Project Justin's DD, 2001 Cherokee Sport

[xvxax]

I'm glad people are into these like these kinds of projects for the XJ like they are on Rangers. With Rangers, people swap every semi-luxury part imaginable from the Explorer instead. The overhead console on the Range also involves cutting the headliner a bit. Nice job, especially with the wiring which has kept me from tackling this for my truck. how did dying the plastic turn out? I am not sure I would want the MPG meter, as it would probably make me cry.

[JustinG]

It was a royal pain to remove all the adhesive, with goo gone and WD40. Then I just washed it with soapy water, scuffed it with some scotch brite, and used some krylon fusion. That stuff is awesome on plastics.

[Gs dewd]

On most jeeps when you unhook the battery, the next time you start it, it will run like shit if it stays running. Until the ecu relearns the fuel trims. Usually it does this very quickly. Less then 5 mins of driving.

[JustinG]

Well, now that I have ALOT more time on my hands, and it was pretty nice outside today I decided to tackle painting the wheels on the XJ, this is a temporary fix until I find some Grizzlies or Canyons for super cheap.

The stock wheels were looking pretty busted, center caps discolored, and rust popping up around the edges of the wheel.


First removed the center caps, they can be removed once the wheel is off, there are 3 8mm screws holding it on.


First I washed the wheel and center cap, then scrubbed with some scotch brite pads, rinsed and dried, then taped off the tire.

Tire all taped off so there is no overspray...


one coat, dry ten minutes, 2nd coat, then dry to the touch in 1 hour, and dry enough to reinstall after 3.

2 coats on the center cap


2 coats on the wheel and center cap reattached


Back on the Jeep


Before and after shot


Ran into a bit of an issue as usual, passenger rear wheel is seized to the drum, beat on the bitch with a hammer etc etc, right now its been drenched in PB so hopefully it'll pop off tomorrow. But I did get 3 of 5 wheels painted. I love this Jeep, but the damn rust/seized bolts on this thing are ridiculous, nothing structurally wrong, but just annoying, and can make a 10 minute job a 1hr job.

[Goodspeed]

Bizawlin'! That looks great :thumbup: . Mine aren't looking too hot either, I might have to do this come spring - though I've been considering getting some soft 8's or something similar.

What kind of jack do you have/use for the XJ? Are those Hi-Lift 4x4 jacks/pry bar things any good?

[JustinG]

I use an aluminum costco jack, those offroad jacks make me nervous, not to stable, and should only be used as a last resort while offroading not in a garage. Harbor freight aells a similar jack to mine. Just use that, and if you need an extra inch or two a couple of blocks of wood will do.

[D_Eclipse9916]

Goodspeed, just harass me. Ive got two aluminum jacks if you want to borrow one for a few weeks.

[WRXtranceformed]

Looks great man that came out really well. Was most of that rust just surface rust? Did it come off with the Scotch Brite pads?

[JustinG]

Yea just surface, some had bubbled the paint, but was easily removed, maybe 5 minutes of scrubbing.

[Jeff]

You had a full size spare right? I have one of those wheels laying around I would LOVE to get the $30 I have in it back out.

[JustinG]

Nah...I'm good

[Jeff]

Goody?

[JustinG]

HA....2 years later.

Time for some new tires, and while im at it I want to fix the sag in the rear. If anyone finds some decent used tires in their craigslist browsing lemme know, it would be nice if the tires included some factory grizzlies or even some D windows. But I am fine with the factory steelies I have already.

So to fix the rear sag, the responsible thing to do is just leave it alone, and get some OEM Shocks and Leaf Springs, so that is the plan.
I am not sure how much longer this will be in the driveway anyways.

[Goodspeed]

Bust some rainy day sideways antics for me before you get new tires. I kinda miss having a shitty-tired XJ

[JustinG]

She was a durable steed. Sold her today for what I paid for her almost 3 years ago. I can sleep well tonight.

[V1GiLaNtE]

*tear

Ah well she served her purpose.

[JustinG]

Hey cabell you want this rocker panel? Plenty left of it if you need to repair yours.

[SlimKlim]

Gotta love selling something for what you paid. :thumbup:

Something tells me you won't be missing it too much either especially when you get the new shoes on the XT. :wink:

[V1GiLaNtE]

Hey cabell you want this rocker panel? Plenty left of it if you need to repair yours.

I'd give it to a more needing home. Mine are mint. Thanks though! :thumbup: