Help With 86 2wd Cherokee

[Craig Hayes]

Hello everyone, now before the laughter begins. I am looking for some help with what I can do to make my jeep even better. I know it is only 2 wheel drive and most jeeps here are for hardcore rock crawling. Could I get some information on what my ride is capable of handling out here. I want to take it out more and go on some runs but am afraid to hinder everyone if something goes wrong. I am not sure what is the rear diff but I have some 31's on it and a lift all ready. The previous owner said he was able to take this a lot of places the 4 wheelers can go. I think he was not in the right mind but then again who is? I thank any help that can be passed along and I know it is only pictures. Maybe I can meet with someone more really knowledgeable who can give me some help. Enjoy the rest of the day and thanks again everyone. http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=11303&d=1180637580,http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=11304&d=1180637580

[FrenchChili]

You can go in a lot of places with it. Go to Broken Arrow in Sedona, that's a good 2wd trail! Pick the right line, meaning you lessen the chance of flexing, it makes it easier.

[AZXJ]

Lock the rear and you should be able to do most 2.5 to 3 rated trails.


Dave

[RokNRich]

Race it !

Jeep Speed

http://www.jeepspeed.com/main.html

[Craig Hayes]

Hey thanks for this info. I was looking at locking the back and now I will think more about it then anything else after what you said Dave. Sounds like I don't have to bad of a ride just need to do some fixin uppin. Hope to see you guys on a trail soon.

[Phx Cobra]

Do a solid front axle swap!

[AZXJ]

Do a solid front axle swap!

Another viable option..

1 used D30 housing complete
1 front driveshaft
1 Aw4 automatic transmission
1 Aw4 TCU
1 Np231 transfer case
1 rear driveshaft
1 floor mount for 4x linkage
1 4wd shift lever
1 set of 4wd linkage and body mount
1 crossmember for 4wd Aw4 equipped XJ
several days worth of labor in the garage removing 2wd components then installing 4wd components..

In my opinion... Sell 2wd and buy 4wd XJ.. the swap is alot of effort..
Trust me, I've done it !

[Craig Hayes]

Dave and Ben the conversion that you guys advised about sounds like the right thing to have done. I will look at that direction, but might take the first advisement of getting a good lock for the back and stick with the 2.5 to 3.0 trails so the family will go with me and not freak out. Maybe keep the 2wd and also pickup the 4wd so to have a backup. You guys enjoy your evening.

[AZXJ]

I think the last option is a wise option.. ;)

[AZLugz]

We have a 2WD Taco that runs with us on some trails and he does ok, we put him behind the Land Crusher (FJ80) in case he needs a pull. He has been to Butcher Jones, Box Canyon and the Coke Ovens with us and all that before the rear locker, Dave at DF just installed a rear Detroit in it and Rock Rails for him and we are looking to get it out soon for a test run!!! BTW, great work and great price from Desert Fab on the Detroit, Dave can hook you up when you are ready!!!! He can also hook you up on a lot of kool add ons or custom stuff like bumpers, rock rails and stuff.

[Craig Hayes]

AZLugs I appreciate your advice and naming some places I could possibly make. I am going to start saving some cash for the Locker, and from checking out some other posts it looks as thou the Detroit might be the one to go with. Dave can you give me a little insight to what needs to be done to install lockers. Whats the worst it can cost me without having to sell my home and kids? More suggestions greatly appreciated. Thanks and T.G.I.F.

[AZXJ]

Craig,

We will need to know exactly what rear axle you have before making an accurate quote for a locker. There were a few diffrent rear axles used in the eairly XJ's.. AMC20, Non C-Clip D35 and D44.
http://arizonaxj.com/images/diffschart.jpg

Print this chart out and take a look see under the XJ then shot me a pm..

Have a great weekend!
Dave

[rockfinder]

I have ran a 2wd for a long time. It was a chevy trk with limited slip and I was able to take 2.5 and some 3. It takes a little more time on picking your line but with practice you can keep up with the stock 4x4. The best way is to take it out and play with it.

[Craig Hayes]

rockfinder thank you, I knew I could get good advise from all you. I am going to take my girls out this weekend and go see what Seven Springs looks like since the fires. Hope to see some of you at the meet and greet tonight.

[idontknow]

definatly get a locker!! if you dont you are going to use alot of wheel speed and i have found that breaks stuff.

or mabee i dont have an eye for lines, who knows?

[Craig Hayes]

James thanks for your advise. I am going to start saving for a nice locker to add to my jeep since it sounds the easiest way to make it on some trails I am interested in trying. I want to do some runs with this group but want to make sure I am capable and not a headache. Enjoy the weekend and hope to see you on a run or M&G.