Bahamas 79 Cherokee Chief build

[uncletiffy]

A storm is headed our way (Erika) and due to be here by Saturday evening!

I am going to borrow 4 more jack stands an put them under each corner at the bumpers, just in case.

They are calling for maybe 70mph winds, would hate for her to get blown on the ground....................

[uncletiffy]

OK, no storm and I found someone locally to rebuild my axles.

Got all the parts in from BJ's and hopefully will be picking them up on Monday.

Completely rebuilt, new gear ratio, ring and pinion, seals, bearings,ball joints and u-joints.

I have ordered the 6" BJ's lift and most of that has shipped, except the springs, they will take 4-5 weeks before shipping.

Still trying to make a decision on the wheels, not to sure on whats the best offset to go for.
I will be running BFG MT KM2, 35 x 12.5 x 15.

I think I will also be getting a FI kit later on.
She runs great and starts easily as long as she is not cold.

So, whats a good wheel?
I want alloy and do not like chrome.

I really like this one but am not sure if it will fit nicely, any thoughts?

http://www.4wd.com/Wheels/Series-900-Vi ... 900S586037

[uncletiffy]

bump

[TitaniaDieKrieger]

What luck on avoiding the storm and even better luck on finding that local shop. probably saved you close to 700 bucks. Might think to get some heavy chains to anchor your jeep for the next storm.

[Stuka]

Don't use offset for finding wheels. Because it varies based on wheel width. Use back spacing. ~3.75" should be fine if going with 15" wheels. Its close to stock. If you are going with larger wheels, then you may be stuck with 4-4.5", which should be ok if they are 17's as those should clear the TREs.

[uncletiffy]

Don't use offset for finding wheels. Because it varies based on wheel width. Use back spacing. ~3.75" should be fine if going with 15" wheels. Its close to stock. If you are going with larger wheels, then you may be stuck with 4-4.5", which should be ok if they are 17's as those should clear the TREs.

Awesome,

I am sticking with the 15" wheel size.

Thanks.

[uncletiffy]

BJ's 6" kit going in. The rear was a challenge trying to get it to stretch out long enough ot meet the rear shackle.
But we got it.

[uncletiffy]

Front went in quickly.

[uncletiffy]

I don't think that I will leave the diff cover red.

[uncletiffy]

Could not wait, I wanted to see how she would look with the 31" tire.
I will be mounting 35" x 12.5".



She will be a monster.

[uncletiffy]

[Stuka]

The springs will settle some over time. I run 33's with my 6" (Which is about ten years old now) and I think its just right. 35's will fit though. Just know you will lose a lot of power if you have not regeared (I can't recall if you had done that yet or not)

[uncletiffy]

The springs will settle some over time. I run 33's with my 6" (Which is about ten years old now) and I think its just right. 35's will fit though. Just know you will lose a lot of power if you have not regeared (I can't recall if you had done that yet or not)

Yes, the re-gearing is done.

[74cherokees1980]

It's nice to see you saved this fsj!! I followed it on eBay quite a bit. Glad to see you are doing good things with it. Keep up the great work and keep us up to date with new posts. Nice find on your rig and enjoy it.


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[Tatsadasayago]

That jeep is going to look beastly with 35s with that lift!

Looking good so far.

[uncletiffy]

I gotta figure out how to climb in and out !

Its already difficult with the 31" tires, 35" will be a challenge.

AND I don't think she will hit in the garage when its done..

[uncletiffy]

Suspension and tires done.
Aint she Purdy?

[uncletiffy]

I had my axles re-built locally, bad decision.
Front and rear are humming at different speeds, so she is going back in the morning to try and sort out the backlash.

I will let them have a try at the steering also.
Lots of turn to the left and hardly any to the right.
We disassembled the tie rods and pitman arm a few times and tried to find a balance but no luck.
We shall see.

[Stuka]

I had my axles re-built locally, bad decision.
Front and rear are humming at different speeds, so she is going back in the morning to try and sort out the backlash.

I will let them have a try at the steering also.
Lots of turn to the left and hardly any to the right.
We disassembled the tie rods and pitman arm a few times and tried to find a balance but no luck.
We shall see.

What brand of gears did you end up going with?

Your steering issue is not hard to fix. It is normal to lose some steering range with a drop pitman arm, but it should not effect how far you can turn. And your pitman arm should be keyed, so it can only fit on in one of four positions. If it can fit in any position, then your steering box is missing the keyed parts or something?

So, pull the drag link off the pitman arm. get your steering wheel perfectly straight, and then get your tires perfectly straight. Chances are the drag link does not line up with the pitman arm once you do this. So lengthen the drag link until it matches up with the pitman arm.

Also if you have a steering stabilizer, it may need to be adjusted.

[uncletiffy]

I had my axles re-built locally, bad decision.
Front and rear are humming at different speeds, so she is going back in the morning to try and sort out the backlash.

I will let them have a try at the steering also.
Lots of turn to the left and hardly any to the right.
We disassembled the tie rods and pitman arm a few times and tried to find a balance but no luck.
We shall see.

What brand of gears did you end up going with?

Your steering issue is not hard to fix. It is normal to lose some steering range with a drop pitman arm, but it should not effect how far you can turn. And your pitman arm should be keyed, so it can only fit on in one of four positions. If it can fit in any position, then your steering box is missing the keyed parts or something?

So, pull the drag link off the pitman arm. get your steering wheel perfectly straight, and then get your tires perfectly straight. Chances are the drag link does not line up with the pitman arm once you do this. So lengthen the drag link until it matches up with the pitman arm.

Also if you have a steering stabilizer, it may need to be adjusted.

The steering issue was the stabiliser, I removed it and the steering works perfectly.

I can't remember the brand of gears but I will check.