A plan for a basic 79 Cherokee wt (s)

[Beastie79]

Ok, so I've been reading for four days, (two here) and this is what I've come up with for my Jeep.

It's got wide track D44's, AMC 360, Quad-track with 4-Lo, the glove box button of power, and 31 x 10.50's. I think it's got some lift cause I can fit 33's without any work (borrowed a set).

Here's what I'm planning:
Weld the rear diff.
33 x 12.50 retreads.
Tire hanger on rear bumper. (?) Friend has it and I like it.
Rocksliders from some old tractor crates welded for strength.
Skidplate from similar material and some steel sheet.
Maybe adding a spring leaf from a FJ-55 or other large truck and 35's.

The engine leaks a tiny bit, but I have a gallon of oil at all times. Plan to rebuild the gaskets and look at the rings. I have friends, even if I don't know how just yet.

Oh, how do you adjust a power steering box to tighten it up just a hair? I heard it was possible so I wanna not look drunk while on the street. I've got about 15 degrees of turn before the gears grab. Later in the turn they grab better, but are still loose enough for me to consider tightening.

Whadda ya think, and what are the other free/cheap upgrades for Jeeps like mine? I've looked but this is what I found most common.
Thanks! :D

[Bob Barry]

Here's what I'm planning:
Weld the rear diff.
33 x 12.50 retreads.
Tire hanger on rear bumper. (?) Friend has it and I like it.
Rocksliders from some old tractor crates welded for strength.
Skidplate from similar material and some steel sheet.
Maybe adding a spring leaf from a FJ-55 or other large truck and 35's.

[snip]

Oh, how do you adjust a power steering box to tighten it up just a hair? I heard it was possible so I wanna not look drunk while on the street. I've got about 15 degrees of turn before the gears grab. Later in the turn they grab better, but are still loose enough for me to conside tightening.

Whadda ya think, and what are the other free/cheap upgrades for Jeeps like mine? I've looked but this is what I found most common.
Thanks! :D

33's fit on WT's stock; you can trim whatever they rub on, but they probably won't.

Throwing in an extra leaf will probably help get the body up higher so the rocks do less damage.

Bypass the ammeter or add the additional charging circuit.

Skids and rails are a good idea. Maybe put a front diff cover on the back axle, as the stock rear ones are so flimsy.

Replace any rubber lines (fuel, brake, etc) that are old and cracked. Change all the fluids, put a driveshaft from an '80-up NP229-equipped rig (they are larger-diameter, and seem to fit without bottoming on my '78, but check on yours at full suspension compression).

Replace the steering-box, with one from a J-20, if you can. Add the double-diaphragm brake-booster from a J-20 as well.

[landbruiser1]

I say that all sounds good except for the welded rear. The PO of my rig welded the rear and It sucks. The tire wear alone is crazy and the thing chrips the tires around every corner. Lockers are cheap for these rigs and will work great, I am saving for ARB's. I have 33's on my rig bought new at as a set and the rear are at under 30% with the front at 85% tread. Good luck with the build and post some pics when you get a chance.