We Build an Awesome XJ Jeep Cherokee That Can Do It All

[@daltonpethel5697]

this is exactly what i’m looking to do for my Cherokee all of it

[@MountZionOffroad]

It’s some good mods to do!!

[@dakotaskateshard]

@@MountZionOffroad how much does all that cost

[@MountZionOffroad]

Shoot us an email if youd like to know more! We don't like to show prices publicly!

[@spencermorrow2899]

I like this exact lift for my 98 xj can this be made into a lift kit from you guys to run 35s on a 16x8 rim

[@spencermorrow2899]

But would also like quick disconnects like the jks manufacturing ones

[@thomasridgdill2165]

Just put that same bumper on my 96 XJ!! Coupled it with an Ironman 12,000 lb synthetic rope winch that is amazing! Only sitting on a 3 in lift with a 235-75-r15 though. Daily driver for now but slow building as a project for my oldest daughter for her 16th birthday. Got tons of stuff to do still. Really enjoy seeing videos of great builds with real thought put in to help guide me along the way. Thanks for the content.

[@ronmccall6511]

I installed a Clayton track bar and drop bracket on my XJ this past July 4th weekend . Those are the best parts on my Jeep. I only wish Clayton made more XJ parts. Your Cherokee turned out great.

[@MountZionOffroad]

Thanks Ron!

[@dillonkoch72]

I'm building an XJ right now. I'm putting forged internals for the dana 30/35 with a regear to run 35s with frame stiffeners and smitty built front and rear bumpers. It will be my wheeling toy.

[@MountZionOffroad]

Awesome! Thanks for sharing Dillon! That sounds like it'll be a wicked rig! Happy trails!

[@grayman505]

Now that's what I like to see!

[@SebastianLong]

My XJ has a skyjacker 8" double flex, conservative tire size of 35'. Bushwacker cut out fender flares, Mickey Thompson classic 2 17x9, roof rack, Warn 12k powerplant winch just to name a few parts

[@MountZionOffroad]

Lane Waite sounds wicked!

[@killaklown1080]

thats super clean for being in PA not a spot of rust !

[@MountZionOffroad]

She’s a beaut!

[@shermellow]

Loved my rubicon drop brackets i had on my Cherokee. Those things can take some serious beating on the rocks, Something most long arm kits can't do. Also better clearance. Sure they don't ride as nice on the street but that's kind of a mute point in an older vehicle like the XJ

[@MountZionOffroad]

Shermellow it’s more about the experience than the ride quality when it comes to old vehicles anyway 😂😂

[@shermellow]

Exactly!

[@ProjectXJ]

All that money spent and he didn't even go long arm. I think he will eventually. Its just better to pay one time and do it right. I would add some diff covers if he plans on doing any wheeling. I wish I would have done frame stiffeners the very first thing but now I plan on replacing my sliders with 2x6 square tube with a rub rail in the rocker panels.

[@royrodgers3296]

Different strokes for different folks

[@shermellow]

Long arms are way overrated on the XJ's had both drop brackets and long arm kits on my XJ much preferred the drop brackets. They can take a beating on the rocks and provided better clearance angles.

[@ProjectXJ]

@@shermellow i have only hit my arms a couple of times. Long arms will always drive better than drop brackets but they are more expensive.

[@shermellow]

I went through several lca's on my xj so i swapped them out for drop brackets and never looked back. Got tired of replacing them lol. Had some that unraveled at the body side mount and a few that cracked or bent to the point that you couldn't drive anymore lol. I just went the reverse route, started with long arms then installed drop brackets lol.

[@MrSrtman18]

Amazing to pay all the money and not do the work yourself.

[@twoninecav]

Great video man!!! Love my XJ’s, my Son has an 01 2dr. and I have an 01 4dr. Same color!!

[@MountZionOffroad]

Thanks man! We love XJ's here! Love that you both share the same love!

[@Jeeptalkshow]

I would have stayed with 15" wheels. 35 on 15 means more grip when airing down since there is more sidewall. Anything above 16" is just for looks. Frameless and shameless baby! I highly recommend Ironman4x4fab for very beefy suspension parts for the XJ. It looks like the unibody has been beefed up where the steering box mounts, this is very important to keep it from ripping itself off the unibody when large tires are added.

[@camaroboi13]

I’ve always gone with the 1/2 motto. Make sure you’re wheel is no more than half the size of your tire. So 15” on 30-33s, 17” on 35s, and if you’re going 20s you better have 40” tires!

[@adamslosar2177]

Never had a issue with RC products. 3XJs.

[@daveg4963]

Rubicon Express is China made. Clayton Off Road track bar and bracket are AWESOME. Currectlync is solid bolt on that requires no modifications but the joints are $80 and passanger side ball joint is not replaceable so you have to replace the whole drag link which is $170. Solid build though!

[@stacrzr]

Awesome XJ.

[@MountZionOffroad]

Thanks Stacy!

[@patriotoutdoor6551]

Excellent build.

[@MountZionOffroad]

Glad you think so!

[@BenWebster84]

Love the build minus the Rough Country parts...

[@MountZionOffroad]

Hey now! Rough Country has been stepping their game up recently!

[@Jasonborne1025]

I like how he says we but he hasent put a part on it lol shout out to the tech doing all that fine work

[@cgscprspecialist3937]

Great build personally I would have gone with one tons overall awesome

[@judsonl8990]

I know this video is a little old, but would it be possible to get a parts list for this build? Maybe with links? I've got a 92 XJ that I've started building and I want to include most of the parts you have here.

[@aldo9564]

Any tips on how you would address persistent Death Wobble on a ‘96 2WD 2 Door 3” Zone Lift, OE JK wheels & tires ? I have LITERALLY replaced every single wear component in front end. Three different alignments, from three different reputable shops. Cannot Completely eliminate, and I’m so Frustrated, I just want to unload it. It just isn’t fun to drive anymore. Spiced Ball Joints Extra Heavy Duty Track Bar (Rancho), and Custom poly Bushing at axle HD Dampener HD ZJ Tie Rod Ends, Draglink, and (other) piece HD Upper Control Arm Bushings HD Adj. Lower Control Arms

[@MountZionOffroad]

Are you local to us?? We'd be happy to check it out!

[@justonemori]

The customer has good taste. My only critique is the dana turdy. I wouldn't spend a dime to upgrade one.

[@MountZionOffroad]

It has since been upgraded to a Currie 44. And the customer had to move and sold this Jeep to one of our staff!

[@glennhernandez6455]

Could I ask how much does a project like this go for?

[@rogerg0834]

Yes! This is my question also.

[@SarahSmith-hd8kd]

I would be curious as well, as I have an insane number myself I'll tell you if you tell what me yours is lol and I did almost every single thing myself to save the $ I don't have any of 🤣😂

[@mattshafer6644]

Depending if you have all the parts or not 5-8k,

[@rogerg0834]

@@mattshafer6644 Awesome!! Thank You!!

[@royrodgers3296]

I got a 99 up 6.5” on 33’s 4.56 gears Aussie lockers front and rear, bumpers sliders and much more. I’m into it about 6-7k which is cheaper than a new 4wheeler

[@markc6207]

That is sweet! That is an expensive build. I am working on my XJ but it is not as big and bad as that one.

[@MountZionOffroad]

Thank you! Good luck on your XJ build!

[@johnpaulpunla3357]

Hi. What's the exact color of your Cherokee?

[@jonstrande2074]

Welder missed the roset welds.

[@evvis1109]

why didn't you like the first xj your client brought first?

[@SKATETOSLAYER]

This build is sick. Always liked and wanted an XJ

[@MountZionOffroad]

Thanks! Check out our build shocase (linked in description), we just updated pictures of what this rig looks like today 😍

[@thomaspickles1630]

At 0:25 he said that the red xj was not a good one to go with. I wish he would've said why. That way we don't waste our time with a bad xj.

[@MountZionOffroad]

It was rotted out and engine had some problems, not a good platform to start on with what this guy was going for!

[@RubiKidd06]

Good Video. Not sure why there’s the dislikes.

[@RubiKidd06]

I probably would have went Rusty’s Suspension but this would be a fun Cherokee

[@IdRatherBejeeping]

What’s the cost on this welding in frame stiffeners

[@MountZionOffroad]

give us a call for current pricing 717-308-1844

[@thelifeofduke3316]

I have a 98 XJ with 3.5” lift and 31” wheels using stock axles. Is that too much for the rear axles? I can hear some grinding noise from the rear axles now. I think I’ll be changing the rear axle, what’s your recommendation? Stock rear axle or shall I use something else?

[@MountZionOffroad]

Unless you have ABS, a 98 XJ would have the 29 spline 8.25 which is a very stout axle that will hold up to heavy wheeling locked on 33's. Chances are the grinding you're hearing is either brakes, or worst case bearings if maintenance was badly neglected

[@fahq7971]

Can this be a daily

[@MountZionOffroad]

Absolutely!

[@mallorycavanaugh9331]

So wait you did all this work only to install short arms in the front???? Why?

[@MountZionOffroad]

Short arms with drop brackets still performs incredibly well. Ride quality suffers as control arm angle increases, so people think long arms is the only answer. While long arms are great, they require cutting off the CA brackets, which many customers are not OK with.

[@captarmour]

where are the Portal axles?

[@kdigiacomo]

It's street driven. What's the gear ratio on reduction boxes? Oh, yeah, that's why.

[@agustinhidalgo405]

Need some wheel spacers

[@kdigiacomo]

The wheels are the wrong offset, that's the problem.

[@firesorcererfs6029]

How much with parts and labor would that cost?

[@MountZionOffroad]

Shoot us an email with all you’re interested in and we can give you a quote! [e-mail]

[@patrickcarlin6668]

How does it drive on short arm

[@MountZionOffroad]

The drop brackets allow it to retain a factory ride quality, while the upgraded shocks and springs improve the manners on and off road. Drop brackets are frequently misunderstood, they're a good alternative to long arms it just depends on the build goals!

[@L0sGuys]

What did you do for the front bump stops? Looks like you’ve got around 6” on the axle side. I can’t seem to find anything more than about 4”, and that won’t cut it for me with an 8” lift.

[@travishaney6985]

For answers to these kind of questions try cherokeeforum

[@SarahSmith-hd8kd]

I didn't see or catch, did you guys install a different spline count speedo sensor in the T-Case to match the speed of the new 35" tires or no?

[@kylancook3477]

Since that axles are regeared it will be very close to accurate. I'm on 35s with 4.10 in my XJ and it is very close within a couple mph

[@MountZionOffroad]

@@kylancook3477 Exactly! Thanks for the response!

[@SarahSmith-hd8kd]

So are you guys telling me that going from 3.55 to 4.56 would have fixed my speedo to the proper MPH? I'm asking to try to get this all right cause I do all my work myself and don'tlike doing extra cause its hard, I have just regeared to 4.56 and bought a new splined count sensor so things would be correct. Was it neccessary for the new spline speedo for me or was it exactly the right way to do it to be on the money? I will be rolling it in about 30 days or less so I'll 👀.

[@ProjectXJ]

@@SarahSmith-hd8kd just take your old gear ratio and divide by the old tire size and multiply by the new tire size you want to run or divide the tire size by the stock gear ratio and multiply by the new gear ratio to determine your new tire size. 3.55/28x35=4.43. so running 4.56 gears would be close to stock but a little deeper. 28/3.55x4.56=35.96 so 4.56 gears would give you the stock ratio with a 36" tire. I hope that helps.

[@SarahSmith-hd8kd]

@@ProjectXJ ya thanks I did already do the calculation and slammed 4.56 in and but it still wasn't accurate so ill see if doing it the right hard way pays off on accuracy to the MPH. Thanks though.

[@LowKey_racing]

How much for a built like this ?

[@MountZionOffroad]

Shoot us an email with what you're looking for and we can get you a price! [e-mail]

[@projectbumblejeep4190]

Just wondering why no rear frame stiffeners. Otherwise great build. Mt. Zion Lancaster County? Also, do you know of a flat style flare that doesn't require cutting the body/fenders?

[@MountZionOffroad]

Project Bumble Jeep no reason really! We’re in Dover! And nope! Doesn’t exist!

[@projectbumblejeep4190]

@@MountZionOffroad Thanks for letting me know. Guess I'll have to make my own. I don't want to cut my Cherokee and Alum. flat fenders will be better than plastic in the long run.

[@cuddycasey]

Is there any feasible way to lift a KL Cherokee?

[@MountZionOffroad]

Casey G. Probably! Email us!

[@jeepsandevs486]

awsome build I am working on a project XJ my self. Did you have to trim to fit the 35's? or did the high clearance fender install take care of that? Also any reason yall did not go with a long arm kit over the sort arm?

[@MountZionOffroad]

Yes we had to do some trimming! The short arm kit combined with the Control Arm Drop Brackets provide the same handling & geometry as a long arm suspension at a fraction of the cost.

[@SarahSmith-hd8kd]

Not the same handling and geometry, but however properly done it's an ok handling option for yes a fraction of long arm cost but long arm setup is amazing compared to short arm and control brackets. All just IMO and experience with my 8 XJS I've built hand built.

[@royrodgers3296]

@Sarah Smith much agreed

[@SarahSmith-hd8kd]

@@royrodgers3296 🙃😉💯

[@rommelatanoso1137]

Wow... how much that cost sir

[@MountZionOffroad]

We don't like to share prices of builds publicly, if you're interested in doing something like this feel free to send us an email for a quote! [e-mail]

[@cherryoakieyyc3546]

Super cool till I head rough country lol

[@MountZionOffroad]

Shocks were soon upgraded to King bypass shocks with external reservoirs 😎

[@cobeallen5545]

Not a big fan of rough country but really clean build 👏🏽

[@MountZionOffroad]

Thanks! Rough Country makes some very nice affordable parts!

[@ProjectXJ]

Their shocks aren't the best but they get the job done. I have no complaints with my 4.5" long arm kit from them. I upgraded to Bilstein shocks up front. Much better ride!

[@MountZionOffroad]

Kallam Kruse they do indeed get the job done! And for the price you can’t really complain!

[@ProjectXJ]

@@MountZionOffroad Its nice that they are the correct length for the lift. Some times that is hard to find.

[@thomaspickles1630]

Hey man is it worth it to do this on a 2wd xj or do those not work for outdoor stuff?

[@MountZionOffroad]

You’d be better off getting a 4wd one if you’re going to be investing a bunch of money into it!

[@andrewwilson561]

Now it needs to be rebuilt and upgraded to a stroker 4.6 or 4.7. Then it would be perfect

[@MountZionOffroad]

Andrew Wilson hopefully that’ll be next! 😂

[@SarahSmith-hd8kd]

Yes you are exactly right. I have gone all out to this extent and more for over a year now by myself and JUST now getting the thing almost done and I can tell it will be begging for a 4.7 build and the AW4 rebuild HD with a HD torque converter and then a reprogrammed TCM, PCM to match and finish it right with a custom 2.5" exaust to properly run it.😜

[@ProjectXJ]

@@SarahSmith-hd8kd I have a 2.5 catback exhaust new in box if you are interested. :)

[@royrodgers3296]

That’s what I want to do for my MJ project. You guys are about 4.5 hours away hmmmm

[@MountZionOffroad]

Roy Rodgers yes! Bring it in and let’s do it!

[@jasonswift7098]

Why go with leaf springs? if you are in the know you go for coils.

[@MountZionOffroad]

Leafs springs are inexpensive & work well for a relatively low budget rig! Adding coils to the back of an XJ gets very difficult & expensive. At that point it would be more cost effective to purchase an LJ Wrangler (same wheelbase & Rear Coil Springs.)

[@NajarOffroad]

Can you guys do this to my jeep? I can pay in Carne asada and beer 😂

[@MountZionOffroad]

Najar Entertainment we can but we can only accept legal currency 😂😂

[@MountZionOffroad]

Najar Entertainment or trident layers

[@NajarOffroad]

@@MountZionOffroad Haha good one! Are you the owner of the shop? you guys are making good content! 👌

[@MountZionOffroad]

mystical penguin3000 absolutely! Shoot us an email or even give us a call!

[@No_Legos]

.... wheres the long arms?!?! Love everything else!!! but a xj that high without long arms ?

[@No_Legos]

@Troy Becker all these people saying the drop brackets are good enuff have never had a pair of long arms, there is so much on the jeep I would have given up for the long arms if budget was that tight!!! And if it wasent.... I wouldn't want to drive that jeep imo

[@rogerg0834]

What was wrong with the "red XJ"???

[@MountZionOffroad]

oh man, there was a long list of issues! Not worth digging into!

[@rogerg0834]

@@MountZionOffroad lol. Okay, thanks for the reply. REALLY nice mods on that XJ!! Looks beautiful!!

[@danhambrick6331]

He used good quality parts except the Rough Country crap....

[@MountZionOffroad]

Rough Country isn't so bad! For what you pay it's worth it!

[@ericpurington8848]

Great job building the exact same xj everyone else has built. Thought this was going to be something different.

[@gusalvarez4297]

I wsmt one so bad

[@MountZionOffroad]

XJs are awesome!

[@th9479]

👍💪💕

[@Burritosarebetterthantacos]

As an xj owner Ill never do it again😂 my toyota runs 100% of the time, Jeep 50%

[@MountZionOffroad]

Skip that’s the way she goes 😂😂