Jeep Modifications The American Way - Tax Dollars At Work

I kinda prefer the later-model four-popper YJs, but I'd spend my tax money the same way on most any YJ in good running condition. Much like with the TJ/LJ, I'd slap on plate-style rockers with a round tubular slider bar. To fit the 31x10.50R15 mud tires cleanly, with plenty of room for articulation, I'd need a lift. A 21/2-incher would make room and it's low enough that a slip-yoke eliminator wouldn't be as necessary as with a 4-inch lift. I'd also yank the track bars and sway bar to get the suspension moving more freely. I'd pick up a pair of spare used axleshafts for my Dana 35 rearend and strap them inside. Rather than pony-up for a front-axle vacuum-actuator eliminator, I'd look for a '96-and-later nondisconnect XJ high-pinion Dana 30 frontend that had a gear ratio matching my YJ's. I'd cut off the four-link brackets and weld on the perches from my YJ's axle. I'd get rid of the factory axle vacuum-disconnect and have larger U-joints in the shafts all in one swoop. Then I'd toss a tow strap under the seat. An intake kit featuring a synthetic-media filter would touch up the otherwise stock engine compartment on my tax-refund YJ.

I'd start with a ZJ. I like the look of the older Grand Cherokee better than the newer rounded WJ. But most of my mods would work on both. As you might have guessed, just like with my other $2,183 Uncle Sam-built Jeeps, the ZJ Grand Cherokee would get a set of rocker guards. I'd look for something that mounted solidly to the unibody. Warn and Kevin's Off-Road offer good examples that protect the Jeep and provide increased rigidity to the chassis. A small 3-inch lift would clear 31x10.50R15 tires on used Wrangler Sport aluminum wheels. I'd then trim the bottom skirt off the front bumper for more clearance and add a Kevin's Off-Road radiator support. Under the hood you'd find an air-intake kit with a synthetic-media filter.