Birty Dastards Jeep Club

Tech Forum => Workshop => Topic started by: marsie on August 03, 2007, 10:46:39 PM

Title: 1999 grand cherokee mods
Post by: marsie on August 03, 2007, 10:46:39 PM: I want to start modding my 99 gc starting with wheels/tyres and suspension.Want to keep it as a towcar(got to tow my landrover around the country) so mods wont be too extreme.I am new to jeeps so would aprecciate some advice :twisted:

This is what i have got to work with,but now minus the stainless bling bling
(http://http://birtydastardsjeepclub.com/forum/userpix/1057_gc1_3.jpg)
Title:
Post by: Dave69 on August 03, 2007, 11:22:28 PM: as for wheels you get a better off road(ish) tyre selection with 16" rims. the bigger the rim the less the choice. a 2" lift is simple, that involves just a 2" round spacer at the top of the spring and below the retainer.

have a look in the suppliers section for recommendations
Title:
Post by: Mike Pavelin on August 04, 2007, 01:56:02 AM: A 2" spacer lift is the cheapest option. Tray some US suppliers like 4 wheel parts or Quadratec.
If you're towing, i'd stick to stock size tyres, you'll get the best selection in 16"
Title:
Post by: tim_aka_tim on August 04, 2007, 10:25:37 AM: For a spacer lift, I'd try Explorer Procomp. Mention Birty's and get 10% off.
Title:
Post by: marsie on August 04, 2007, 01:03:34 PM: thanks for the info,i have decided to stick with the 16"wheels for the mo.I think i will go for a 2" spacer kit to start with and possibly go for +springs later.
Is there anyone in this country that does +2" spacer kits for the wj? have found a kit at rustys for $120 but have never imported any bits from the states before :twisted:
Title:
Post by: isle of man on August 04, 2007, 02:56:42 PM: http://http://www.explorerprocomp.co.uk/

peter henry
Title:
Post by: Mike WJUK on August 04, 2007, 04:27:06 PM: I run 245/75r16's BFG MTs which are a 1" dia. increase. Not really noticed any difference in performance with the v8.

Got a 2" spring lift on mine, made a massive improvement offroad.

If you want to try importing give http://http://www.ironrockoffroad.com a try. They're happy to export and quoted me 45-50 dollars to ship the 2" spacers but you really need longer shocks too.

Specialistist Leisure in Warrington will probably sort you some out if you don't want to order from the states.
Title:
Post by: Mike WJUK on August 04, 2007, 04:33:58 PM: By the way, its good to see someone else wanting to mod a WJ/WG
Title:
Post by: marsie on August 06, 2007, 08:43:31 PM: Quote from: "Mike WJUK"
By the way, its good to see someone else wanting to mod a WJ/WG :D
Title:
Post by: marsie on August 06, 2007, 09:29:49 PM: Some more upto date pickys
(http://http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f342/marsie2/th_gcsiderunners.jpg) (http://http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f342/marsie2/gcsiderunners.jpg)

Just got to get the suspension lifted and wheels refurb'd
(http://http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f342/marsie2/th_gc3.jpg) (http://http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f342/marsie2/gc3.jpg)

what the GC has got to pull to scotland in 3 weeks :twisted:
Title:
Post by: Mike WJUK on August 07, 2007, 02:37:35 PM: I've not got access to any pics at the moment as i'm away from home but will post one at the weekend when i get home.

BTW looks a lot better without the "pimp my ride" bling

If you're gonna use it off road i'd say rock sliders are just about essential.
Title:
Post by: 46stm on August 07, 2007, 03:53:47 PM: I'm just about to start having fun again in a WJ again, bought it last night, 2" OME, underbody protection (well some) ARB bumper, Warn 9000, Surco rack with wheel up top, only got BFG ATs on at the mo 245s but looking at swapping pretty quick for some MTs, possibly in 265/75.

Been out of the Jeeping scene for about two years, still got my TJ with 33s and 4" lift but got a tad bored with it all......fancied starting up again but in a different type of Jeep.

Body work is mint, wonder if it'll be like that in a year

Don't wanna buy a set of 5 BFG ATs do you? 245/75 R16
Title:
Post by: Mike WJUK on August 07, 2007, 07:12:15 PM: Hi 46stm, glad to here the news - its very lonely in club wj at the mo!

Looking at the grand cherokee section of jeepforum.com (http://http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=13) and seeing what they do with them is what gives me the inspiration to "use" mine.

One thing i've learnt from them is that unfortunately 265/75's will rub on a 2" lift. You might be alright at the front cos of the ARB but general concensus is 4" lift min. to run that size tyre if you want to take it off road and flex!!

Might be interested in the at's for my other set of wheels - how much?
Title:
Post by: marsie on August 07, 2007, 07:35:07 PM: Quote from: "Mike WJUK"

If you're gonna use it off road i'd say rock sliders are just about essential.

not going to be doing much offroading,maybe a bit of mid green laning and towing the trailer/90 in and out of events but thats about all.Under strict orders not to rough it up too much :roll: .please put some pictures on with the mods fitted,would like to see what mine would look like with a few "subtle"mods :twisted:
Title:
Post by: 46stm on August 08, 2007, 11:48:57 PM: dunno how to load a piccy, says GD Library not available when I click on "upload picture"......whatever that means.

Gissa clue someone.
Title:
Post by: 46stm on August 08, 2007, 11:58:58 PM: oh yeah, I also have/had, sold it this week, a WJ with a 2" BB on it. Me old pal Mr Pavelin took the spacers out today and we're looking at putting these 2" BB Spacers onto my latest WJ too. Its already got a 2" OME lift so a small chance that I might get away with the bigger tyres, I reckon the front could be ok but the back could be tight, hmmmm we'll see.

BFG ATs.....I'll actually have two sets to flog soon, one set already on 16" rims, make me an offer steve@nsm.demon.co.uk
Title:
Post by: Mike WJUK on August 09, 2007, 12:02:40 PM: Should be spot on with the spacers added. I'm thinking along those lines for mine.
I'm not 100% about this but seem to recall someone having a problem with 265/75's rubbing the rear OME shocks. (Good quality) wheel spacers solve this and make the Jeep look a lot better too! (got a set on mine :) )
Title:
Post by: 46stm on August 09, 2007, 12:16:57 PM: Wheel spacers?????????????
I'm talking about about the Budget Boost (BB) spacers that sit on top of the front springs and at the bottom of the rears.

Basically the front now has an ARB bumper and Warn 9000 on it so has sagged a bit due to weight, my thoughts are to raise the front with a 2" BB spacer to sort of bring it back to about the right height.

No idea if it will put too much pressure on the prop UJs though??
Title:
Post by: Mike WJUK on August 09, 2007, 07:49:01 PM: :) Yeah i know you are talking about Budget Boost spacers, what i was trying to say (probably not very clearly!!) is that with 265 width tyres fitted, the clearance between the OME shocks and the rear tyres is apparently very tight, and wheel spacers push the wheels out away from them. As i said, don't know how true it is.
Title:
Post by: 46stm on August 11, 2007, 12:10:58 PM: Hiya Mike, yeah you are spot on about the wheel spacers, I actually ordered a set yesterday as gonna get some MTs this week and the ATs are far too close to the shocks already. Got the BB on aswell now, looks the danglies.

Might stick to the 245/75s on MTs, realistically I'm only gonna gain about half inch extra clearance on the diffs with 265s and wanna make sure it still stays slow enough on the gearing.

Gotta watch front prop and shocks now on compressed and full flex. Do you run JKS disconnects too? Next mod I reckon :)
Title:
Post by: 46stm on August 11, 2007, 12:15:45 PM: Mike, what size and make of tyres are you running? What lift have you got too?
Title:
Post by: Mike WJUK on August 14, 2007, 08:54:36 PM: Hi 46stm,

Sorry for the delay.

I'm running 245/75r16 BFGoodrich MT's. Bit noisy on the road but neither myself nor the missus minds so not too bad. I don't think they are that much less grippier than the standard goodyears either!

The lift is a BDS 2" springs and shocks kit that i got from Mountainjacks before Gwynn wrapped the business up. Very good kit IMO.
I've also got JKS disconnects on it which make a massive difference offroad but lead to the tyres rubbing at full articulation unless you extend the bumpstops.
Home made rock sliders, trans box & front steering skids, front tow hooks, us rear receiver hitch with a warn shackle attachment and thats about everything!! :roll:

Front prop should be fine at that height.
Title:
Post by: Mike WJUK on August 14, 2007, 09:10:37 PM: Hi Marsie,

Heres those pics

Before;
(http://http://birtydastardsjeepclub.com/forum/userpix/313_DSCF071430_1.jpg)

After, with 2" lift;
(http://http://birtydastardsjeepclub.com/forum/userpix/313_DSCF072930_1.jpg)
Title:
Post by: 46stm on August 14, 2007, 10:33:52 PM: looks good, same colour as mine. dunno how to get pics on here otherwise I'd put em on. Wanna drop me an email and I'll send ya a couple of pics, getting the windows tinted tomorrow (yeah I know, tart) then MTs next week.

Must admit I'm probably gonna settle on 245/75s, don't think the extra half inch on diameter is gonna be worth it to step up to 265/75s plus the poss rubbing and gearing....not 100% yet. Wheel spacers turned up today too
Title:
Post by: greggmo on August 14, 2007, 11:02:58 PM: to upload pics go to the thing that says upload picture in the corner of the post a reply screen. 8)
Title:
Post by: Mike Pavelin on August 15, 2007, 05:13:13 PM: here's a cool tyre calculator....

http://www.1010tires.com/TireSizeCalculator.asp (http://www.1010tires.com/TireSizeCalculator.asp)
Title:
Post by: marsie on August 15, 2007, 07:22:55 PM: Quote from: "Mike WJUK"
Hi Marsie,

Heres those pics

Before;
(http://http://birtydastardsjeepclub.com/forum/userpix/313_DSCF071430_1.jpg)

After, with 2" lift;
(http://http://birtydastardsjeepclub.com/forum/userpix/313_DSCF072930_1.jpg)

:smt103 .

Out of interest,has anyone towed over 3 tons with a 4.0w/j adn have you any recommendations.Have had various comments but the owners handbook says it can safely tow 3500kgs????
Paul
Title:
Post by: 46stm on August 16, 2007, 04:49:42 PM: (http://http://birtydastardsjeepclub.com/forum/userpix/52_WJ_August_2007_004_1.jpg)
(http://http://birtydastardsjeepclub.com/forum/userpix/52_WJ_August_2007_007_1.jpg)

hope these come out, windows tinted yesterday, wheel spacers waiting to go on and MTs on order :)
Title:
Post by: jeepey on August 16, 2007, 07:30:04 PM: 8)
Title:
Post by: 46stm on August 16, 2007, 09:50:19 PM: cheers dude, I cannot claim to of done the work, apparently everything was all done by Chris at Surrey off Road so should be pretty spunky. As you see it is really how I bought it, I'm not too phased by what people say though cos I modded my TJ into a beast over a few years so have an idea that it might look good but perform not quite as good!!!!!!. Be interesting to see how this WJ does actually perform off road, fun days are planned for September.....who knows, should be a grin though hee hee :wink:

Would be interesting at Clyro Court....
Title:
Post by: marsie on August 19, 2007, 09:44:59 PM: Very nice,hope to get mine looking like that one day :twisted:
Title:
Post by: 46stm on August 20, 2007, 10:09:05 PM: 2" Budget Boost Spacers are a quick option, I've bought about 6 or 7 sets from Quadratec, I used to import loads of Jeep stuff for a few years, piece of cake. Ring USA up and order, stuff turns up a few days later, I used a credit card all the time usually ringing the credit card company up first to say how much I was spending and with who so never had any fraud problems.

I used to find Quadratec were pretty good, imported all sorts of goodies from grab handles to wheels/exhausts/rock rails/skids bumpers etc

Only problem was that if something wasn't just right then it wasn't worth the hassle of sending it back and getting it replaced.

Steve
Title:
Post by: mattiemjbb on September 02, 2007, 12:28:09 PM: try kevins off road im getting a 7" zj lift from there they can do new propshafts and sye from tim woods and other places (all when i get a freekin day off to order it!! 2 weeks so far with no days off my zj is getting lonely )
Title:
Post by: 46stm on September 03, 2007, 11:10:54 PM: wheel spacers fitted tonight, another subtle mod :) off to Woodlands on Sunday for its first outing with me, we'll see!!!!! Still running the ATs just run out of time for MTs, gagging to get out there.
Title:
Post by: 46stm on September 10, 2007, 05:06:16 PM: The WJ performed superb at Woodlands, was pretty impressed actually, only bombed out on one black run due to the ARB bumper acting like a shovel on an exit from a hole....cool :)(http://http://birtydastardsjeepclub.com/forum/userpix/52_Woodlands_Sept_07_010_2.jpg)
(http://http://birtydastardsjeepclub.com/forum/userpix/52_Woodlands_Sept_07_005_2.jpg)
(http://http://birtydastardsjeepclub.com/forum/userpix/52_Woodlands_Sept_07_008_2.jpg)
(http://http://birtydastardsjeepclub.com/forum/userpix/52_Woodlands_Sept_07_014_1.jpg)
Title:
Post by: chrisjones on September 10, 2007, 05:41:03 PM: Looking VERY nice.

What's that red pile of junk next to it in the last photo?? :lol:
Title:
Post by: 46stm on September 10, 2007, 09:11:19 PM: hee hee hee I call him SIR
Title:
Post by: Mike Pavelin on September 10, 2007, 10:20:34 PM: Bol**cks!
Title:
Post by: chrisjones on September 10, 2007, 10:31:33 PM
Title:
Post by: greggmo on September 10, 2007, 10:35:58 PM: :wink: wj looks well mate.
Title:
Post by: Mike Pavelin on September 11, 2007, 08:30:13 AM: GT are our sponsors for the Mac.

QUALITY USED SPARES FOR JEEP AND OTHER 4X4s. PHONE ADAM ON 01268 550292 OR VISIT THEIR WEBSITE AT www.gtfourxfour.com (http://www.gtfourxfour.com)

Of course, I would never use Birty's forum for commercial purposes
Title:
Post by: 46stm on September 12, 2007, 01:46:53 PM: I wonder why ARB don't put some sort of grille over the front of the bumper, just below the winch. I got so much crud and stones in there at the weekend after ploughing through all sorts of stuff that the rad fins are actually slightly damaged.

Rather than protect the rad the crap piled up as it had no where to fall out, time for a modification.
Title:
Post by: chrisjones on September 12, 2007, 06:09:48 PM: Quote from: "Mike Pavelin"
GT are our sponsors for the Mac.

QUALITY USED SPARES FOR JEEP AND OTHER 4X4s. PHONE ADAM ON 01268 550292 OR VISIT THEIR WEBSITE AT www.gtfourxfour.com (http://www.gtfourxfour.com)

Of course, I would never use Birty's forum for commercial purposes

I should think not!
Title:
Post by: Mike WJUK on September 14, 2007, 06:25:21 AM: 46stm, great looking Jeep and nice to see it getting (ab)used !!

Did adding the BB spacers on top of the lifted springs at the front knock your axle off centre too much. If so how did you fix it?
Been looking at adjustable track bars but they're all for LHD and the only other option i know of is to redrill the trackbar mounting bracket holes.
Title:
Post by: UKJeeper on September 14, 2007, 06:45:58 AM: Very nice Steve.
Title:
Post by: 46stm on September 14, 2007, 09:26:43 AM: Did adding the BB spacers on top of the lifted springs at the front knock your axle off centre too much. If so how did you fix it?

No difference.