Challenge:

Build a reliable winter vehicle that looks good for under $2,000.00!!!

Every year I sacrifice my tow rig and expose it to Northeast Ohio’s salty winter roads and not-so-expert drivers.  This year I decided to challenge myself and build a reliable daily driver that would look good and safely travel the roads. I started with a 1998 XJ Cherokee that I got for $600.00!  This Jeep, like most used cars, had high mileage and some minor issues that needed to be handled.

The Problems (Overview)

  • Driver’s exterior door handle broken – Fixed using Crown Automotive 55076057AB
  • Saggy suspension – Improved using small lift
  • Fuel pump was not operating properly causing slow throttle response – Purchased used pump for $75.00
  • Transmission not shifting into overdrive – Fixed with Crown Automotive 4882173

The transmission troubles turned out to be a simple fix.  I noticed the rear backup lights weren’t working most of the time.  The overdrive and rear backup lights are both operated by the Neutral Safety Switch.   Both problems seemed related, so it narrowed down the problem very quickly.  Typically, this problem can be fixed by cleaning the NSS but I damaged mine when I removed it from the transmission.  I chose to purchase the crown neutral safety switch and that cured both the transmission and my backup light troubles.  I was able to make it road worthy and reliable for just under $200, bringing my total build to $800.00 including vehicle purchase.  Now I needed to do something about the way the Cherokee looked.

My lift consisted of two Teraflex 2” poly spacers for the front ($47 for the pair).  For the rear suspension I used a Skyjacker add-a-leaf kit ($88.00).  This boost gave my Jeep a total of two inches front and rear lift.  I was going to reuse the factory shocks but noticed they were completely extended before the suspension was at full droop.  I disliked the idea of a shock overextending and blowing out.  After crunching the numbers, I paid for some Skyjacker front and rear Softride Hydro shocks with enough travel for 1-3” of lift ($150.00 for all four).  A few smaller items that I replaced when I completed this are listed below and I highly recommend replacing them for overall ride quality.

  • Front sway bar link (stud had broke on both) CRO52037849K $17.99 (each)
  • Replacement sway bar bushings (improved handling greatly) CRO52088523 $2.99 (each)
  • Longer U-bolts (8.25 rear axle specific) EXP4WD602P $30.99

Total cost for the suspension was $352 bringing the build total to $1151.91

This left me with nearly $1000 for tires and wheels! I went over budget and splurged on my tires and wheels.  It was probably a crazy thing to do on a $600 Jeep but I couldn’t resist.  I will say that it made a huge difference and the Jeep looks 10 times better.

Tires:  BFG 31×10.50R-15 All-terrain KO $165.99 each

Wheels: Dick Cepek DC-1                             $92 each

Valve stems:                                                      $2.99 each

Tire and Wheel total: $1043.92

Jeep                                      $600

NSS and Handle               $200

Suspension                        $352

Tires and Wheels            $1100

Overall total                     $2300

Overall, I am 100 percent pleased with the Cherokee.  What started as a winter vehicle has now become my year-round daily driver.  I even tried some small off road obstacles with it and was modestly pleased.  If you ever try building something with a small budget, I do recommend planning as much as possible – the nickel and dime items will get you.  I had priced out everything and in the end blew the budget for some fresh and shiny wheels and tires.  Like I said, I believe it was worth it but it never stops feeling strange buying tires and wheels for nearly double the cost of the original vehicle.

Additional Note:

*I did have to trim the body to help clear 31” tires with only 2” of lift.