1999 WJ Grand Cherokee Adventure Rig

[Wildland Outdoors]

Here is the base for my overland adventure rig. It is a 1999 WJ Grand Cherokee 4.0L with a NP242 transfer case and 245/75/16 Goodyear Wrangler Silent Armor tires. It currently has a Wilderness Roof Rack with a pair of spot beam KC Daylighters on the front and a pair of cheap Walmart 55w fogs in the back. It also currently has our Allen 4 bike hitch rack on the back as well..



Some upcoming projects for it:
Full fluid change (everything except coolant)
coating the undercarriage and inside base of the doors with POR15
stripping and coating the rack in POR15 then repainting it
lowering roof rack on re-installation to sit directly on the factory rails
cleaning up all small rust spots, priming and repainting them
cleaning up headlights
re-sealing the windshield and sunroof to prevent leaks

I do have a basic plan for the build but this will come slowly as we manage to come up with the funds.

 

[roamingtimber]

Welcome! There are a few other WJ's being modified on here. Can't wait to see what you do,with yours.

 

[Overland-Indiana]

Welcome! I am a former WJ owner, they are fun to build and a very capable rig! Keep us up to date as you go along, we are always interested in new builds, Ideas or projects. Pics are always a plus too!

 

[Wildland Outdoors]

Ok guys need some help in my planning. Trying to decide on a front bumper. Do I go with an ARB, or something like the HK Offroad bumper? I like the full front end protection of the ARB but really like the low profile almost factory look of the HK. Any other option please feel free to throw them out.

 

[Overland-Indiana]

One thing to also keep in mind with the ARB is it is thoroughly tested for safety and if I remember correct even keeps your factory air bag sensors working correctly were as some of the others will reduce the sensitivity of the sensors and cause your air bags not to deploy when they are supposed to.

 

[Wildland Outdoors]

Not sure if the air bag thing is true or not but I think the ARB is what we are going to end up with. It mounts solidly and is a good winch platform for recovery and will provide protection from close encounters of the deer kind. Now I just have to find the best price on one.

 

[SLO Rob]

I'm surprised more people dont go with this platform. They're so capable, and I really like the size....

 

[Wildland Outdoors]

I like it alot. Just picked up all the fluids to do a full replacement. Only problem I'm having now is deciding between the OME HD lift with 32's or weight wise if I'll have to go with a 4" LA. For you guys with the 2 1/2" lifts do you think these lifts like the the OME HD can handle the weight of a rear bumper w/ tire carrier?

 

[HangryMachinist]

Not sure if the air bag thing is true or not but I think the ARB is what we are going to end up with. It mounts solidly and is a good winch platform for recovery and will provide protection from close encounters of the deer kind. Now I just have to find the best price on one.

I was told that all aftermarket bumpers will still utilize your airbag. Something about its location. I too like the ARB but will choose to fab my own. Make sure you take pics after install of the ARB.

 

[Wildland Outdoors]

Might be a bit before I get the bumper but I will get pics up. I'd love to be able to fab my own armor but I have non of the tools or skills.

 

[Wildland Outdoors]

OK guys the wife and kids are trying to name the jeep. They came up with three names so what do you think Nomad, Drifter or Gypsy?

Edit: Wife agrees so Crazy Horse is added to the running

 

[NorthStar96]

Hes an Indian. Name him Geronimo, or Crazy Horse. Grand Cherokee......Big Chief

 

[WJ - Firefly]

I like Nomad.

 

[HangryMachinist]

Drifter

 

[NorthStar96]

Did your rig get a new name yet? or, still undecided?

 

[Wildland Outdoors]

Still undecided. Wife through it out on our social media to let our followers contribute.

 

[Jhberria]

I'm surprised more people dont go with this platform. They're so capable, and I really like the size....

Agreed. Having ridden and wheeled with several of these, they're great all-around vehicles. Welcome to the forums!

 

[Wildland Outdoors]

Thanks, I cant wait to start adding parts and getting this thing where I want it.

 

[Wildland Outdoors]

FedEx dropped off a couple ARB boxes today. Got my 2000X2500 Awning and Room with floor. Now I just need to get my rack extension done and get it mounted. I am thinking while doing my extension I can weld some 1/8" plate to the outside of the rack to serve as a mounting point for my awning.

 

[Overland-Indiana]

I am still debating on which ARB awning I want to go with, can't make up my mind!!!