For budget mods, the best bang for the buck in my opinion is lighting. Its nice to be able to see where you're going. The headlights on your Cherokee use H6054 sealed beams. Many people replace those sealed beams with composite headlights which allow the user to replace the bulb inside of the housing. That opens you up to a myriad of bulb choices. Be sure that whatever housings you get are DOT approved. Most of the stuff you see on eBay and Amazon are for offroad or show use only, not designed to be used on roads. That's because many of them have not been through the testing procedure of the department of transportation. If you run headlights that are not DOT approved, you could get pulled over for it or fail your safety inspection if your state does inspections.

The best way to increase the lighting on the front of your Cherokee is to either buy or make a relay harness for the headlights. From the factory, the voltage goes through the headlight switch and out to the headlights. The length of wire, thickness of wire, and condition of the switch can negatively affect the delivery of power to your lights. Only a small drop in voltage can have very noticeable effects on the output of the lights. The fix is to utilize relays to draw power directly off of the battery and feed that power to your lights. All the factory wiring stays in place and is used to trigger relays rather than supply power to the lights directly. Here is a link you can follow if you want to make one yourself. http://www.go.jeep-xj.info/HowtoHeadlightLoom.htm If you'd rather buy one, many Cherokee drivers are going with one made by Putco. http://www.amazon.com/Putco-230004HW-Premium-Automotive-Lighting/dp/B001P29X4G Some of the reviews of that product specifically talk about using it on Cherokees.

Buying a kit, following the directions, and watching a couple of youtube videos showing how to install it will be a pretty simple project for you and not cost a lot of money.

Other budget mods include mixing and matching of parts with other Jeeps you'll find at the junk yard. The tie rod from a ZJ (1993-1998 Grand Cherokee) with the V8 engine is thicker and more sturdy than the tie rod that comes on a Cherokee. It'll fit and gives you increased strength. The control arms from WJ Grand Cherokees (1999-2004) are fully boxed instead of the U channel of our XJ's control arms and are bent inward to accommodate wider tires without rubbing.

$83.94 IPF housings
$20.98 Hella H4 55/100W
$27.34 Putco harness
$14.56 Backup relays

$146.82 for a sharp cutoff and much more light on the road, and an incredible high beam, delivered in two days if you have an Amazon Prime membership. I bet you use high beams a lot now, but you'll probably rarely feel the need to use them on the road with this setup.

$147.99 for a 50 inch light bar. Even though the headlights offer a lot of light, having extra flood would be great when off road. I don't actually have this yet, but I plan on buying it as a reward for getting some work done on my XJ. Mine is still new to me, and I haven't yet had the time to earn it yet.

Less than $300 and two days for an incredible amount of light output.

If I don't buy that light bar, it's because I'm getting a Cree light bar with XP/XT or XM emitters that I'll be upgrading...I'm on the hunt for a light bar that uses XTE emitters like this light because output can greatly be increased by swapping in XP-L's, and more than doubled if power can be increased. That mod is more of a hobbyist thing than an attempt to save money, and not all of them would be done anyway since it'd sacrifice some throw for flood.

I pretty recently switched to Truck-Lite LED headlamps, which are complete units that are super energy efficient, bright as hell, pretty heavy duty, and are wired for our headlight plugs. They're pretty pricey, but I pulled the trigger on them on Amazon knowing I could return them if they weren't worth it. So far, they've been the most useful day-to-day upgrade I've done. They make driving at night actually pleasant. They're really incredible, though no photos online do them justice.

Here's an album with some photos of my front end:

http://imgur.com/a/zCMHZ

And here's a link to the truck lites on Amazon, which are currently for sale for cheaper than I scored them.

http://www.amazon.com/Truck-Lite-27450C-Headlamp/dp/B007ED7HNY

Let me know if you've got any questions about them :)

I used THESE ones. Amazon Prime for $9.99.

Very bright, but word for the wise, Do not replace your brights indicator with one of these. I did and it nearly blinded me with blue light when I used the brights. Ended up switching it back out for one of the original bulbs. They are nice in the turn signals however as they're nice and bright, keeping from being an idiot that lets them just run after a turn.

These lights also fit into the shifting plate and the 4WD plate of you've got it. Just enough to do them all vice the brights.

EDIT: I also did a little modification while I painted my instrument cluster of putting aluminum tape around the backside of the tac and speedo to try and reflect the light a little better. It seems to have worked a little but not much.

It depends on what you want to do with it. If you want to clear big tires because it looks cool, you can keep your stock shocks. If you want it to flex, I'd leave the rear sway bar out completely when I built the springs. In fact, that's how I've done all of mine. Stock shocks will limit your flex, so this is something worth investing in.

Stock track bar will move your axle over a little but won't cause handling issues or odd tread wear. It'll last a long time on the street but suffer rapidly when you articulate through rock gardens and the like. They last a long time at three inches of lift, but not higher. You might get one run out of a stock track bar at 4.5 inches before it starts making noise. An adjustable track bar alleviates this.

Control arms are alright to four inches. Brake lines should be changed around there. Steering should be upgraded for 33" tires and up but stock steering has lasted me well on nearly 32s.

Definitely spend the $60 or so on extended bump stops and trim them as needed. The 4" stops can be cut down for lifts under 4" and install in the factory locations. These fit but I actually like the ones which don't. They have a softer hit but have to be turned down on a grinder to fit. I can link you to those if interested, they're excellent for overland.

SYE is really only important over 5" for your year. The 97-01s are slightly different in a way which necessitates it over 2.5" or so but you can get away with a transfer case drop. Remove the factory hardware, get longer bolts, make a spacer out of whatever fairly solid 1" scrap you have around, and use it to space the cross member for the transmission down. Maybe two dollars for the hardware A stack of washers works if you don't have access to a good scrap pile or steel supplier who sells drops.

Your sway bar links may mingle with the coil spring over 3" but it's to no detriment in my experience. Longer links with disconnects work better on the trail. You can always cut and extend the links with 1/2" cold roll.

Anything else?

These lights are the ones I got. I love them. I think they look good and they’re plenty bright. With the high beams on, its REALLY bright. I’d definitely recommend them

I got great results out of the stock headlights by simply upgrading the wiring. I ordered one of these Putco harnesses intending to upgrade the bulbs later, but I got enough a big enough boost in light that I haven't found the need to upgrade the lights themselves.

If you decide to upgrade the bulbs, I'd recommend a more reliable harness, but this is a cheap/quick alternative.

Good luck!

A headlight harness will help a lot. H4 conversion housing like the ones made by Hella (I have the e-code) will be amazing.

I highly recommend against getting cheap flea-bay junk like those Cree lights. Spend the money on quality parts for your own safety and others on the road.

the autopal housings are great and take H4 bulbs. super easy refit, although you should also do a relay harness if you are going to overpower them because all the power goes through the headlight switch in the stock config.

harness
housing
bulbs

Note that if you have fogs the highbeam cutoff circuit might malfunction if you install a relay harness. Some info here

TL;DR: Any h6054 housing will fit. Do a harness swap too.

Edit: the Autopal and some other housing brands are available with ECODE or DOT glass lenses, for LHD or RHD.
DOT means there is not as sharp a cutoff. This is used in the US because overhead road signs are not illuminated as they are in the EU. As another poster said, once you have the housing in with it's little stamp you pretty much have carte blanche for the bulbs

I put a pair of HELLA 003427291 Vision Plus headlight kits in my jeep. Originally used the Putco harness but it corroded and left me with no headlights at night in the rain, so that was no fun. Made my own harness after that with much better materials than the putco and it's been working great so far.

Hella lights - https://www.amazon.com/HELLA-003427291-190x132mm-Conversion-Headlamp/dp/B0002M9QRE

H4 connectors - https://www.hipoparts.com/ceramic-female-h4-headlight-socket-kit-w-terminals-for-7-round-lamps/

Relays - https://www.hipoparts.com/tyco-bosch-relay-w-mount-tab-5-terminal-12v-relay-spdt-20-30amp/

The Jeep forum post I used for help - http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f20/make-your-own-relay-harness-schematic-parts-inside-510221/

This is how it looks currently. Just replaced the head gasket, rockers, water pump, etc and all that good stuff. I'm gonna paint the trim, bumpers, flares, grill and head light housing, and the thing with the light in it that is over the license plate. I'm also going to remove all the badges and replace them with black ones, including the front "Jeep" badge. However, they don't make a Sport badge like the one I want so it's going to have to be a vinyl decal.

My plan is to take all the trim off, remove reside with goo gone or simple green, sand then clean everything, let it dry and mask it all off with blue tape and brown paper or plastic sheets and go to town on it with a few cans of this. I'll remove the grill and headlight covers and do them separate. As for the red stripe, I'll tape it off and do it with blood red Montana Black spray paint.

Few questions for you guys that did similar jobs already:

• What do I use to seal it?
  
• Do I need automotive sealer?
  
• If so, what brands?
  
• Where is a good place to get new badges (or is it ebay)?
  
  Next upgrades;
  
  
• New front & rear bumpers (suggestions? Don't want a stinger or anything too bulky, needs to have recovery points)
  
• Red LED for the interior dome light
  
• Lund Moon Visor or similar (Polish one on ebay?)
  
• Roof rack (or roof tent?)
  
• Camper conversion? I measured out the cargo and passenger area, after I move my spare I think I'm going to build out a platform and get a memory foam pad so I can camp right in my XJ.
  
  Thanks for reading!

What is your budget?

One other option you might want to look at is LED headlamps but you need to buy ones that have a distinct cuttoff for on-road use. I recently bought these cheapos that do not have a cut off hoping that I could make due but really I found you should never use those on the road since they are basically just an ultra bright flood lamp so I removed them.

As far as updating to better bulbs and a new housing I don't have experience there but I think you also have to factor in an upgraded harness too...

My .02 worth for ya..... Go in this order instead of jumping right into a set of LED headlamps.

1 - Upgrade the wiring harness.

I installed a Putco harness in 2013 when I first got the XJ and it was a definitely improvement.
Putco 230004HW Premium Automotive Lighting H4 100W Heavy Duty Wiring Harness and Relay

Other folks have gone the eBay route, and I bought one of these on a whim (because it was stupid cheap) just to see if the quality was worth it.
CERAMIC H4 HEADLIGHT RELAY WIRING HARNESS 2 HEADLAMP LIGHT BULB SOCKET PLUGS 7

Ended up not installing it because I had other things to work on instead of replacing the Putco harness that was working fine. Overall though, the quality was surprisingly good and I would have used it if I didn't already have the Putco harness.

For all the negative comments people have about the Putco upgrade harness, it's still working fine a little over 3yrs later. Knock on wood, of course.

2 - Get a set of H4 housings. I bought these off Amazon, but there are other reputable brands out there which work just fine.

GENSSI DOT H6054 7x6 Inch 200mm Headlights Pair with Bulbs Non-Sealed H6014/H6052/H6054

These came with some crappy OCONUS-made no-name bulbs that sucked balls and were immediately thrown in the garbage.

I went to my local PepBoys and grabbed a set of Sylvania SilverStar "Ultra Halogen" H4 bulbs and threw those in the housings.

Holy shit, #1 & #2 were an incredible upgrade to the shit stock XJ headlights.

If you're looking to stay right at or a hair under $100 that's the way to go.

Last year, I came into some $$$ and got it into my head that I wanted LED headlights. Went this route: Truck-Lite (27450C) Headlamp

Wow.

Significant difference from the H4 bulbs + wiring harness upgrade but I'm honestly glad I did the H4 bulbs + wiring harness upgrade first.

Now that said... In hindsight, the LEDs weren't absolutely necessary and I could have put the $$$ into a SYE or something else.

But hey, ya learn as ya go. Right?

If it's not in your camping gear already, firestarting gear. In particular a fire steel, since they can't get waterlogged. It's late spring early summer, but if you really kill the jeep offgrid, exposure can still sneak up fast.


I'd also recommend some kind of radio. Vehicle mounted would be the best, but that requires more knowledge, time, and money to set up. Regular FRS/GMRS 'walkie-talkies' is also good to have, but range is limited. For a 'cheap insurance' option, the baofeng uv-5r variants are cheap and powerful hand sets. I'll link some gear below. Keep in mind, these are HAM radios; you need a license to use them normally, but you won't get in trouble if you have to send out an urgent mayday if you're in danger. The range is much better on these thing over CB; before you take it out, pop on some YT vids about how to program in frequencies, and lookup local freqs that are used for emergencies.


https://www.amazon.com/Dual-Band-Transceiver-400-520MHz-65-108MHz-Upgraded/dp/B00YMN0SCG/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=uv5r5&qid=1556650528&s=gateway&sr=8-1


https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KC4PWQQ/ref=psdc_764460_t1_B071JR2LZK

www.jeepforum.com and www.cherokeeforum.com are great resources for mods, repairs, etc...

Buy a Chilton or Haynes repair manual too. Ive linked one below on amazon but can also be purchased at your local parts store. These are AMAZING resources for repairing your XJ including pictures and detailed directions. Once you've tackled a few minor repairs yourself, you'll feel like you can repair anything with the right tools and patience.
https://www.amazon.com/Jeep-Cherokee-Wagoneer-Comanche-Manuals/dp/1563925400/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1473791814&sr=8-1&keywords=jeep+cherokee+XJ+manual

Pictures definitely won't hurt - your description isn't particularly detailed.

For help, you can post here or the Jeep/Cherokee forums, but my biggest suggestion would be to get a Haynes manual.

I recently bought my XJ and I've just started vehicle repair myself, and I've found that manual, Google, and YouTube to be the best help that I could get. It doesn't help if you don't know what you're looking at, though, so please, post pictures!

I bought these for my 96 Sport. Very bright and clean white. Had them since March and no issues. Had to bend one of the blades a little wider for better contact as one headlight didn’t want to stay on during installation but it is plug and play. Very happy and highly recommended.

(Pair) 5''x7'' 6''x7'' High Low Beam... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XRXTX32?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

The difference from stock is night and day

It is easily twice as bright as the factory setup. far better pattern too.

https://www.amazon.com/Headlight-Relay-Wiring-Harness-Ceramic/dp/B00H5JFHR0/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1464810131&sr=8-9&keywords=h4+harness

https://www.amazon.com/HELLA-HLA-H83140171-H4-100-80W/dp/B000COBLKW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1464810209&sr=8-1&keywords=h4+100w

https://www.amazon.com/HELLA-003427811-132mm-High-Headlamp/dp/B001G72VIK/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1464810364&sr=8-4&keywords=hella+h4

Order one of each and a second bulb. plug it all in and have awesome light.

Front: Dorman 47079 HELP! PCV Elbow https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000JZIXIW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_5LlEXbGrGSf92

Rear: Dorman 47057 HELP! PCV Elbow https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000JZI1U2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_5RXB6fuUAgRwJ

Grommets: Dorman HELP! 42344 PCV Valve Grommet https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000C5I49C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_2GMSYLIlDpfEr

It's hard to beat the Chinese at this one... I've seen a guy on Facebook reselling prebuilt harnesses as his own creation, but I'm more interested in making a quality product that's going to outlast the rig it's installed on. I want my reputation to be built on quality and value for the dollar.

Example:

For $20:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/CERAMIC-H4-HEADLIGHT-RELAY-WIRING-HARNESS-2-HEADLAMP-LIGHT-BULB-SOCKET-PLUGS-7-/330997592807

For $40:

https://www.amazon.com/Putco-230004HW-Premium-Automotive-Lighting/dp/B001P29X4G/?tag=vig-20

And at the premium/benchmark end:

http://www.lowrangeoffroad.com/ipf-wiring-harness.html

If I could make and sell a harness that people would be interested in, I'd be game. We'd be talking OEM quality TXL wire, ceramic plugs, HELLA style relays... but it's not going to be $20. That's the hard part, being competitive in price and quality in relation to other offerings.

I just put these in last week: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001OMPJHM/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

​

Very easy installation, and comes with the bulbs. However, I had to do some bending to get them to fit in the bumper.

​

Also, make sure you've upgraded the wiring harness as well. My cheap Chinese-eum relay harness decided to crap the bed right when I put these in. So I had to drive around for a week with brand new beautiful headlights that wouldn't turn on while I waited for a new harness to ship......

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XRXTX32/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Some Chinese brand but they have worked great for 4-5 months for me. They are about the same as the fancy halogen lights that you see in new cars like Lexus and Mercedes in terms of blinding people. But they are DOT certified. These just plugged right into the same plug on my 01 XJ, didn't have to change anything and installed in 5 minutes.

I purchased https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M09C4FQ on feb 8th, amazon states. These are diffferent ones than the LXLights you posted, different model. I find that these project light pretty well down the road, much much better than the stock high beams did. I think the lows on this model were rated at like 2800LMS.

For my 96 xj (full cluster with tach) my dash took 8 194 LEDs. Then 2 194's, for the transfer case and trans shifters. Then I replaced 2 74 LED's. One for the key insert ring and one for the hvac. There are a few more 74 slots behind the switches to the left and right of your wheel.

You have to unscrew the steering wheel plastic shroud. It takes a torx 15 I believe, you need a long torx screwdriver for this, a bit won't fit up there. Then you pull the dash panel off, then four screws around the instrument panel, another 1-2 screws near the warning lights area on the left side. Pull out the instrument panel a bit and you will have to disconnect two plugs in the back, one behind the warning lights and one in the middle of the cluster. Push in and pull up on the middle plug to get it out. Then pull the instrument panel and untwist the 8 ports for the 194 lights, then put it all back.

You can replace the warning lights if you want with 74's as well but that's a lot of LEDs, maybe 8 or so.
The hvac light port is on the upper right side when you unscrew the four screws and pull it out a bit.

For the 194's I got these Yorkim LEDs off Amazon, cheaper than superbright and seem to be great quality. I love them so far. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JRE38EA/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

These are the 74's I bought. You might be able to find cheaper. https://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo/miniature-wedge-base/74-led-bulb-1-smd-led-miniature-wedge-retrofit-car/227/

They are probably the Amazon ones.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01M09C4FQ/

I bought a pair. They are pretty good. Much much brighter than stock and mine are aimed about right, it appears, so they aren't blinding people...yet.

Couple of ideas for you.

1. Convert your AC compressor to an air compressor
   
   
2. Upgrade your suspension (as /u/aussie_jason suggested) to the upcountry option.
   This is a stock spring package that directly replaces your worn out springs and gives you around 1.5 inches of lift for less than $250. I did this to my 94 XJ and i can tell you that'll help make some room for for those 30s. It's also easily boosted to a 3 to3.5 inch lift for around $90 more.
   
   
   Front coils
   
   Rear leaves
   
   
   Edit: Look into getting longer bump stops as they'll help keep your tires out of the fenders. Here are the ones I picked up.
   Front
   Rear

I got the Hella housings that take an H4 bulb, then put SilverStars in them because I like the nice white color temperature.

I think the biggest difference honestly came from this harness. With it bypassing the stock wiring (if I remember correctly it just uses the stock light cables to trip the relays) it can supply a lot more juice from the battery.

I have the 55/60 watt bulbs now, but I might swap in the 90/100's when these go since the harness can support them.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XRXTX32/

They're DOT/SAE approved as well. Has a nice cut off line as well, doesn't blind oncoming traffic.

That's really awesome that you say that I bought h4 stuff on Amazon and I'm gearing up to install.

Anyone have any experience? Is this a good setup? Tough to install?


HELLA 003427291 Vision Plus 190x132mm High/Low Beam 12V Halogen Conversion Headlamp
H4 100w Ceramic Fused PnP Heavy Duty Automotive Wiring Harness Headlight Foglight Booster Relay 12v
HELLA H4 12V 100/80W Halogen High Wattage Bulb Off Road Use

https://www.amazon.com/Headlights-Wrangler-Cherokee-H6054-H6054LL/dp/B06XRXTX32 these are them. Have had em for around 5 months now and they have been great. They are bright. But not blinding to other drivers.

I don't necessarily agree that you have to upgrade the harness to get good lighting. For the price, LED headlights are readily available and have great results versus the stock halogen bulb. These are what I run and I have no complaints with them on my 99. They are 100% plug and play with the stock harness. Just pull the old lights out and plug the new ones in. Easy 5 minute job. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M09C4FQ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Direct from China through AliExpress but they weren't available back then like they are today.

(2 Pcs) DOT approved 5" x 7" 6x7inch Rectangular LED Headlights for Jeep Wrangler YJ Cherokee XJ Trucks 4X4 Offroad Headlamp Replacement H6054 H5054 H6054LL 69822 6052 6053 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M09C4FQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_H4nWAbWB67Y6G

I did a k-suspension harness, hella h4 bulbs and rampage housings. love how much light they put out without looking obnoxiously bright like LED lights. At the very least you should do the harness. Makes a world of a difference.

I bought this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FPXV5G/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The diameter of the cups it can accommodate is somewhat limited, but it's been the best $12 I've spent on my '96.

Thank you. I got them from Amazon, thanks to another member's post. Here's a link for you.

https://www.amazon.com/Osram-Headlights-Wrangler-Cherokee-H6054LL/dp/B06XRXTX32/ref=lp_14355767011_1_5?srs=14355767011&ie=UTF8&qid=1500666526&sr=8-5

[Dude, buy these.] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XRXTX32/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) SAE/DOT approved for LED on Xjs is tricky to come by. These lights are amazing.

I do not know of LED lights that are heated, but alternatively you can go hella h4 upgrade which I prefer to LED/HID

Relay Kit - https://smile.amazon.com/2-Headlight-Headlamp-Ceramic-Socket-Harness/dp/B06XHSFLTZ

Head lights - https://smile.amazon.com/HELLA-003427811-132mm-High-Headlamp/dp/B001G72VIK

Bulbs- https://smile.amazon.com/HELLA-H4-100-80W-Wattage/dp/B000COBLKW

You'll have really good lights and will melt snow without problem.

https://www.amazon.com/Rust-Oleum-Automotive-251574-11-Ounce-Bumper/dp/B005H5P5C6

has the jeep xj on the logo. I used it and loved the results, and it sticks. tried heat gun, this is easier and im more confident with it.

I just ordered new Dorman springs from Amazon but haven't installed them yet. http://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B005VPS358
They were $86 when I ordered them but looks like $95 now and Amazon Prime 2-day shipping can't be beat.

So here she is... I'm planning to give some attention to the suspension because as you can see she is a bit slouched. I don't want to get to high so I'm looking at just replacing the leaf springs with these; https://www.amazon.ca/gp/aw/d/B005VPS358/ref=ox_sc_act_image_1?smid=A1VMTU9W4873PK&psc=1

and the coils with these;
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/aw/d/B000C53ZSC/ref=ox_sc_act_image_3?smid=A3DWYIK6Y9EEQB&psc=1.

However these are spec'd to provide some over stock height by 1.5" - 2"

Therefore I am wondering if the shocks that come with this rough country 1.5" lift will work. http://www.roughcountry.com/jeep-suspension-lift-kit-680-20.html

Really happy to be a part of this group and appreciate all advice and critique!

Less than $11 on Amazon or one of these but they are pretty expensive.

Thanks for the info! Got any pics of them lighting up the road?

Found em on Amazon for $180 a piece:
http://www.amazon.com/Truck-Lite-27450C-Headlamp/dp/B007ED7HNY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1456945106&sr=8-1&keywords=xj+truck+lite

It says it doesn't fit, but it does. Trust me, I'm a stranger on the internet.

Got mine from amazon, best mod I ever did.

On my 97 I used clear housings http://amzn.com/B0006309WA

A wire harness made a huge difference http://amzn.com/B00BQH9548

and hella 100w hi/ 55w low beam, huge difference http://amzn.com/B000COBLJI

I think your local mechanic just doesn't want to install new leaf springs because it's kind of a bitch.

There are cheaper ways to do it, but you can get a brand new pair for about $230, I put these in my 93 and they include the bushings (but not the shackle bolts) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005VPS358/?coliid=IR3CWRIGZE8TL&colid=3B3H2P3OO3L7T&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

My leaf springs were also inverted and I gained about 4" of lift in the rear with these and some longer shackles.

Tbh I'm surprised you aren't having issues with the rear tires hitting the wheel wells

That's the rear PCV valve, linked here:

https://www.amazon.com/Dorman-47057-HELP-PCV-Elbow/dp/B000JZI1U2/ref=pd_bxgy_263_3?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=45NCW8ZC6C1VSN98P8WT

If you are swapping both, I'd recommend the grommet as well:

https://www.amazon.com/Dorman-HELP-42344-Valve-Grommet/dp/B000C5I49C/ref=pd_bxgy_263_img_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=W5XYJ6P61B3R65MDZT6N

Did you get these exact ones? They're sitting in my Amazon cart until I'm ready to spend the cash: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B06XRXTX32/ref=ox_sc_act_image_1?smid=A3MXHV4BORYGO2&psc=1

I'd do the harness first, I bought the putco, but I haven't installed it yet, however I'm very unimpressed with the quality, almost considered returning them and getting others.

I did buy hella h4 conversion headlights (came with bulbs) and those are very cool. I would recommend, but the harness would make the main difference, it's still dim without it.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0002M9QRE/ref=sxts_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1512070859&sr=1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65

I bought some Hellas on amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002M9QRE

They have glass lenses and are DOT approved

I recommend buying all this for the job: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FPL2CWI/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000C5I49C/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000JZI1U2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000JZIXIW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Funny enough my previous tires were 235/75s and my springs in the rear sagged like crazy. The wheels would rub when I would haul things.

I used Dorman leaf spring assembly's that already had built in bushings. Here's the link for the rears:

Dorman 929-301 Leaf Spring for Jeep Cherokee, Pack of 1 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005VPS358/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_3ozTybXGCSV7Q

I'll have to come back to you with that measurement!

Good to hear. Did you make a harness or buy one? This one? - http://www.amazon.com/Putco-230004HW-Premium-Automotive-Lighting/dp/B001P29X4G

looked into this and buying replacements is stupid expensive. if you want the OEM molding look, you have to remove it, paint it and put it back on with double sided tape. this is the trim paint to use, even has an XJ on the can.

Rust-Oleum Automotive 251574 11-Ounce Trim and Bumper Spray, Matte Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005H5P5C6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_mhSPzb1NAMDJG

This is on my to-do list as well, I personally like the look of the 97+ molding when it's not faded grey. it's also saved my door panels from parking lot monsters who don't look before they open their door.

He posted amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XRXTX32/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_UlVMAbAKV47S0
above, looks like 100 bucks for the pair.

If anything a harness won't hurt. I upgraded to the Hella e-codes and versus stock wiring there was a noticeable increase in light output.

https://www.amazon.com/Putco-230004HW-Premium-Automotive-Lighting/dp/B001P29X4G

I just bought these and I am pleased.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B005VPS358?pc_redir=1411222595&robot_redir=1

The thing that sucks about Cherokee headlights IS the wiring.

Buy this and install it.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001P29X4G/ref=redir_mdp_mobile/184-6657873-1060049

Changing the lights themselves will not help without feeding them ample current.

Stock lights work GREAT after you fix the wiring.

They are the LED headlights from Truck-Lite. Here's the Amazon link:

https://www.amazon.com/Truck-Lite-27450C-Headlamp/dp/B007ED7HNY

Edit: Just realized you weren't asking what the headlights were. Well, here's the link for anyone who wanted to know anyway...

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XRXTX32?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

I know at least 10 guys with these. They’re plug and play. And they’re briiiiiiiiiiiight

I have a pair of LEDs with cut-off I got from Amazon. Really nice for that I paid, but if you have the budget get the real trucklite LEDs.

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XRXTX32

If you don't have it already, you should buy this as your first step:



http://smile.amazon.com/Jeep-Cherokee-Wagoneer-Comanche-Manuals/dp/1563925400

Leave it in the vehicle along with a basic set of tools. You'll need them eventually.

If it's a 2WD and most of your driving will be on-road, I like to replace the front sway bar bushings with urethane ones (especially the end-link bushings). It's a $30 change which significantly reduces body roll when cornering.

Look like TruckLite (Not sure if that's the proper light for our Jeeps - was just a quick amazon search). Sure light up the road, but be warned that they're useless if you live somewhere with a good amount snow.

Just some cheap Amazon headlights.

https://www.amazon.com/Headlights-Wrangler-Cherokee-H6054-H6054LL/dp/B06XRXTX32/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?keywords=xj%2Bheadlights&qid=1562626582&s=gateway&sr=8-6&th=1&psc=1

Dorman 929-301 Leaf Spring for Jeep Cherokee, Pack of 1 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005VPS358/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_5HU4aN3uIEDRl

Dorman 722-024 Leaf Spring Shackle https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00A195TN8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_38T55FkKZrZlk

Kept the U-bolts

http://www.morris4x4center.com/coil-spring-52001122.html?utm_campaign=map&utm_medium=email&utm_source=yotpo&yotpo_token=5c055200d7e5d61e6a7288fe977d4cc04aa61bcc

Springs felt softer than the old ones I took out. But that's just a feeling.

Yep (Pair) 5''x7'' 6''x7'' High Low Beam Led Headlights for Jeep Wrangler YJ Cherokee XJ H6054 H5054 H6054LL 69822 6052 6053 with Angel Eyes DRL (Black 105w Osram Chips) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XRXTX32/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_UlVMAbAKV47S0

Any notable difference between the one I linked above and this one for $30 less?

https://www.amazon.com/Omix-Ada-12035-50-Holder-1984-1996-Cherokee/dp/B000FPXV5G/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=jeep+cherokee+xj+cup+holder&qid=1568661549&s=gateway&sprefix=jeep+cherokee+xj+cup&sr=8-3

Rears https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001GH1OH4/ref=pd_aw_fbt_263_img_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=VMR2GMTZAN38X0C5CMN3
Fronts https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001GH1OCO/ref=pd_aw_sbs_263_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=VT5KPW4R52PRVBT7CVDM
Do the front when you lift it so you don't have to pull the coil off again. Those should be the right size for your lift and tires.

https://www.amazon.com/Rampage-5089927-Halogen-Conversion-Headlight/dp/B001OMPJHM

that plus a relay harness makes a world of difference.

http://www.eautoworks.com/Putco-H4--9003-Heavy-Duty-Headlight-Upgrade-Wiring-Harness-PRD7540.aspx

Non-mobile: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001P29X4G/ref=redir_mdp_mobile/184-6657873-1060049

^That's ^why ^I'm ^here, ^I ^don't ^judge ^you. ^PM ^/u/xl0 ^if ^I'm ^causing ^any ^trouble. ^WUT?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001P29X4G/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_RsQDub1QPR7JG

That's the exact harness I bought.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005VPS358/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I have a 2" shackle lift on the back and my stock springs were flat so I decided to get the HD OEM ones. The jeep has kind of a Rat Fink stance now but Dr Google says that it will flatten out eventually.

https://smile.amazon.com/Dorman-929-301-Leaf-Spring-Cherokee/dp/B005VPS358/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1492782578&sr=8-1&keywords=jeep+cherokee+rear+leaf+springs

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B007ED7HNY/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1522592859&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=trucklite+27450c&dpPl=1&dpID=5187T5%2BWz3L&ref=plSrch

https://www.amazon.com/Truck-Lite-27450C-Headlamp/dp/B007ED7HNY

http://www.amazon.com/Truck-Lite-27450C-Headlamp/dp/B007ED7HNY

Amazon listing w/ specs in description. Anything in particular I could test, see real world results?

https://www.amazon.com/Truck-Lite-27450C-Headlamp/dp/B007ED7HNY/ref=mp_s_a_1_fkmr0_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1539877669&sr=8-2-fkmr0&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=xj+trucklite

Note: the price listed is per lamp. Not per pair

(2 Pcs) 5" x 7" 6x7inch Rectangular LED Headlights for Jeep Wrangler YJ Cherokee XJ Trucks 4X4 Offroad Headlamp Replacement H6054 H5054 H6054LL 69822 6052 6053 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M09C4FQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_L0N6yb879XYEF

Those are $57 on [Amazon] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M09C4FQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_4DMtzbAJ71MSN) . I just ordered them the other day and should be delivered Sunday. I'll let you know how they are when I install them.

Got them here!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XRXTX32/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_TL6XybISz9PSA

These

here ya go

I have these and have no RFI issues and I run multiple ham radios covering a multitude of frequencies. I was worried that they would wipe everything out but it was not an issue.

If you want to do a full suspension redo, not just add a leaf this is what I did. I didn't do sway bar disconnects.

Skyjacker 0-3inch shock absorbers

Dorman leaf springs ~2" http://www.amazon.com/Dorman-929-301-Leaf-Spring-Cherokee/dp/B005VPS358

Moog coil springs:http://www.amazon.com/Moog-CC782-Variable-Rate-Spring/dp/B000C53ZSC/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

I don't know if you've picked any housings yet, but I went with these housings and these bulbs. I originally used the bulbs that came with the housing but the low beam died on one pretty quickly. The PIAAs have hung in there, though.

I really think this is what I'll end up doing. HELLA 003427811 190 x 132mm Series H4 High and Low Beam Headlamp Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001G72VIK/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_tr7Jwb5D2DDYF I absolutely HATE not being able to see very well at night especially since up here in Idaho we have LOTS of deer and elk up around where we go hotspringin.

Unfortunately if you are on a paved road, its illegal to have auxiliary lights turned on (unless its a private road). Have you considered upgrading to an H4 harness on your lights with relays?

http://www.amazon.com/Putco-230004HW-Premium-Automotive-Lighting/dp/B001P29X4GGGGG
Also, how old are the current headlights? Over time, bulbs get dim. If they are really old, you may just need new lights

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001GH1OH4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/Daystar-KJ09114BK-Front-Bump-Stop/dp/B001GH1OCO

Older Jeeps (pre 97 I believe) - https://www.amazon.com/Daystar-KJ09101BK-Bump-Stop-Piece/dp/B001GH1O9C/ref=sr_1_1?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1487952975&sr=1-1&keywords=KJ09101Bk

Cheapest you'll find them (unless you use hockey pucks up front). Just did mine on my ~3-3.5" lift with 33's.

Haven't done the fronts yet - can you do them without taking out springs? I really don't feel like taking the springs out, I reluctantly did it doing the lift but spring compressors fucking terrify me.