I just got my self a 2000 Jeep Cherokee Sport. Car is the way it came out of factory. I already modified my old 1991 Cherokee Sport (which I gave to my dad) but nothing that would require a real deal of work. I just put on some skid plates, modified engine intake and welded in roll cage. What kind of kewl and useful upgrades would you guys suggested for my new car?

Matt,<br><br>A second battery (use a battery isolator) and a winch. The old-style 8,000 lbs Warn (M8250???) is still made and if you don't mind the looks, it's about the best there is - get the roller fairleads, a snatch block, and some rigging paraphenalia. Oh - practical tow hooks at each "corner" if not already there.<br><br>Since this stuff is heavy, you might consider slightly beefier front springs - custom spring fabricators are very reasonable in my experience.<br><br>Don't know enough about the gizzards of these to make any specific suggestions - for example, I don't even know if it has a frame or not... but a second set of rims (steel is cheaper) with proper winter tires would probably be worthwhile and if you take only use them during the bonafide winter months, you'll get several seasons out of the tires (softer compound; they wear too fast to leave on year-round). OTOH, storing the off-season tires and rims takes up a bit of space.<br><br>Enjoy your new ride.<br><br>Tom<br><br>

Hi!<br><br>IMHO diff-guards, steering guard would be nice to have. A hi-lift jack, a shovel and axe are also essential. It is nice to have jackable points on each corner.<br><br>Also have a CB installed. A cheap 12VDC solar battery charger would be excellent (on my list). And for the spare battery a deep cycle one would be great (like the ones on the boats)<br><br>www.sorv.com is a nice site. Try it.<br><br>Have a nice time with your new rig.<br><br>Burak<br>Istanbul<br>'76 Range Rover<br>'70 MB Unimog S404<br><br>

I don't remember anything telling me they changed to a frame from a uni-body, so I would say a good upgrade would be putting a tow hitch front and back. Why, if you didn't know, it stiffens(sp?) the uni-body for less flex and or damage if you get a little crazy.

Your suggestion for hitches is interesting! I guess I disagree with the idea of stiffening the frame, though.<br><br>A few thoughts on stiffening the frame (if it has a bonafide frame) - generally speaking, a reasonably flexible frame offers superior performance over an in flexible frame in torturous terrain. Stiff chassises are better on pavement / highspeed tracks, of course. Somewhat mutually exclusive goals. One of the (several) reasons why many manufacturers are moving to independent suspensions on "small" 4x4s is to compensate somewhat for lack of flexibility in the uni-body type construction that results in superior pavement / highway driving characteristics (99.99% of most buyer's miles) but seriously impairs "off road ability". If you ever have the opportunity to watch 1st hand (or even better, drive on) a vehicle test track, like the one at Aberdeen Proving Ground, you'll see what I'm talking about. Flexible stuff keeps the wheels on the ground and keeps moving. Stiff stuff has tires spinning uselessly in the air. This pretty much validates my experiences out on "real" terrain.<br><br>Here's a clip from the Jeep site: "Grand Cherokee's frame is built to handle many types of road conditions. It's fully integral with the body of the vehicle which creates a more durable construction. This type of engineering also contributes to a smooth, quieter on-road performance." <br><br>Notice the word "road", not "off-road".<br><br>Translation: It's a unibody with some box sections that resemble a frame but really aren't - flex that too much and you'll pop welds or bend something. The Cherokee was discontinued in 2001 - the Grand Cherokee the quote refers to may or may not have the same chassis as the previous - I do not know. <br><br>Having said that... the Cherokee Sport was / is a great utility vehicle. I used one (4x2) as my work vehicle 'way back, and that 4.0 L six had plenty of power - I imagine that the later models have even better torque and HP. Like most smaller vehicles, I suspect that front axle and transfer case could stand a little beefing up IF severe duty off-road is going to be a regular feature. Note: "severe" <grin> - I suppose that's any use that breaks things... urban mythology has it that Matt may face that kind of hazard in NYC potholes...TIC<br><br>The Cherokee Sport that Matt got is a really nice ride and has a huge "fan club". But I'm not an expert on Cherokees... ask me about Ford 3/4 tons; I know a bit about them. <br><br>Regards,<br><br>Tom<br><br>

A Unimog!! A serious vehicle - very cool.<br><br>I liked your suggestions - the corner jacking points (custom formed treadplate, perhaps?) might be a little odd-looking on a Cherokee, though <smile> - I think "Jeep", "Land Cruiser", and "Land Rover" when I hear about corner jacking points - they are VERY practical with a hi-lift jack.<br><br>Regards,<br><br>Tom

Thanks!<br><br>A unimog is really a different thing. It has a radio communication box on the bed which is now a sort of camper.<br><br>I read your post regarding the flex frame and totally agree.<br><br>I can send you some links about unimogs if you wish<br><br>Regards<br>Burak