Welcome NiteDog!!!

[bluedragon436]

Hi NiteDog, :welcome: to the :xjtalk: forum!

We would love to know more about you and your Jeep. How you found us, etc...

Be sure and check out our XJ TALK SHOW! (http://podcasts.xjtalk.com) It\'s about Cherokees! It\'s like a radio talk show, but from the Internet.

Check out our sister sites, http://www.WranglerTalk.com/ and http://www.di-dah-dit.com/

[NiteDog]

Thanks,

Got here by doing web search for chassis building info. Looking to replace my XJ chassis with a real one. I have more Mopar stuff to put in it and need a sturdier foundation to hold it.

[4.3LXJ]

Welcome Mike. Are you thinking of putting in a full frame or stiffening the one you already have?

[NiteDog]

Thanks Steve.

Actually I am looking to put a full frame under my 99 XJ. I bought this jeep a while back to be a project vehicle. Drove it for a while for a work truck. When I changed from contractor to regular employee I parked it and now use rental cars.

I have been researching chassis building or having one built. There is a 5.7L hemi in it's future. At the risk of flamers, I will be ripping out the 4wd.

I also own a YJ that is trail ready and my wife drives a Commander. My youngest son has our old 96 XJ and he also just bought a 2006 TJ. So we have five Jeeps in the driveway.:cool:

[4.3LXJ]

So, you are looking to create a 2WD fast street vehicle?

[prerunner1982]

If you are good with metal work you could likely build a box tubing frame to match the existing "frame". You could then cut the stock "frame" off and either mount the body directly to the frame or work some body mounts/bushing between them. If using body mounts/bushings your engine would sit lower in the body than normal, but in case of weight distribution this may not be a bad thing. If you were keeping the stock engine the engine sitting lower may cause an issue or two but with a custom engine install you could design it with the lower position in mind.

[Mudderoy]

Seems like someone was posting about doing this exact thing. I want to say it was on this site. All I remember is they never finished it, or if they did they didn't post it. :(

[NiteDog]

I have followed about three of the same builds. All dead ended. My biggest problem with the project is time at home. I travel quit a bit and when I walk in the door I have a "Honey Do List" as long as the Cherokee.

I have been looking here in south central PA for a fab shop. Because of time I may have to have it built.

There was a guy on here that talked about building them in VT. Looks like he has not posted in quite a while.

This is what I am working toward. I found this week while searching the net.

[prerunner1982]

A couple for a little motivation maybe... and one to show what not to do. lol

http://www.dragtimes.com/images/16242-1986-Jeep-Cherokee.jpg
http://cdn.chevyhardcore.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/28/files/2011/04/superchargedcherokee-e1302815963628.jpg
http://www.atvphotos.ca/gallery2/d/8059-1/jeeplift1.jpg

Maybe some good info here, just careful asking questions over there. Might was well jump into a shark tank with a tbone strapped around your genitals.
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/jeep-cherokee/1036321-full-frame-xj.html

[4.3LXJ]

A couple for a little motivation maybe... and one to show what not to do. lol

http://www.dragtimes.com/images/16242-1986-Jeep-Cherokee.jpg
http://cdn.chevyhardcore.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/28/files/2011/04/superchargedcherokee-e1302815963628.jpg
http://www.atvphotos.ca/gallery2/d/8059-1/jeeplift1.jpg

Maybe some good info here, just careful asking questions over there. Might was well jump into a shark tank with a tbone strapped around your genitals.
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/jeep-cherokee/1036321-full-frame-xj.html

I wouldn't say that. We don't flame here. But I could make a suggestion that would save you some time. First, there are frame strengthening kits available. One I saw went all the way up the front, which would be of value to you. Then you could continue to the back with some flat iron. The reason I offer this is that it would save you a ton of time, depending on your target horsepower of course

[prerunner1982]

My comment was about asking questions on Pirate4x4 (the link I posted), now that I re-read it I see I could have worded it differently.

[XJ Wheeler]

Welcome to the site! I love the idea you have. I wish there were more "fast" jeeps like that. One day, i would like to build a stroked turbo'd 4.0. Please do start a build thread when you get ready to do the build so we can follow along. :D

Sent via messenger pigeon - i talk, he types.

[bluedragon436]

I'd love to see that one built up.. especially with the 5.7L.. I love my 5.7 Ram.. and have thought about how awesome it would be to have that power, and rumble in the XJ out on the trail... but still would like to see that setup in a street rod XJ

[NiteDog]

My comment was about asking questions on Pirate4x4 (the link I posted), now that I re-read it I see I could have worded it differently.

Yea I picked up on what you were saying. I have been on that site before. Sometimes they seem to forget they were noobs at one time. I choose my words there carefully over there.

Thanks guys for all the good words and advice. I will be posting when I get ready to tear into it. Frame strengthening kits were a consideration but living in the northeast with winter and salt, I am really leaning toward replacing the whole frame structure. Maybe over kill, but I will be less likely to regret it later.

While I get the drive line all worked out I will finish some of the body work I started last fall. Door handles to shave and maybe suicide the doors. I save the final painting and interior work until after sitting on the new frame.

[XJ Wheeler]

Never seen a xj with a chopped roof... Just saying. :D

[autotech98]

Im not far from you (hanover). Would love to see that thing.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I547

[NiteDog]

Yo autotech98. Sorry it takes so long to get back for comment.

I have a great job but I am always traveling.

Yeah a meeting would be great.

Hoping to get some time off in July for the Jeep show in York. Might be a good time to catch me. [emoji41]


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[autotech98]

Nitedog .. no problem man. I understand got the same situation myself. Havent been able to get on here much lately

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I547