Newbie with newly acquired 92 Cherokee

[Sig220]

I have lurked the forum for a while now, got the chance to pick up a 92 Cherokee Lorado for zero dollars.....yes it runs! Replaced the windshield, brakes, front shocks, rotor, distributor cap, plugs, wires, fuel filter and changed the oil and filter. I also cleaned out the air intake of built up carbon. Runs better now, idles great. Next project is to repair the drivers door....as the hinges have pulled away at the body... then replace the seats with some I scarfed from a wrecking yard.

I am not sure if it will be just a deer lease 4 wheel drive or a run around vehicle yet. But the questions of the hour are..........

1. Would welding some steel plate on the body/hinge contact point throw the door alignment out of whack? (Not much metal left from a previous repair)

2. I will be replacing the drivers side front and rear doors along with the drivers side front fender, front bumper, grill and related parts. What is the opinion about buying OEM bumper or fabricating my own?

3. Any ideas on making the suspension stiffer? Replacement vs add on springs, etc?

This is my 3rd Cherokee, had an 84 with a 4 cylinder (bought new) then later picked up an 87 with a 4.0 (used) and now on to todays acquistion, 92 4x4, 4.0 HO, 4-dr, with power everything, although the seats will be the first to get replaced with manual ones!!

Let me hear your opinions, but I am trying to do this on the cheeeep!!

[Cam7]

I know that welding a plate will throw your door off some. There might be enough adjustment on the door to compensate. It sounds like you have little choice. Try cutting some of the damaged area out and try slipping a couple of smaller plates behind and then welding to the body. That would save you a some adjustment. As or fabricating if you can do it better, there you go! If not there shouldnt be a problem finding good ones in a Salvage Yard.

[Saudade]

Actually, it sounds to me like you should re-evaluate this and see if it would be cheaper to buy one in better shape than to fix this up.

As Cam says, welding anything on the surface in the door hinge area would throw off the alignment. If you check the thickness of the shims already there, you may get an idea on how much you can add, but still adjust out. Typically, you'd cut the whole section and replace with fresh metal. That assumes you have the tools and skill to fab a patch. What kind of repair was done? Is there any bondo in it?

[slacker_53]

I don't know how your 'cheap' is, but I'm selling my wife's Jeep, a 1992 Laredo, with the 4.0 HO, and all the power goodies, great body and paint (very minimal rust), Excellent interior and tires, new windshield and brakes all around, basically needs nothing for $2500.

Someone playing fix-up could easily have that much in one that won't be nearly as nice as this one when they get finished. I'd rethink your project, if it needs all you say it does.

my

-slacker

[Sig220]

I appreciate all the replies and the concerns over how much this project is going to cost me......... I guess I failed to mention that I have access to a 91 XJ for a lot of the parts I need. So far including new windshield I have a total of $235 in this vehicle.

I have started to repair the hinge mounts on the door pillar, I decided to cut out the weak metal and have welded a piece of plate in the hole....well actually I put in two small pieces on the inside and welded them in and now I am filling in the small gap between it and the metal surface surrounding it. Then will grind down the surface.

All the damaged parts are now off...except the front bumper, left my torx at work I should be able to salvage most of my parts from my loaner Cherokee.

Once the doors are back on, it will be for all purposes a done deal, then if the wife thinks it warrants it, I will put a little money into it and not leave it at the deer lease!!

Slacker, I appreciate you offer, but I have another deal working on a 96 XJ in top running shape and a beauty as well for only $2500 top dollar. I think it will come in under that, maybe around $2000. Just think....134 in the AC, airbags and the whole bit!!

I still like to hear ideas on this project, maybe toward getting the suspension stiffer, but as far as talking me out of the project......forget it!!