Pathfinder III
1632
Enthusiast II
I can't say how glad I am to find I'm not the only one wanting to use my full size Jeep for its original purpose! I bought it four years ago specifically for overlanding with my family. I'd have been out there sooner, but other things took (financial) priority, and after the main engine/tranny remachine and rebuilds (I've got the 401 and wanted to keep it) I was out of build money. I've been setting my pennies aside, so some tires should be coming soon and that will be enough to get me off the beaten path.Part 1 of Big Foot! (To Be Determined) is up. Enjoy
Hi Tim! Glad you like the thread and the old Cherokee. I have driven Jeeps since 1994. My first and second Jeep were Wagoneers and then I purchased this Cherokee. Great rigs for family outings and overlanding. They ride nice, are not too big, but have plenty of room for gear if you pack right. Engines are excellent for low speed driving over rough terrain, strong drivetrains, just a pleasure to drive. The only thing bad about a Full Size is the gas mileage. I usually get 9-10mpg, but it is still cheaper than a car payment each month so keep that in mind. That 401 is probably going to be worse 7-8mpg if I were to guess. I am about ready to install a 27 gal. auxiliary tank which should give me all the range I will need.I can't say how glad I am to find I'm not the only one wanting to use my full size Jeep for its original purpose! I bought it four years ago specifically for overlanding with my family. I'd have been out there sooner, but other things took (financial) priority, and after the main engine/tranny remachine and rebuilds (I've got the 401 and wanted to keep it) I was out of build money. I've been setting my pennies aside, so some tires should be coming soon and that will be enough to get me off the beaten path.
--Tim
Enthusiast II
Thanks for the advice! I've been on the ifsja forum for a long time - before the Cherokee, I had an 81 J10. That project went nowhere, and I had a couple of kids, so we moved on to a 4-door. It's been tough saving up for each stage, but I think we're close to dealing with the body next. I have all the panels to replace everything, but none of the skill, so I'll be looking for a body shop that still knows metal soon.Hi Tim! Glad you like the thread and the old Cherokee. I have driven Jeeps since 1994. My first and second Jeep were Wagoneers and then I purchased this Cherokee. Great rigs for family outings and overlanding. They ride nice, are not too big, but have plenty of room for gear if you pack right. Engines are excellent for low speed driving over rough terrain, strong drivetrains, just a pleasure to drive. The only thing bad about a Full Size is the gas mileage. I usually get 9-10mpg, but it is still cheaper than a car payment each month so keep that in mind. That 401 is probably going to be worse 7-8mpg if I were to guess. I am about ready to install a 27 gal. auxiliary tank which should give me all the range I will need.
A few points for your project. 4" lift, 31x10.5x15 tires, a electric fuel pump, and a good roof rack and you will be set for just about anything overlanding. Come and join us on the FSJeep forum http://www.fsjnetwork.com/forum/ .
Hope to see you on the trails soon, George.
I try and make a run once a month, but usually it turns out to be about 9 trips a year.How often does your group make runs? My dad lived in Filer, Idaho when he was a kid, then lived in Kellog after he retired. I think a road trip out there in my Cherokee (I did get to give him a ride in it before he passed a little over a year ago) might be a good first "long" trip with the wife and kids next summer. Maybe the southern route over, then up to Kellog and I-90 home, camping all the way.