why is this a bad idea...

I have been kicking around the idea of a 2wd XJ Cherokee with an LSX engine. I figure it would be kind of a budget Trailblazer SS.

What are the negatives, everything I keep coming up with is positive. I mean it would weigh around 3200 lbs if not less, be rear wheel drive and would be budget friendly. And most importantly a Cherokee is the Miata of SUVs.

I am thinking 6.0 truck block, a mild cam, LS1 intake manifold, and a t56. It should get way better mileage and obviously be substantially faster. A locker or posi unit in the back with some 17 inch mustang wheels (same lug pattern right?) and the suspension treatment from the challenge XJ, would make for a pretty cool truck.

Am I the only one that thinks this would be sweet....

Here is a link to mounts for 209.00... http://www.novak-adapt.com/catalog/engine_mounts/mmxj3.htm

Excellent Idea. I want to do a 5.3L swapped Cadillac STS (the late model RWD one).

add boost and a lot of muffler, the rozzers won't know what hit them

I would say explorer rear for added durability...

Don't see anything wrong with the idea. I always wanted to toss a Ford 2.3T in one...

Great idea, go for it. It would make for a fun ride.

Brilliant!

Actually I had similar thoughts about my wife's 2001 2wd, before she managed to destroy it. Maybe I should start looking for a replacement...

How about an LSx in an old Range Rover? Those things are cool, but were so bloody slow and always breaking down.

second for a big ford rear. Are you gonna try independent rear or solid axle?

I like the idea!

This forum is seriously bad for my driveway . . .

The only bad idea is not getting this done. You needs to gets this done!!

Yes, oh my absolutely yes!

Got brakes? Got handling?

In today's car world, a Cherokee is more of a tall wagon than an SUV - sounds like you're on track to make a budget CTS-V wagon!

I'd be half tempted to get a 4wd Cherokee, manual trans or not.

Here's a kit for the manual, though: http://www.novak-adapt.com/catalog/kit_gmax15.htm

Put a Hemi in it. Corporate corrct.

Since AMC/Jeep is a Chrysler acquisition in my lifetime it is not bound by the same rules a chevy into ford swap may be. There is a historical precedent for GM components in Jeeps therefore the exemption from the current corporate correct rule. Either drivetrain will meet with bastardization approval. Now if you want to put a chebbie 350 into a 41 Plymouth we're going to have an issue.

p.s. I like this idea! Going to CL to search for 2wd Cherokees...

pimpm3 wrote: a Cherokee is the Miata of SUVs.

How is a cherokee the miata of suv's? dont those have solid axles front and rear, and leaf springs?

As a die-hard Jeeper, no 2WD jeep excites me. And any mods that don't allow it to wheel better are blasphemy. But I think you should do it!

aggravator wrote:

pimpm3 wrote: a Cherokee is the Miata of SUVs.

How is a cherokee the miata of suv's? dont those have solid axles front and rear, and leaf springs?

Its the do all of the off road world. You say solid axle and leaf spring like is a bad thing.

The only negative I could think of was the front suspension, but then I realized I was thinking of the 4wd model and that I have no idea what the undriven fronts look like in the XJs.

+1 to converting to a Ford 8.8" rear. I think Cherokees are a Dana 44 which isn't bad, but I don't think they're designed for the torque they'll get hit with from an LS motor.

Are you looking to do this with a 2-door or a 4-door? Either way, I approve!

The only negative I could think of was the front suspension, but then I realized I was thinking of the 4wd model and that I have no idea what the undriven fronts look like in the XJs.

find the thread for the Cherokee that did the GRM Challenge last year and you will see pics of the front axle and the way it was modded for oil pan clearance and negative camber with a substantial drop.

Obviously this is a good idea.

And honestly, i always personally thought the wrangler was the miata of suvs.. but the cherokee is close enough that i wont argue over it.

Just today my wife complained again about how she misses here Acura Legend. The reason I got rid of it was engine problems. I started thinking, what about an LS swap with a 6 speed and rear wheel drive? Hmmm.

I am having a hard time not buying the wrecked Z28 that I found on craigslist... I really need to finish up my EB first, and sell my SE-R to make room for the next project.

Its so tempting to snag one for a winter car, but htat's what the subaru is supposed to be for.

I miss my 94 grand cherokee 4x4 with... gasp... a 5 speed and 54k miles! Was my first car

ReverendDexter wrote: I think Cherokees are a Dana 44 which isn't bad, but I don't think they're designed for the torque they'll get hit with from an LS motor.

most Cherokees are a Dana 35 rear. It was the full-size Cherokees that had the 44 IIRC. The XJ's (in general) had the 30 front and 35 rear.

(sorry, got rid of my XJ years ago, so might be a bit foggy!)

In reply to ReverendDexter: 4 Door, I like the proportions better. That and I have two kids so a four door would make more sense.

I have had several 4wd XJ's before and have never seen the point in a 2wd drive one until I started thinking about the LS swap.

I would swap in a ford 8.8 for sure, for strength and the rear discs. The Chysler 8.25's are fairly stout if you can find a cherokee with one of those in the rear. My 1994 had one in the back. I am looking for a 1997 and up for the newer interior and smoother exterior.