Confused, willing to help so I can learn

[Cannonballkev]

So, I just picked up an 87 Cherokee for cheap to build into something. ( first Jeep). I'm thinking I would like to put a 4 1/2" lift on it, 35's if that's possible. Not a DD, don't mind cutting fenders,   I know nothing about Jeeps and am getting easily confused with all the options out there.
  If anyone needs any help wrenching on something, let me know,  even if it's handing you tools or grabbing a cold beer!  Gotta start learning somewhere.  I work in Smyrna, live in Hiawassee, so off 575, or gainsville, Cleveland, Dahlonega would work.  I'm off on the weekends.
Thanks , Kev

[Shilo]

Tip 1: PB blaster is your friend
Tip 2: If you cannot fix it with a hammer then you have an electrical problem

Jeeps are easy to work on in general.

[clark123456]

I recommend buying 12 ton jack stands from day one.  Don't much around with 3 ton, 6 ton.  Buy good tools and good parts.

- Torg

[94xjsport94]

Check out cherokee forum and NAXJA. I'm on both with the same SN. There is a TON of tech stuff to read in XJ's.

[zrxmopar]

I'm in Acworth.
shop full of tools and I teach automotive technology for a living. So if you want to learn I can help.

[Cannonballkev]

Cool, I may take you up on that.  I've turned a wrench or two in my day.  Not afraid to get my hands dirty.  Just changed the heater core in a ford Taurus , that was a pain in the ass! 
   I don't know where to go with what size lift, shocks, tires, ect

[jgerhard]

http://www.amazon.com/High-Performance-Cherokee-Builders-Guide-1984-2001/dp/1613250657  This author is pretty famous in the field of XJs.  I got a nice JP article on one of his builds:

http://www.fourwheeler.com/features/1401-2000-cherokee-sport-og-xj/

Was talking through things with Adam at Allsouth about my own XJ, 6 inch long arm lift worked well for Adam with 35s.  Less lift requires alot more trimming but lower COG is nice so....   Will 94xjsport94 has a super awesome XJ as well. 

[Big Dave]

If you are going to retain the stock gears I'd stick to 33s, a 3 inch lift, trim the fenders & bump stop it.

[Cannonballkev]

Thanks guys!

[Camel430]

Kev, that was a quick turn around from Saturday.  We had a great time at dinner, and welcome to Jeepin'!

[Cannonballkev]

Adam, I wasn't really looking, just kinda ran across it.  It's a project, but it will be fun.  Anytime you wanna check out some more trails up his way, let me know.
  We saw your Jeep at the "raccoon" store on Sunday.  Enjoyed the dinner conversation.

[tcdawg]

Will 94xjsport94 has a super awesome XJ as well. 

Will @94xjsport94  is our XJ guru.  hit him up for sure

Just changed the heater core in a ford Taurus , that was a pain in the ass! 
   

Heater core's are the absolute devils's work.