Jeep Modifications The American Way - Tax Dollars At Work

Hazel-Built Cherokee

It's gotta be a '99 4.0L Cherokee Sport model because I wouldn't own anything else in an XJ. I really enjoyed JR when it was sporting a small 2-inch Rubicon Express lift and stock-sized tires. It had a lot of get up and go, could go places a two-wheel-drive couldn't, and got 20 mpg on the freeway if I kept my foot out of it. I should have left it like that and just changed the oil. Below is a list of what I'd do if I were starting back at stock. The slight lift gives a little more height without the need for steering or drivetrain corrections. The aftermarket speed parts give lots of power and even up the mileage some. The resulting Jeep would be comfortable and quiet to drive, would do well off-road, and would haul ass away from stoplights and pass slowpokes.

Trasborg-Built Cherokee

The other guys might be able to cookie-cut an XJ and MJ and bundle them altogether, but I can't. One of the first things I think I'd do with a stock or stockish one of these this time around would be some unibody supports, bumpers, and rock rails. I didn't brace my Comanche before I started taking it in the desert, so now when it goes up on a lift, the doors have to be either closed or opened, because once it is on the lift you can't open or close the doors-the thing is really that tweaked.

If you look at the items I've chosen, the AJ's bumpers will work well not only off-road but around town to fend off inattentive drivers, plus I really prefer that bent-plate style of boxiness. The T&T components I picked will really stiffen up the Jeep from rocker panel to rocker panel. Unfortunately, the only part here that would be a bolt-on for an MJ would be the front bumper. The 1-inch lift shackles I threw in because there was about that much money left over, and many used XJs could use a rearend lift, especially once you start adding gear or groceries in the back.