Jeep Cherokee XJ Budget Build Part 2 - RC Builds - Episode 2

In the first episode of RC Build - Jeep Cherokee XJ Budget Build, the RC Build team purchased a stock Jeep XJ and transformed it into a more than capable off road vehicle on a total budget of $5,000. In this episode, we take the XJ a step further.
Music: Static Revival
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Jeep Front Winch Bumper
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12000 LB Electric Winch
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Roller Fairlead 12" LED Light Bar Mount
www.roughcountr...
12" LED Light Bar
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Jeep Stinger Bar
www.roughcountr...
D-Ring Kit
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Jeep Dana 30 Diff Guard
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Jeep Heavy Duty Tie Rod
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And check out our web site at roughcountry.com

[@SILVER00M5]

Lot of haters posting on here and probably don't have a jeep lol. Rough Country has good products that are reasonably priced. If you want to spend more money on a lift you better put good use to it instead of using it as your hunting truck like me. I will continue to buy from you folks cause you have a military discount and outstanding customer service. Thanks for the video guys.

[@RoughCountryTV]

SILVER00M5 Thanks for the support.

[@aronkovacs1386]

SILVER00M5 And of course they never mind it that these are parts that potentially can save your life, so you better buy it from a reasonable source as well not some shady business that sells you overpriced import that cant withstand gravel road.

[@JeepITguy]

Hey I agree, they are good products. I have a set of their SRB's going on my 90 (and possibly my son's 97 if the new springs settle like I think they will). But you yourself only reinforced my point- all that neat equipment they installed, and all they are doing is what any box-stock XJ can do. I don't expect rockbouncing or anything extreme, but let's sell the sizzle- if you want folks to buy the lift, show what the lift can do, not the stock vehicle!

[@da_teg_9145]

Pretty excited I'm probably getting a 95 Cherokee that's in good shape too! Aww man I'm excited

[@racerx1690]

RC SEEMS TO CATCH SO MUCH FLAK FROM CRITICS, BUT I ALWAYS LOOK FOR RC PRODUCTS USED BECAUSE I KNOW THEY ARE QUALITY PARTS, AND WILL DO GREAT ON MY JEEPS, SINCE I AM PLAIN AND SIMPLY TOO POOR TO BUY NEW. MY 02 TJ WAS LOADED WITH USED RC PARTS THAT WORKED PERFECTLY AND STILL LOOKED GREAT. KILLED ME TO LET THAT ONE GO. NOW I AM ON AN XJ CLASSIC

[@rafaeltorres2886]

I used Rough Country lift kit on my 98xj no complaints here. I gifted that jeep to my daughter and bought another xj an 87 with a ford 8.8 rear so Im going Rough Country again with the lift.

[@benbai66]

very nice clean build ! jus started my xj project , 4.5 inch RC x series lift , 35 inch BFG MUD TERRAINS , alot of neglected parts , brakes , hoses , tune up etc . very pleased with the RC lift although i need some more bumpstop.!RC makes some good products at fair prices . got a way to go but started off right . dont understand all the rude comments here , totally uncalled for . you never said you built the thing to compete in KOH , its just a nice good looking rig with enhanced ability due to more articulation and ground clearance from better tires , as well as showcasing your products . ROCK ON ! and screw the haters

[@josephbracha6155]

A lot of RC haters came to post here, so why you watching a RC video? I've had 2, 1991 XJ's both on the RC 4.5" SA Lift, RC adjustable trac bar with bracket, I wheel the trails in CO. Bang for the buck, they are a great product, most of us wheeling XJ's don't have a Rubicon owners budget, and these products have yet to fail me. My current XJ can cruise down the interstate at 80mph with no sway bar and drives like a Cadillac. Love them or hate them, they have been an excellent product for me on and offroad. Yeah, they could show a better wheeling video, but you could just youtube an XJ running a trail with a rough country lift and get 1000+ results. Don't like RC, go pay more for the same thing elsewhere. Thanks Jeff at RC who I dealt with for my last upgrade, you went above and beyond.

[@MegaRyan123456]

This is why I love off-roading you don't need much of a budget to get started and have fun modding

[@officialWWM]

No but you need a big budget to fix everything that breaks :/

[@MegaRyan123456]

@@officialWWM guess that helps when your already a mechanic haha

[@petek6522]

Have the 6.5 lift on my 1990, it been 10 years now and still have the same springs and shocks ...

[@rugged1209]

I've bought over 20 lifts off rough country for my xjs I always build . and sale and I have to say there the best lifts out there so smoth no bouncing around the road soft suspension I love these lifts

[@JeepITguy]

It's nice that you're a fan and they work well for you- but saying they are "the best" isn't really valid. No lift is "the best" no more than any gun is "the best". It all matters what you do with it.

[@skeltonslay8er781]

I’d love to have something like this

[@stormhusker1469]

I got a 97 grand cherokee that I paid 900 for. I put a few hundred dollars into it and it works great.now I'm wanting to do something like that to mine.

[@eagleone5456]

storm husker I've got a 96 GC, look up junk yard builds you can get a nice set up using YJ-JK parts.

[@aussie1546]

They sell some good quality stuff. Just did 3 inch lift kit on 93 Jeep XJ, o man what difference.

[@RKmndo]

I don't think I've ever used Rough Country products, but my buddy keeps using them for different projects. He swears by their customer service.

[@crawlhardrc7852]

I hear alot of ppl say never use rough country lifts. I personally have never used one but after the first of the year I plan on trying one. I'm all about the lift and can sacrifice ride smoothness lol

[@codyrockwood8519]

ok, so you proved that it can drive down dirt roads, great job

[@dirtshower250]

Except everything you did offroad my stock xj can do.

[@GroovinFunk]

So true

[@nikoprather]

I was about to say

[@FlatFourJay_]

dirtshower250 I was going to say the same thing about my blazer lol. These guys make awesome products though.

[@dirtshower250]

Jose Flores well my xj now has a full rustys kit with a critical path cross member 9k winch and dirt bound bumper, I've never bought anything from rough country. all the xj's round here have rough country lifts and they have that Carolina lean going on after 6 months.

[@ianblack3394]

dirtshower250 op

[@luissolis2993]

I love this jeep lol RC products work fabulous on my jeep

[@skyhawkpilot172]

My XJ is stock in the front with add-a-leafs in the rear to account for the additional weight of a tire carrier. My good looking better half has an RC lift on her XJ nearly identical to what's in this video. I run 30" tires and she has 32" tires. When the Jeeps are parked next to each other, it really doesn't look like much of a difference, but off-road it is a different story. There are obstacles I occasionally struggle with that she just drives over them. The increased lift allows for larger tires and that seems to add a little extra capability. As far as RC goes, we have no complaints. After our abuse and even commuting to work for a couple of years, there has been no need for an alignment, no bent components, no rattles, it just works. The lift (and Jeep) even survived her learning how to off-road. She routinely did things that made me cringe in the beginning. LOL The only fault we can find with the lift is the ride. It's not terrible, but it is firm. She calls it her boobie bouncer and seems to enjoy it stating "it rides like a Jeep should".

[@RoughCountryTV]

We appreciate the kind words and glad you are enjoying your lift! Thanks for the support!

[@ericfaley9019]

Nice build. I bought mine lifted but added the rear shackle relocation brackets. I was surprised the ride improved and how much better the rear springs now flex. Next 3/4 spacers to bring the front even that should put me in the 4 1/4 to 1/2 range. I think drop bracket s are next. thanks for the good videos.Eric

[@TheOldaz1]

Looks good, sadly can't have more than 2" lift here, so tire size limited as well. Thanks for sharing.

[@cooperscoins901]

Ah who cares about laws lol

[@mtndewman1022]

where are you?

[@joaofiliperodriguesferreir1908]

I want that jeep😊 love all the work you have done to that jeep

[@justincase8239]

Good thing you put a winch on. You're still running open diffs. You're gonna need it.

[@Krawl913]

Noticed this has coil spacers added to the 4.5" lift. 31s are much better fit for any level of 4.5" lift without limited up travel.

[@imaprofessional3608]

My xj got sway bar quick disconnects and Eaton e-locker front and rear but its stock height lifts aren't required but this one does look good though you can't really hate on an xj

[@davidbeal4]

This jeep is beautiful

[@RKalnins17]

About winch- I'm not an expert, and of course this kinda bumper is usually seen on offroad cars, but I think the real deal is to build a winch into a stock bumper :) Some friend of mine has XJ with powerful winch, built into a stock bumper. Mechanic endeavored :)

[@michaelozaeta9636]

I love your Cherokee it is beautiful

[@nortw3st]

Awesome products but the bumper/stinger/d-ring mounting bolts I feel should be standard 15 or 16mm bolts as Allen bolts might cause broken sockets under heavy torque such as this application. Other than that great product

[@skippyjones2077]

You guys did a great job on the xj good video thank you

[@josephdemarco2643]

point of note. if you are putting that diff cover on, why not change the diff oil while you are at it?

[@Claodious]

Subbed. Love GCs. Looking for a 98 ZJ tbh but man.. XJs are pretty sexy

[@masonfox6596]

Looks badass

[@theodorstravels]

Let's put on a winch, and see what it can do.... without turning it on once. And what is the purpose of the "stinger bar"?

[@RoughCountryTV]

lol. Yep. For demonstration purposes, we probably should have tested out the winch on camera. A stinger bar is designed to prevent flipping end over end when driving down a steep decline, to protect the front of the vehicle, and in extreme situations can also provide the ability to 'ramp' the nose and drive up a near-vertical wall.

[@eagleone5456]

Theodors Travels and nowadays its good for clearing the road of Antifa.

[@JeepITguy]

The stinger bar is obviously there to... look good. Except it looks retarded. I'd much rather see a radiator protection bar that follows the hood. MUCH more utilitarian- and a great place to put a hilift.

[@JeepITguy]

There is NO WAY that stinger you've bolted on will withstand "ramping the nose" up a wall. Prove me wrong- let's see it done. Better yet, just tell us what it's made of- tubing, or pipe? What thickness and diameter? Further, those d-ring plates look really doubtful as well- are they attaching to more than the material of the bumper skin- what is that, 1/8" thickness? Sorry, I'm interested in the bumper at that price, but only if you prove it is actually more than just a neat little chichi widget that looks the part.

[@Nothingtoya]

I would love to see how the your XJ does with that lift and the control arm drop brackets you guys make.

[@bengoetz4600]

You guys should do a YJ build

[@carlparker3571]

I like your products, but in the first part of the budget build, you would have been better off with lockers, and 2" lift, part 2 would have been better with upgraded braking, and exhaust.

[@gullivergimeno1520]

This is awesome!!! I love it...Thank you.

[@mjcxking]

You guys need to release that fair lead light mount kit! I would love one

[@RoughCountryTV]

You can find the Roller Fairlead 12-inch Light Bar Mount on our web site here: www.roughcountry.com/12in-light-bar-roller-fairlead-mount-70128.html and our video specifically about it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b17Zg6CVpZJroqM

[@alexanderrussell6211]

You don't "have" to instal an SYE on a lift below 5inch however you can instal one anyways

[@petermayuot5995]

Wow that is awesome!

[@1shotbarbeque881]

Nice horn..

[@danielvalentine287]

Good work!

[@RoadRunner-ih4rq]

DO SOMETHING WITH THAT OPEN DIFF!!!!!!

[@mattbrown5511]

Here's a little advice. When doing a promotional video, use a garden hose, a scrub, and an intern, and $40 worth of rattle can black to make the surrounding parts looking fairly nice before putting your factory fresh parts on. Looks like you are trying to polish a turd.And I agree with dirtshower below,my stock XJ can go everywhere you went. So were you just after cool factor or usability?

[@gabecarter2850]

looks like a bad ass jeep! needs a bad ass driver!

[@tannerrienbolt5248]

That Obsy kid has a voice of gold

[@raresapavaloaie494]

Nice intro is great!!

[@joejackson8802]

I have a 2000 XJ ..with the SAME budget ..READY to go ..if you guys wanna do a show in Maryland ..let's do it ..lol ..looking to do black bear pass and the Rubicon Trail ..help me please!!!!!!

[@RoughCountryTV]

We currently not looking for XJ's but keep an eye out on our social network and web site for vehicles wanted for Rough Country installs: www.roughcountry.com/vehicles-wanted/

[@joshuanicholsjr5327]

good stuff go Jeepsters

[@kylecochran5088]

Maybe some affordable bumpers for the zj or body skid plates/guards.

[@RoughCountryTV]

Unfortunately, we don't currently offer that, but if you're not already, you can subscribe to our KZbin channel and/or regularly check our web site at roughcountry.com for the latest product updates.

[@camcan3253]

It's pretty sweet, I want!!!

[@liriogalvan9131]

NICE NICE JOB 👍

[@CRF450Rider585]

A stock dodge neon would have done that

[@codyschramm2289]

actually no, i have tried lol

[@AkMedMan1]

That XJ needs axles swapped and lockers!

[@JeepITguy]

For 33s, it really doesn't. I have 33s on my old XJ, they worked fine. It's not like they are beating on this.

[@Se7enAte]

Really all these upgrades are cosmetic for appearance. Stock XJs can do anything but climb boulders and 90 degree walls. I'm not gonna hate because this looks badass but really these didn't make it able to do anything new

[@rsBrad]

Yeah shoulda just put lockers on it bam

[@Se7enAte]

iboism lockers are pretty much the greatest single upgrade you can do to any 4x4 vehicle

[@paul-wd7ht]

Se7enAte lockers make it a TRUE 4x4

[@Se7enAte]

***** A 2wd vehicle with lockers can about as much as a 4x4 without

[@paul-wd7ht]

Se7enAte yup. 4x4 without lockers is basically 2wd. As soon as one looses traction that is

[@svtxj9921]

I have an '98 XJ 2-door and this is a good inspiration for me and what mods im going to do to mine

[@RoughCountryTV]

Glad you like it.

[@yachtwish]

Love that jeep! You call that a test though? My stock toyota can do all of that stuff

[@RoughCountryTV]

We didn't want to push it too much. We planned on selling it after the build was complete.

[@yachtwish]

RoughCountryTV Fair enough lol

[@huntersodersyt4097]

Nice

[@thezombiechicken9406]

awesome!

[@adamspitzer5113]

OSBY! my man

[@chrisreyes259]

Where was the GoPro mounted when looking at the axel could and steering stabilizer ? That's a bad shot! ( I assume it's a go pro)

[@RoughCountryTV]

Thanks. It is a GoPro and it was most likely mounted to the bumper.

[@xjuancherokee8640]

RoughCountryTV love youre videos! I want my xj to be fetured! What do u have to do?

[@RoughCountryTV]

Xjuan Cherokee Thanks. Unfortunately we're not looking for an XJ's at the moment, but you can keep an eye on wanted vehicles page: www.roughcountry.com/vehicles-wanted/

[@saharaservices4074]

good job ..

[@wuttmodel3232]

Verry cool sir

[@550Outdoors]

Did you/any plans to upgrade the drivetrain components? Just purchased the shaft/SYE for my '01 XJ and would love to see a video "how to install" on that. Love this project build!!!!

[@RoughCountryTV]

At this point in time, we are finished with this project. We are glad that you like the build!

[@Mauricio71Navarro]

Muy bien se ve este Jeep con sus accesorios delanteros pero les falta arreglar la parte trasera

[@slywolf2025]

This trail looks like my driveway

[@kaktasjak]

Awesome!

[@trentyoung8528]

I'll give you $5k for it!

[@johncuervo3019]

It has of 260k miles. Ya sure you would pay that much?

[@MidnightMiata]

What size tires do y'all have on that set up? I'm going a bit larger with a 6.5 x series but this is making me consider the 4.5 with that size tire. I'm not trying to make a rock crawler, more like an overlander type vehicle

[@RoughCountryTV]

On this one we installed 33x12.50 Tires

[@MidnightMiata]

Rough Country Oh dang, alright then. That looks awesome!

[@scottylee1396]

@@RoughCountryTV what size are the rims?

[@jmagana924]

Huge fan of this jeep xj ....should of been a different color though..

[@alec4699]

Nothing like putting cheap parts like rough country on your vehicle and instantly depreciating the value.

[@jakuburban1477]

Good work, its a fantastic !! :D

[@teddymeredith2565]

All show, no go. The moment a wheel comes off the ground the diff will do nothing for the jeep

[@RKmndo]

That's what the winch and bowshackles are for. Many XJs also came with limited-slip rears. If it doesn't have one, lunchbox lockers are pretty cheap and easy to add. Modulate the parking brake until then.

[@fuckdapoelice]

how sturdy is the bumper? im thinking about buying one or just building one. on this video it just looks thin as hell. might just be me

[@RoughCountryTV]

It is very well built. www.roughcountry.com/jeep-xj-winch-bumper-1057.html See more video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n3qpiKWNoZaInas kzbin.info/www/bejne/l32zmmRjer14edE

[@DJGamesHD]

The jeep looks awesome i love off road cars subbed:)

[@brooks302]

are lockers next?!?!?! and a rear bumper???

[@RoughCountryTV]

While there certainly could have been more done to the XJ from here, this project was finished and sold. We're looking at potentially starting a new project in 2015.

[@rickybobby7752]

I know this was 5 years ago . . What did you do with the vacuum canister?

[@landrunplumbingllchull2953]

I want to see them come out with something to make my xj 6.5 lift 35'' tire go down the road better 😁 overland build

[@matthewwach7693]

you better drop those control arms if you ever want a smooth ride on the road if your gonna do all that.

[@RoughCountryTV]

+Matthew Wach RC has you covered if control arm drops are needed. www.roughcountry.com/jeep-xj-control-arm-drop-kit-1627.html

[@gabecarter2850]

+Matthew Wach in an off road vehicle you are not concerned about how smooth the ride is, you stiffin everything up so you don't tip over

[@kevinobrien426]

For offroading did you remove the rear swaybar? Obviously you disconnected the front, but no one ever mentions the rear

[@RoughCountryTV]

+Kevin O'Brien Yes remove the rear for offroading

[@wilson4328]

No lower gear install? No lockers?

[@josemcnally]

I notice the coil spacers you guys added, I'm gonna take a guess and say you used your shackle relocation bracket in the rear, am I right? Only reason I want to know is I have the 4.5 x series kit and the relocation brackets and wanted to see if my jeep would be about the same height.

[@reycastro2329]

josemcnally yea I noticed that too I recently installed a x series aswelll without the rear shackles relocation and the rear is higher then the front

[@hayzersolar]

why do all this if you are not cleaning as you go. install front diff cover but didnt clean or paint.

[@awalktowardsglory]

Great video! What lift kit did you install on this?

[@Jobobagginz]

so I have my standard xj, how much with lift kit and chunky rubbers just roughly

[@welivejeep3054]

Are those coil spacers I see? If so, what size lift is on the jeep. I thought it was 4.5?

[@seananon4893]

OSBY... BAWCUM..... Yall sure gots some funny names...

[@ginatirado964]

I got a 92

[@TJWallace1998]

Why lift a jeep like that and do that weak off roading after. I could lower my stock xj and do that crap

[@RoughCountryTV]

bmxforlife TJ This video is not intended to show the full capabilities of the vehicle, it is an informative video to give viewers a look into the installation of some of our products.

[@diville6425]

+bmxforlife TJ get rekT kid

[@evogibson92]

+Rough Country wouldnt you want to show the full capabilities of your product? im more inclined to buy a product that the manufacture is willing to show themselves abusing the hell out of it, because it shows they are more confident in their products than the competitors. Teraflex is a good example of this.

[@Garfunkel1080]

+bmxforlife TJ Then get off the internet and do it m8!!!! #JeepsForLyfe

[@natecbeats7652]

+bmxforlife TJ Dude they are just promoting the lift. Chill.

[@williamwarner3982]

Warn knows how to make bumper brackets. Those R. C. Brackets are weak. Won't be able to handle any side load. Got in a bad wreck and I am going to reuse my Warn bumper and the brackets.

[@cliffriser1334]

i just finished watching the xj build video and noticed that it has a Tennessee license plate. I also have an xj and was wondering where your shop is located

[@RoughCountryTV]

We are located in Dyersburg, TN. In Northwest TN. 90 Miles North of Memphis.

[@cliffriser1334]

Any thoughts on a rear winch bumper for the 94 jeep xj?

[@martintavarez1063]

Hey bro i got a xj too I was looking for a build like how u have that one

[@RoughCountryTV]

Jeep Front Winch Bumper www.roughcountry.com/jeep-xj-w... 12000 LB Electric Winch www.roughcountry.com/electric-... Roller Fairlead 12" LED Light Bar Mount www.roughcountry.com/12in-ligh... 12" LED Light Bar www.roughcountry.com/12-inch-l... Jeep Stinger Bar www.roughcountry.com/bumper-st... D-Ring Kit www.roughcountry.com/bumper-d-... Jeep Dana 30 Diff Guard www.roughcountry.com/different... Jeep Heavy Duty Tie Rod www.roughcountry.com/jeep-heav...

[@guyshaw7784]

My question is what type of power did you lose by not doing any sort of gear or axel swap?

[@RoughCountryTV]

+gshaw94 Shaw You will lose some with a 33" tire but nothing substantial. About a 8% lose in power.

[@chiefexecutive]

Does rough country make those flat fender flares too?

[@colbybarbour9990]

nope

[@dandahermitseals5582]

Those shackles installed with 4 little bolts will rip right out if you try to use them . Rinky dinky.same as that stinger could never do what they are for. Dandahermit. Shackles should be an outgrowth of the frame mount bracket to match their rating. Jeezy.cosmetic.😅

[@benjaminvolesky1653]

notice how the coil spacers come in after that heavy bumper is installed;)

[@RoughCountryTV]

+Ben Volesky Coil spacers are a common addition when adding multiple aftermarket accessories to compensate for the added weight, we added approximately 250 lbs. of accessories to the XJ.

[@benjaminvolesky1653]

+Rough Country absolutely, the spacers were needed and an awesome upgrade. I was wondering why it wasn't mentioned in the video that there's an extra 3 inches in the front.

[@benjaminvolesky1653]

+Ben Volesky I love your guys' products and always turn to rough country for best quality and price ratio on parts and upgrades.

[@balzarini51]

+Rough Country i have added a 1000 lbs in accessories to my xj using a rubicon express 3.5" kit, no sag front or rear. if i wanted to buy crap i wouldn't be buying overpriced rc crap!

[@benjaminvolesky1653]

+balzarini51 Rubicon express is awesome but for the price? I think that's where RC bridges the gap. they give the best quality for the cheapest price, just my opinion.

[@nobsatthistime]

Could have paid ed for another half of a Jeep Cherokee with the cost of the Bumper Winch.

[@IsolosIable]

Guys i got a 92 jeep cherokee 4.0 4WD and i want the exact same kit with everything u got. can i buy them?

[@RoughCountryTV]

If you haven't already seen Episode 1, you can watch it here. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gqK9cmOAhMhsqas Links to all of the products used on this project can be found in the video's descriptions.

[@Tastauer]

Great vid guys I just was wondering if an additional drive shaft accessory is needed with that lift kit...

[@tylernutter6968]

Any time you go more than 4 inches, a drive shaft and SYE sould be used, I have no idea why the didnt, but the rear diff should be locked as well.

[@rcairforceone]

They fitted a transfer case drop. To do it 'right', you should fit a slip yoke eliminator. The transfer case drop works but also reduces ground clearance.

[@tylernutter6968]

I never understood why they never show everything they do! Its kinda frustrating when you knowmthere is something they missed.

[@tylernutter6968]

I never understood why they never show everything they do! Its kinda frustrating when you knowmthere is something they missed.

[@rcairforceone]

+Tyler Nutter They showed the the transfer case drop.

[@BAMF1903]

how much did you spend on it in this video?

[@ddcraun]

Heh, let's slap a winch on it! Need frame tie ins? Nah, it'll be fine.....lol