1997 Jeep ZJ Larado Project: Redemption

[nick_n_ii]

So I figure I wanted to document my build someplace and why not share here.
1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee Larado
4.0L original 162,000 Miles
242 T-case
Stock
Jeep looked clean when bought but as always, once cladding was removed the rust showed. Than we hit a deer doing 55mph so I had to do a quick temp nose replacement.
This will be built different than my former Jeeps.
Two things I'll keep in mind as I plan, buy and build. "Adventure not Off-Road" and "Build for the 99% you do not the 1% you HOPE to someday do"...

Parts will start being ordered in 3 weeks. Here's my plan.
3.5" Complete Iron Rock Offroad short arm lift
265/75R16 Wildpeak AT3s
sPod with custom switch mount from https://zjretrofit.com/
DIY front and rear bumpers and sliders
On-board air
RTT on custom roof rack
Novak Cable T-case shifter kit
Tom Woods 242 HD SYE
Adams Driveshafts
HP30 front/ 8.8 or D44 rear with 4.10 gears and True-Tracs in Both.

Paint.... Either farm implement or Raptor coat or a mix of both...

 

[nick_n_ii]

Here are some of my firs ZJ back in 2007 before I understood building ZJs.

 

[nick_n_ii]

And than my 2nd ZJ which was my first try at a Adventure build.
Death by sink hole..

 

[nick_n_ii]

Well I picked up a item I couldn’t pass up.
5- 06’ Rubicon wheels with MTRs at 85% life on them.
Not my first choice in tire but at the price it will do due for now. Picks coming soon..


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[nick_n_ii]

Nothing new yet. I just spent a week in the hospital with a leg infection. I did however source a lift kit used. So parts still coming in waiting on a weather shift to get to work.

 

[nick_n_ii]

Well Parts are ordered and several already bought.
Ordered:
IRO 3.5" Prem. Lift
IRO steering

Bought:
V8 ZJ 5.9er axles (limited slip rear
Limited Leather seats
Head liner
CB wires
245/75R16 MTRs on Moabs
1" wheel spacers

Build will probably start in a week once the lift shows up.. Pics coming very SOON......

 

[Mosinguy1]

Will be watching this!! I have a 93 ZJ

 

[nick_n_ii]

Well been busy.. Installed my 3.5" IRO lift so far love ride but needs shorter front shocks. Got my new head lights in and my 5.9er grill. Replaced the rockers and prepping for paint..

 

[OverlandZJ]

The grill and Hella's look good Nick.. Jeep is coming along.

 

[ZMagic97]

Sweet ZJ! I can't wait to see more.

 

[nick_n_ii]

Well got a few up date pics.
Including she got started being pulled down for paint to night too.....

 

[nick_n_ii]

Well body work and paint done

 

[OverlandZJ]

Wont lose that rig in.. anywhere! Good job Nick, dont think i'll ever tackle painting a vehicle again.

 

[Cottontail]

Gotta say, you are doing good work on that, but I hated to see the Chargold paint go away. I am in the middle of rebuilding my Chargold 1996 ZJ. I think it's the best color Jeep ever put on a Grand Cherokee.

 

[nick_n_ii]

Was kinda hard to match up. And after hitting a Dear it needed a full on paint job..