[tblack]

The spacesaver is about 18" round and you are right, the Jeep will lean a little. They are designed to get you either home or to a repair shop safely and that's it. They are a "temporary replacement". You barely know they are stored there in the cargo compartment in the back when they are not in use. They force you to get your tire fixed because the look so lame. But I've seen neighbors go for months on the space-saver because they are too busy or too lazy to replace the original tire. Mine came with the Jeep new in 2000. I'm sure you can get one at any dealership in your area.

I agree, if you really want the header, have someone else do the welding if you are not a Welder. My dad was a Master Welder, but I would not even try welding on a bicycle.

I have been able to hear my A/C compressor loudly standing outside or inside since day one and I had heard other new ones just as loud. I did my homework after I bought the Jeep. I took it back to the dealer and compared it to another one on the lot. My old '94's compressor was noisy too. You know what they say at the Dearlership? "It's a Jeep, it's not a Cadillac or Mercedes". "It's supposed to be noisy, so turn the radio up". Oh and then they add: "Just drive it and don't worry about it" Well I have to say I took their advice and it's still with a noisy compressor and handles like a tank, but I wouldn't trade it for anything right now.
You cannot compare it to a car or even a new Chevy or Ford (car-like) truck. The Cherokee is basically a CJ or a Wrangler with a warm and dry body. They are very rugged and noisy. It's the nature of the beast. Enjoy it.

tb