In our first installment of “Cheap Jeep,” we covered the axles, lockers and gearing upgrades, (see 9/09 issue). Here we’ll cover the suspension, wheels, tires and other items like bumpers and winch. When completed, the Cherokee that was originally purchased for under $1000 will be ready to tackle extreme trails and will still have less invested in it than a new off-the-lot stock Jeep. When selecting a lift, you have to decide on what tire size you want to run and then select from the lifts available that will allow that size tire to be fitted such as the Rubicon Express Extreme Long Arm suspension. This kit features longer control arms to improve suspension geometry and provides 5.5-inchs of lift. While it is recommended for tires no larger than 33x12.5, our vehicle owner opted to install 35x13.5R15 BFGoodrich Krawler T/AKX tires mounted on sturdy and right priced Pro Comp Series 51 Xtreme Wheels with the knowledge that body and fender modifications would be required. For bumpers, a set of Warn Rock Crawlers where chosen. The Warn bumpers are well built and rock ready. The front can be ordered with or without a grill guard and is rated for use with winches up to 9,500 lbs capacity. The rear bumper matches the front for quality and looks and can be ordered with or without a swing-away tire carrier. Both bumpers feature D-ring shackle mounts that are welded in place. The finishing touches for the Cheap Jeep buildup were an onboard Viair compressor and tank system and Optima blue top battery and a SmittyBilt XC8 winch for the front. Last but not least, a two man Simpson Tent from ARB was mounted onto a Defender roof rack. The tent is compact when closed but folds out into a spacious tent that sleeps two comfortably. At press time, the Cheap Jeep Cherokee was completed and on its maiden voyage. Like any build, we’re sure that a few things will be on the list to tweak, improve and add. If we get the chance we’ll update you on these details in a future issue
1.The stock crossmember is replaced with a new three-piece unit. This new crossmember incorporates the mount point for the front arms and transmission mount. Several new mounting hole locations need to be transferred to the uni-frame. The brackets are removed, holes are drilled and then the center crossmember can be installed.
2.The new crossmember setup includes side braces that dramatically stiffen the new assembly. Technically, there are 5 pieces to the bracket, but this is when you count the right and left control arm mounts and braces as separate items rather than part of an assembly.
3.The bump stop extensions are installed on top of the front axle, residing inside the new springs
4.The two front lower control arm mounts must be carefully cut off the frame to install the new suspension. The area should be cleaned up and repainted to prevent rust.
5.The new front suspension arms are a modified ‘Y’ setup that mounts the upper arm to the lower, and results in a single body mounting point for the pair.
6.The RE suspension kit includes a new adjustable front track bar. Track bar bracket and track bar brace that stiffens the track bar mount by distributing forces and stress to the opposite frame rail. Here’s the completed front suspension in place.
7.The Rubicon Express rear spring pack for the Cherokee features a full wrap on both eyes, and rubber bushings to reduce noise telegraphing into the cab as well as stopping bushing squeak. These springs are race proven JeepSpeed race series.
8.To install the rear Warn Rock Crawler bumper, the two openings in the back of the body-frame area need to be opened up. This is a simple task with an air saw, but not easy at home with hand tools. 
9.Once the inner bumper mounts are installed, the main bumper shell can be installed. After this, the bumper ends are bolted to the main shell and the tire carrier is installed.
10.The rear Warn Rock Crawler bumper looks great, is very sturdy, holds the spare on the outside and gives more cargo room in the back of the Jeep.
11&12.For this application, a mid-size Viair unit was selected to allow it to be mounted behind the body panels. The compressor was plumbed into a tank mounted in the rear cargo area. The tank works as a reserve for the ARB Air Lockers, filling tires and used for very minor air tool work.
13.For long camping trips, a Defender roof rack was added and outfitted with an ARB Simpson Tent. This compact package easily folds out to a spacious tent that sleeps two comfortably.
14.The front Warn Rock crawler bumper looks good and is functional too. The bumper is designed to fit a winch, in this case a SmittyBilt XRC8. This 8,000 lb. winch sports the optional winch rope and aluminum fairlead.
Click the logo to buy this product
