99 Jeep Grand Cherokee, The Doomsday Jeep

[enjoithis]

Picked up my WJ in March 2011, time to start a build thread!

[enjoithis]

Picked up a set of 33x12.5 BFG AT's I found on Craigslist, $100 each, still have the whiskers on them! Ordered some D-Window 15x8 + 4" rims to mount these on

[enjoithis]

A year later. Finally, got a 4" IRO Front Long arm kit.


Lessons learned:

To fit 33's or bigger, you will need adjustable lower control arms, I was fortunate enough that I ordered them regardless. I pushed the front axle about 2" forward. This also means you need a longer front drive shaft!
To prevent death wobble, do it right. Fix your ball joints, tie rods, rotors, etc. Get a good quality lift like IRO's.
Go with long arms! You will regret going 4" without them.

[enjoithis]

Tom woods custom u-joint front drive shaft. I had to change the yokes out because I had the stock crappy Rezeppa or CV style shaft.

[enjoithis]

6-17-2012

First time wheeling the lifted jeep! This thing is unstoppable in the local trails, and some pictures to enjoy!


http://www.flickr.com/photos/enjoith...ream/lightbox/


http://www.flickr.com/photos/enjoith...ream/lightbox/


http://www.flickr.com/photos/enjoith...ream/lightbox/



http://www.flickr.com/photos/enjoith...ream/lightbox/


http://www.flickr.com/photos/enjoith...ream/lightbox/

[Brad S]

Words of advice: Don't go wheeling on your way to a wedding.

What on earth made you think that was a good idea?? LOL

[enjoithis]

What on earth made you think that was a good idea?? LOL

That was actually the first time I got the jeep stuck after numerous times on the trails. I pushed my luck too far!

[RNMedic]

no problems with 15 inch wheels??

[enjoithis]

no problems with 15 inch wheels??

If I do it again, i'm going with 16's. They JUST clear the front calipers, but stick on weights inside the wheels dont... heh

[ELLLLLIOTTTTT]

What camera/lens are most of these shot with? Looks pretty high quality. Nice jeep.

[enjoithis]

What camera/lens are most of these shot with? Looks pretty high quality. Nice jeep.

Thank you. I shoot the HQ shots with Canon 60D, garage shots were all with a sigma 10-20mm, outdoor shots in the woods are using 18-135is, and below with a 70-200mm f2.8

[WJJEEPIN]

Keep an eye on the TW shaft. Make sure its well lubed and inspected regularly, I had my DC blow and turn my T-Case into a two piece...

Nice jeep, keep up the good work.

[enjoithis]

Keep an eye on the TW shaft. Make sure its well lubed and inspected regularly, I had my DC blow and turn my T-Case into a two piece...

Nice jeep, keep up the good work.

Thanks for the advice, I saw the note saying to always lube the shaft. I should get on that... haha

[enjoithis]

After having some fun in the mud my steering box started leaking. The last component of the power steering system that I havent replaced. I swapped it out with a used gear box and all is back to normal!

[wj4play]

After having some fun in the mud my steering box started leaking. The last component of the power steering system that I havent replaced. I swapped it out with a used gear box and all is back to normal!

I forsee lockers in your future

[enjoithis]

Yea, lockers will probably be needed soon. Unfortunately I have quadra drive so i dont think its going to be an easy swap

[1ABrian]

so any updates on this build? It was lookin good but we lost ya.

[enjoithis]

Finally needed to change front brake calipers since one seized up. I went ahead and got the Akebono calipers, pads, and new centric rotors. I had to grind down the caliper to fit the 15" wheels over them. All said and done, it stops nice and smooth!

Photo op!

Jeep Grand Cherokee Rollin Dirty by WhitbeckPhoto.com, on Flickr

[enjoithis]

no problems with 15 inch wheels??

Update here: YES I've run into a problem with 15"s. I seized a caliper and decided it was a good time to upgrade, the Akebono calipers are just a bit too big for 15" wheels. It took some grinding off the top to get them to fit. I have pictures, I'll post them later. Grinding needed was not much for my wheels thankfully with the offset I'm running. I could see where most will need to grind about 1/4" off the entire top of the caliper.

[enjoithis]

Finally relocated washer fluid using a voyager reservoir and the WJ pump. Spliced in the voyager level sensor for a fully functional tank!

[killallblue]

looking good

[enjoithis]

Finally getting around to some more upgrades on this project.

-JK 44 rear, 4.56 gears, E-Locker
-Front axle 4.56 gears, E-Locker, all new bearings, axles, seals.
-Fitting the rear LCA brackets on the frame. used two, 1/4" steel plates to beef up the frame.
-Transfer case ( 242HD ) getting SYE and tom woods rear driveshaft

I'll try to post some progress as the build continues

[Ted_Z]

Looks good. Did you resue any of the JK brackets on the rear? Let me know when you get your rear upppers done, I could use a A-arm spacer for my '02.

[enjoithis]

Looks good. Did you resue any of the JK brackets on the rear? Let me know when you get your rear upppers done, I could use a A-arm spacer for my '02.

No sir. Axle was completely stripped and WJ brackets welded on. Only thing custom was the rear upper mount. I should have the rear uppers on soon, I'll keep you posted!