4x4 Icon - Jeep Cherokee Modification Schedule

When I first bought my Jeep, I knew there were hundreds of things I could do to it to improve its performance. I saw that people often make changes several times before they get it "right". It seemed clear that I wanted to avoid doing the more expensive modifications until I was sure I knew what I wanted, and knew what solutions best met my needs. This is a list of nearly everything I did with my Jeep, starting from the purchase.

I saved the best and most expensive changes for last. My feeling was that it would take me some time to find out what the Jeep was capable of doing, and to decide which products if any would offer meaningful improvements. Since some of the things I did affected my needs, I feel that I was fortunate to save some changes for later.

I should mention that I didn't do anything for the sole purpose of appearance. My modifications were done strictly to enhance off-road performance and convenience. I made every attempt to perform these modifications with aesthetics in mind, but function was the primary goal. I strove to preserve good road manners and with this constraint have not made significant modifications (beyond that necessary for weight reasons) to the drive train and suspension. Eventually I did opt to install Detroit lockers which did compromise road handling somewhat, but to the great benefit of my off-road activities. At the same time I installed heavier axles and 4.56 gears, for a better crawl ratio and better performance with larger tires.

Many of the things I did could be done at any time based on individual needs and preferences. Budget can be a significant factor in vehicle modifications since some things are quite expensive. This page documents my experience. The individual sections characterize the reasons for the modification, how to do it, and impressions about the success.

Some of the modifications I made are very small, but add to the spectrum of information available to me and my passengers. I felt it was important to have as much knowledge of my surroundings as possible. If my budget allowed, I would probably add a Police/Fire scanner, Satellite communication, and even a dedicated on-board computer. But there are practical limits, not to mention budgetary reality.

While anyone with a Jeep will tell you that it is never "done", I feel that I have reached a point with my Jeep where there is little in the way of major modification left to be done. I may refine some of the changes, and make adjustments to meet changing needs, but the Jeep is largely configured the way it currently suits me. Beyond that....?

What's your position in the Jeep Wave pecking order? Check the original facts at http://jeeptalk.org or download this Excel Spread sheet to precisely calculate your scores! (Right click the link and select "Save As..." to save and run on from your hard drive - requires MS Excel to run (sold separately...)

January 2005
	Purchase
	Avital Remote
	tires and wheels
December 2006
	Delphi Satellite Radio / XM
	Replace Speakers
	tires and wheels


Then	Now

Modification & Maintenance Schedule

Modification
&
Maintenance Schedule