skid is not really needed unless you plan some hard core rock crawling. With the XJ, you're more likely to hit the transfer case long before you will the engine. Of all the XJ people I know, I don't know anyone with an engine skid, FWIW.

 

[Root Moose]

Yeah, engine skids seem to be a "Jeep thing" that I never quite understood. You don't see it in many (any?) other marque build-ups in my experience.

That said, I'd consider one once the Jeep is "done", probably in the form of a ruggedized oil pan with a skid built into it.

 

[BIGdaddy]

Yeah, engine skids seem to be a "Jeep thing" that I never quite understood. You don't see it in many (any?) other marque build-ups in my experience.

That said, I'd consider one once the Jeep is "done", probably in the form of a ruggedized oil pan with a skid built into it.

mannnn...you guys are forcing me to crawl back under my jeep and look at what ur talking about...

darn it. I hate crawling under there and geeking out. I'm not talking to you two...:xxrotflma

word.

 

[BIGdaddy]

That's a nice setup for recovery mounts. Even the full deal with shackles is a fairly good price.

I echo the transfer case sides but an engine skid is not really needed unless you plan some hard core rock crawling. With the XJ, you're more likely to hit the transfer case long before you will the engine. Of all the XJ people I know, I don't know anyone with an engine skid, FWIW.

its funny after wheeling my subaru for about 6 months out in anza-borrego and around pine valley/corral canyon/rancho san diego, I feel like I have a TON of ground clearance now with the XJ. I don't know, with the stuff
I'm likely to take it on, if I want the extra weight of skids.

I'm still pondering that. I guess I'll love them if I ever kiss them accidentally on a rock...haha!