Comments on: Jeep Cherokee Build “Project Gumby”

By: xrr

xrr — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 02:09:20 +0000

Adding an actual frame to the XJ will prolong the life of its uni-body structure in our opinion. The XJ is a super capable vehicle with only minor modifications. However once the modifications go beyond the basic lift and 32s the uni-body begins to fatigue. Years of hard core trail riding will cause the uni-body to crack, as well as the hatch area. I’ve seen cases in years past where the rear hatch glass will shatter because of the stress placed on the uni-body while traversing an obstacle. Several companies sell kits to make the uni-body more rigid thus prolonging the damage caused by the modification.

I personally have thought about doing a Cherokee build where body mounts were welded to the Cherokee’s uni-body and then bolted to a tubular frame, like most pickups, Wranglers and CJs. The only problem we would see in the build you are describing is with the width needed for the SBC. However, with careful measuring and some inner fender trimming you should have a very capable rig. I would suggest a book by Eric Zappe “High-Performance Jeep Cherokee XJ Builder’s Guide”. I don’t think there are any builds such as yours in it but there is a lot of excellent information on modifying a Cherokee. Keep us posted on your build. BTW, we are now carrying PSC steering components in case you are thinking about a hydraulic steering setup.

By: Dick

Dick — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 23:58:15 +0000

I have a 85 Chevy, with Dana 60s , th400 np205 T- case, and a 96 cherokee!!! And I was thinking about shorting the 85 frame and doing a custom floor in the jeep, and bolting it up to the jeep, redneck junkyard style. What do you think about that? Oh, the reason for the use of the Chevy truck frame is, it will be powered by a 383 stroker! And I am just building on a budget, do you for see any problems with this plan… Don’t get me wrong I love the Gumby… But my combination of parts, I think I may have a good plan… Love your web page….

By: xrr

xrr — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 02:56:58 +0000

We do. I’ll try and post some additional pics this week.

Thanks

XRR

By: Wil

Wil — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 02:48:32 +0000

Wondering if you have more pics of during and finished product of the rear quarter mod. Im leaning in the direction for “comp cut” on my rig as im doing my rear stretch but really would rather retain my factory tail lights and not loose the whole upper section of the quarter panel.

By: xrr

xrr — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 11:12:20 +0000

The current shocks are mounted at the stock locations. This location is not optimal because the stock Cherokee shock mounts are in front of and to the rear of the axle. Both shock mounts are being moved to the front of the axle this winter. The mounting arrangement will be similar to a YJ. Gumby is still a work in progress and we will be updating the web site as the build progresses. Thank You for your comment.

By: Jeff

Jeff — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:53:24 +0000

How did you mount the rear shocks?

Thanks