Jeep WJ Overland Build

[khorsa]

I have a 2000 wj but don't even know where to start. I don't k is anything about the quadratrac setup for one. About all I've done is tires and roof rack setup for my kayaks. I have a 2009 jku Rubicon that I've built. It's the second Rubicon I've built , one rock crawler and the jk is more of a overland/expedition rig. The WJ has the small V8 in it and what little wheeling I've done with it confirms it's a great platform. Where did you start with yours? How much can you lift them without causing issues with the steering etc? I need shocks but want to lift it first so I don't end up buying 2 sets. I just want it for taking the grandkids on trips with us. So a 'mild' but capable off roader is what I'm aiming for... I haven't spent much time around the Cherokees so I don't really know what they are capable of. I've seen some wild ones in my research tho...

Just remember that the WJ has the Dana 44A rearend. "A" signifying Aluminum. There are no traction devices for this pumpkin. You can still put a traction device in the Dana 30 up-front but nothing for the rear. The main reason I didn't buy one was because I would have had to swap axles.

You have the V8, just take care of it and service it regularly and it should be fine. That engine is good but doesn't compare to the I6.

As for lift, you will need a minimum of 4" and possibly some flares to jam 33s under there. And if you are doing that, then spend the dollars and go for IRO or Claytons and you should be fine. I would suggest staying away from RC, their springs sag and the quality just isn't there.

Hope this helps.

 

[Chetta58]

Thank you much for the info. Every time I think I have a plan I learn something new. I didn’t know they even made a 44A... lol It took me a year to plan out my JK and longer to plan my TJ before it so I’m in no big hurry... do it once and do it right, I hope... I keep digging and learning. If I’d make up my mind what the Cherokee’s purpose is it would help. My JK is an overland rig so I started out just wanting a rig to go snow wheeling with. I’ve always wanted to do the Rubicon and kick myself for not doing it with the TJ I built. It was purpose built for rocks and as I got into Overlanding more I tamed it down but even then it was a great crawler. It went everywhere I wanted to go in Moab (and a few places I didn’t want to go)... anyway, thanks again!

 

[khorsa]

NP, I was searching for a while about WJs, I really really want one. They are sexy looking trucks, they have the quad coil suspension, but for some reason Jeep derped right out and stuck an aluminum pumpkin in it. I'm still not sure why when they had plenty of Dana 44s from the TJ available. It bummed me out, but then I decided to just double my money and recently bought a totally clean 06 TJ with the Dana 44 already in it.

 

[04land]

I like the looks of your wheels and tires. I have a stock 04 Laredo with Quadra-Trac2. Your Overland has the quadra-drive system?

Matt

yes I have the Quadra-drive

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[maxfederle89]

There are no traction devices for this pumpkin.

I'm sorry, not to butt in, however I am fairly sure IRO sells an Aussie Locker for the 44a. I've looked at it as a potential upgrade.

Also, I had my lift installed a day ago. IRO 3" and my initial impressions are good. It is a firmer ride and steering feels different (my first lifted vehicle). I do vicariously wonder what the 4"Critical Path kit would have been like but I'm happy.



Sent from my SM-J320V using Tapatalk

 

[khorsa]

Cool, I'll double check on that Aussie Locker. I would love to be wrong on this.

 

[maxfederle89]

Cool, I'll double check on that Aussie Locker. I would love to be wrong on this.

https://www.ironrockoffroad.com/product/aussie-locker-d44a-quadratec-differentials.html

Here you go. But you can't use it with certain t-cases I guess...

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[khorsa]

sweet, I'm damned glad that I am wrong. I'll start keeping my eyes open for a WJ again.

 

[04land]

Ordered an Airaid air intake tube to connect the factory box.... except it doesnt work with the 4.7HO!
But i was able to "convince it" to mount up with the factory box. So far i have gained about 1 mile per gallon with it.

 

[Sarab Loh]

how is the airaid modular tube doing for you? Throttle response or MPG wise..

I have been on the fence about getting one for years. You can also upgrade the inlet from the grill to the airbox as well.

 

[KerrClan74]

Good looking rig. Thanks for sharing.

 

[StuntmanMike]

Just remember that the WJ has the Dana 44A rearend. "A" signifying Aluminum. There are no traction devices for this pumpkin. You can still put a traction device in the Dana 30 up-front but nothing for the rear. The main reason I didn't buy one was because I would have had to swap axles.

You have the V8, just take care of it and service it regularly and it should be fine. That engine is good but doesn't compare to the I6.

As for lift, you will need a minimum of 4" and possibly some flares to jam 33s under there. And if you are doing that, then spend the dollars and go for IRO or Claytons and you should be fine. I would suggest staying away from RC, their springs sag and the quality just isn't there.

Hope this helps.

I disagree, I think the 4.0 is underpowered in this application and would not buy a 4.0 powered WJ. I had a 4.0 ZJ with 3.73's and 31's and it was a slug and got lowsy mileage.

FYI, I wouldn't put a locker up front with Q-Trac, perhaps a ltd slip, but it will def be a bear to drive with a front locker and AWD.

To the OP, great build!

I've always been a fan of the Grands, I had a ZJ back in the day and always thought the WJ's with the Q-Drive was a great setup.

 

[offroadinclined]

https://www.ironrockoffroad.com/product/aussie-locker-d44a-quadratec-differentials.html

Here you go. But you can't use it with certain t-cases I guess...

Sent from my SM-J320V using Tapatalk

How do you engage it? Step on the throttle?


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[Hernandez]

https://www.ironrockoffroad.com/product/aussie-locker-d44a-quadratec-differentials.html

Here you go. But you can't use it with certain t-cases I guess...

Sent from my SM-J320V using Tapatalk

This site is amazing. So many part for my wj that i found was hard to find or thought no-one made. thanks for the share.

 

[MoreGone]

How do you engage it? Step on the throttle?

I've never had one but from my understanding the default is that it is locked when going straight and low speed turns. From what I understand, during high speed turns when you really wouldn't want to be locked up, the inertia during the turn allows the locker to disengage.

 

[04land]

how is the airaid modular tube doing for you? Throttle response or MPG wise..

I have been on the fence about getting one for years. You can also upgrade the inlet from the grill to the airbox as well.

Sorry for the slow response, started a new job 2 months ago.
It has been great, like i said about 1PMG gain and slight throttle response, plus it sounds great!

 

[KerrClan74]

Not trying to dig up old threads, but how is your WJ doing? I am a personal fan of them. Looks good as of your last update. I was wondering if you recall what mount you used for the Firestick. I want to mount a CB and HAM antenna and figured if you remembered it would be faster than me trying to figure it out.

 

[Joey83]

I like it!

Makes me want to buy a WJ myself.

 

[04land]

Not trying to dig up old threads, but how is your WJ doing? I am a personal fan of them. Looks good as of your last update. I was wondering if you recall what mount you used for the Firestick. I want to mount a CB and HAM antenna and figured if you remembered it would be faster than me trying to figure it out.

Sorry for the delay. Build has been slow as i just bought a 2018 JKU Rubicon Recon. I still haev the WJ.
This is the mount i used for the firestick.