Great video. Its almost 100 likes. This will age like wine. Folks will be watching this video for the next 30 odd years wrenching on the Cherokee. Long live the Cherokee. I've had every generation except 4th gen. That will change soon.
What lift did you do? I see folks are only doing the 2 inch one but I found a 4 inch from American Trail. Waiting to see the reviews once someone installs it.
Sorry I didn't see your comment earlier. I went with the 2 inch lift from Hazard Sky. I've been really happy with it. Haven't heard anything about the American Trail lift but everything I have heard says not to lift the KL over 3 Inches. Here's a link to my lift video as well. th-cam.com/video/ywUzOlUs_Xg/w-d-xo.html
I used to use my grinders without the guard until I nicked my finger tip with the backside of a flap disk. Welding gloves did not offer enough protection. It felt like my finger was being hammered with a 3 pound sledge and now I have barely any feeling in that fingertip.
Soooooo after watching your video over and over and over. I finally got my 265/70/17 on and I have so much rubbing 😩 I'm going through it slowly and cutting it down as I see fit. I will be watching this video for a advice 🤘
If you have a 2019 or newer Cherokee they have tighter wheel wells, at least in the front. Also, he trimmed back the weld, but I didn't see where he did anything to push the plastic back. If you don't do that, the plastic liner is still sticking out just as far as before you trim the weld. So people either trim that liner part off or they heat it up with a heat gun and press it back so it's flatter against where the weld was trimmed.
@@jkeithv65 sorry for the late reply I broke my phone and barley relied to use the tablet. That makes so much sense I'm mainly having issues in front wheel well. Working graveyard 6 days is kinda getting me mad I wanna trim the weld already before I go to the dunes again! Hopefully by then I'll get it cut and see the difference in performance . I'm super excited man to see if it was worth the money lol
@@passingtimebored2705 what year is yours? Mine's a 2019 TH. I've been waiting 6 weeks for my 2-inch MFC lift to arrive. I also plan to run 265/70 tires and know I will need to trim both the welds and the plastic liner.
@@jkeithv65 2019 trailhawk running mud tires instead of A/T I noticed I need to cut more on passenger then I do driver. Yes mfc took me awhile to get but when it came I was excited lol
Have you had any axle issues with your jeep. I have a 2015 with a MFC OFFROAD 3" KIT and Dobson shocks. Been on for just under a year, and I am have issues with the drivers side rear axle slipping at the dif. Any solutions?
Glad it was helpful. Here's the link to the video on what I ended up doing to fix the rub on the wheel well.. hope it's helpful! th-cam.com/video/wBjtUcBmyuI/w-d-xo.html
Sorry that was a typo. I meant rear wheels. MFC Offroad’s instructions say to do the rear weld too so I’m wondering if you had rubbing in the back too.
@@livefreeordie7368i have a 20 also. 3 in MFC + Dobinsons still rubbing up front. Could you please send me some pics of yours. Considering anything to reduce the rubbing
I've heard of some through Facebook. It's been a little bit but I think they mentioned having to trim a little in the front. Might have been with 265 70's. It's something I've been eyeballing and want to add.
@@MootsKLAdventure yeah, if you can fit them it will actually help the flex. It has to do with the motion ratio of the suspension. It might also help the ride. It could take camber slightly negative , but that also improves handling if it's very slight. I think it's far less likely to take the camber negative with our springs because they're so darn stiff. McPherson struts also don't tend to have as much camber gain through the turns as double wishbone, so I think very slightly negative camber probably helps handling more so with McPherson strut than with double wishbone. Our front suspension is mcpherson strut. I think our rear suspension is some kind of a four link independent suspension. It's good stuff. As long as you don't do a level lift and you keep the "rake" and the tire pressures are adequate, it appears to have really good anti-squat and anti dive properties. If you notice when you punch the gas or when you slam on the brakes as long as your tire pressures are high enough it doesn't move, it stays level. It's very good! Compare that to an old Buick - those things dive like CRAZY when you get on the brakes. I had a level lift and I noticed I lost anti squat . I went to a full 4 corner lift and body roll decreased (counterintuitively!). Squat properties (leaning back on throttle) corrected. I don't recommend level lifting this car. It goofs the geometry. 4 corner lift is better.
@@off-roadingexplained8417 yeah I had put the HS lift/level and could see that. Now I've got the Stilettos rear control arm swap that brought back the front rack. It definitely handles better that way.
I'm now realizing also you don't trim the front? That's where I'm having problems at. I literally took off the black outer front wheel guard thing just to get home. Is that normal?
Hate to hear you're having that much trouble. I didn't trim any on the front just tried back the pinch weld. Did you install a lift before putting on the 265 70's?
I have heard that each one is a little different. Some have had to do more trimming then others. I don't think I've seen any videos on how others have fixed that. Have you managed to get enough trimmed off so you don't have any rub?
@@MootsKLAdventure I've got enough to drive around as long as I don't do u turns. I have also only trimmed the liner at the moment will have to pinch weld this weekend.
I cut pinch welds front and back. MFC off-road makes a good how to video. Then I used a head gun to mold inside wheel wells to give more room. Even stretched my fender flares and restored the fenders to open that up. Everything worked well for a year then my front springs have compressed a bit and am starting to rub. Need Robison coil over kit
Loved what you were doing and also wearing extra eye protection is very important, well done, but, disturbed you removed the safety guard from the grinder, what the!
Yeah I need to put that on for sure. I'm not always the best at safety. I'm getting better as I get older but still have room for improvement in that area.
@Cimarron Peacekeeper he trimmed down the seam weld, didn't remove it. This has been done countless times on so many different vehicles without any detriment. It's just excess metal.
You'd need to check with your dealer on the warranty. I've heard some say it did for them and others say it didn't so I'd hate to give you a definitive answer. As for the alignment you definitely need to do that after you lift it. It drives kind of funny until you do.
Thank you for the cool vids! i do have a quick question, if i do the lift(which i am going to do), do i need to do this mod at all or do we do it in conjunction with the lift. cant wait to see whats next from you and sure do like your kids! Thanks in advance! Tim
Really appreciate it! Trimming the pinch weld is for putting larger tires on. It's not always necessary. I might have been able to get away with not doing this but didn't want to take the chance of the tires not fitting. Mine barely rub at about half turn. So to answer your question the only time you need to do this is if you are putting larger tires on. Hope that helps!
Hola amigo.. una consulta.. al cambiar las llantas más grandes te surgió algún problema con la tracción 4x4? Si me puedes ayudar con este tema ya que yo igual quiero modificar modificarlas, Gracias desde chile Rodrigo
Hello Rodrigo. I have had zero issues with the 4X4 system since putting larger tires on. You lose some fuel mileage and speedometer is a little off. Hope that's helpful and all is well in Chile.
You could do that. Not sure it would be any stronger that way vs cutting it. I haven't heard of anyone having issues after cutting it back either. I'm not a professional either. Just a guy having some fun.
He just trimmed off the excess metal. The weld is still strong. I've actually heard if you try bending it over by hammering it, that's when you can crack the weld and cause issues. This has been done countless times on vehicles without problems.
@@MootsKLAdventure I really appreciate your willingness to help! I'm at a loss because I'm worried to do it myself and seriously damage something, but I REALLY wanna throw some bigger tires on. Unfortunately for me I think Misouri just a tad far to drive 😅
@@youngne10 lol. Yeah a little far. Understandable to be concerned with cutting it back yourself. You could try getting it done a shop I'd imagine. Not sure what it would cost.
Jack stands can go under the door. You'll see a section of the plastic cut out which exposes the frame of the Jeep . You can use that spot also to jack it up. On this video I had a low floor jack so I place it on part of the skid plate to jack it up and then put all the weight on the jack stands.
Oh ok can you take a picture and send it to me if you ever lift your car just like you did in this video.... that be awesome so I can visually see.. thank you bro
Well… I’ve got my lift, I’m sitting on 31” Falkens (thanks BTW, I wouldn’t have considered them without your review). Now I’ve got JUST a hair of rub at full lock. I’m curious though, now that your done your pinch weld, any issues out of it? Weird noises, rusty spots, etc?
Good deal hope you like them as much as I have. I get rub at full lock but not bad. I haven't had any issues since doing the pinch weld mod. It sounds and drives the same. I sprayed on some primer and liner aftetwards
It just depends on your KL. They all are a little different. Cutting back the pinch weld alone won't make fit and just lifting it won't necessarily make the larger tires fit. If I wouldn't have cut it back the larger tires would have rubbed on it.
@@MootsKLAdventure hmmmm. Ok....its interesting just bought a 2019 latitude plus black and white. Here I am thinking I have 17s lol nope...225/60/18. Wish like hell. I just traded my durango in for this which I have wildpeaks on them 265/60/18. Man I wish I could get those on this
I'm not sure that cutting and folding would do that much less to compromise the integrity of the unibody. I wasn't very concerned with that to start with though. I know of quite a few that have cut it back and have had no issues.
I have 2016 Jeep Cherokee trailhawk. I don't think I should change or modify anything in it. Too many modifications will put a lot of stress on the drive train and eventually destroy the rear diff and transmission. This vehicle is not made to take any modifications to its 4x4 system. For serious off roading I think the Toyota FJ cruiser is a good option.
The FJ is definitely a good option for off roading. I can't really speak from experience when it comes to weather or not the modifications are putting any more stress on this vehicle then any other. Any time you modify any vehicle you are taking that risk no matter what vehicle it is I feel. I will say that a lot of Cherokee's have been lifted and held up well. Of course I'm sure some haven't but that's just the way it goes.
This is the wrong way to do this, you should not be cutting off welded flanges, it's weakening the chassis doing this. Just fold it over with a hammer and seal it and paint it
th-cam.com/video/KhKOC-TzqTw/w-d-xo.html here is the link to the video on the tires mounted on the Cherokee. Had to put a lift on it before I could install the tires. When I originally did this video I was going to try and put tires on before the lift. Turns out that doesn't work. This video is the final product.
Great video. Its almost 100 likes. This will age like wine. Folks will be watching this video for the next 30 odd years wrenching on the Cherokee. Long live the Cherokee. I've had every generation except 4th gen. That will change soon.
Thank you! I know I love my Cherokee and enjoy wrenching on it.
Been following. Doing the same things to my 19 as soon as the warranty was up. It's up so, hazzard shy on its way. Thanks for posting these.
Good deal. Hope the videos have been helpful. It's a lot of fun adding new mods.
I just lifted my Cherokee and I’m going to get larger tires soon thanks for the video!
What lift did you do? I see folks are only doing the 2 inch one but I found a 4 inch from American Trail. Waiting to see the reviews once someone installs it.
Sorry I didn't see your comment earlier. I went with the 2 inch lift from Hazard Sky. I've been really happy with it. Haven't heard anything about the American Trail lift but everything I have heard says not to lift the KL over 3 Inches. Here's a link to my lift video as well. th-cam.com/video/ywUzOlUs_Xg/w-d-xo.html
I used to use my grinders without the guard until I nicked my finger tip with the backside of a flap disk. Welding gloves did not offer enough protection. It felt like my finger was being hammered with a 3 pound sledge and now I have barely any feeling in that fingertip.
Yeah not the smartest thing for me to do. I don't normally use a grinder without the guard.
Can you do a video for the cherokee ALL the trailhawk jack points?
I hadn't really thought about it but I could probably do one. You're actually not the first person to ask about jack points on the Trailhawk.
@@MootsKLAdventure Great! Also thank you for replying! I subbed because if that.
Awesome. Thanks for the sub.
Soooooo after watching your video over and over and over. I finally got my 265/70/17 on and I have so much rubbing 😩 I'm going through it slowly and cutting it down as I see fit. I will be watching this video for a advice 🤘
If you have a 2019 or newer Cherokee they have tighter wheel wells, at least in the front. Also, he trimmed back the weld, but I didn't see where he did anything to push the plastic back. If you don't do that, the plastic liner is still sticking out just as far as before you trim the weld. So people either trim that liner part off or they heat it up with a heat gun and press it back so it's flatter against where the weld was trimmed.
@@jkeithv65 sorry for the late reply I broke my phone and barley relied to use the tablet. That makes so much sense I'm mainly having issues in front wheel well. Working graveyard 6 days is kinda getting me mad I wanna trim the weld already before I go to the dunes again! Hopefully by then I'll get it cut and see the difference in performance . I'm super excited man to see if it was worth the money lol
@@passingtimebored2705 what year is yours? Mine's a 2019 TH. I've been waiting 6 weeks for my 2-inch MFC lift to arrive. I also plan to run 265/70 tires and know I will need to trim both the welds and the plastic liner.
@@jkeithv65 2019 trailhawk running mud tires instead of A/T I noticed I need to cut more on passenger then I do driver. Yes mfc took me awhile to get but when it came I was excited lol
@@passingtimebored2705 which tires did you get? I'm trying to decide but will probably stick with all-terrain since I do quite a bit of driving.
Have you had any axle issues with your jeep. I have a 2015 with a MFC OFFROAD 3" KIT and Dobson shocks. Been on for just under a year, and I am have issues with the drivers side rear axle slipping at the dif. Any solutions?
Did you ever have to do anything to the real wells? Got my fronts done today, largely thanks to your video so thanks!
Glad it was helpful. Here's the link to the video on what I ended up doing to fix the rub on the wheel well.. hope it's helpful! th-cam.com/video/wBjtUcBmyuI/w-d-xo.html
Sorry that was a typo. I meant rear wheels. MFC Offroad’s instructions say to do the rear weld too so I’m wondering if you had rubbing in the back too.
Oh gotcha. No I put the rear wheel centering kit from HS but afterwards realized I didn't need it. I never had any rub on the rear tires.
Time to chop and remove the fender flares and grind about 2 inches of the fender and custom fit your fender flares back to cover your wider wheel well
I think I'll probably pass on that one
I did that on my 2020 trail hawk
@@livefreeordie7368i have a 20 also. 3 in MFC + Dobinsons still rubbing up front. Could you please send me some pics of yours. Considering anything to reduce the rubbing
Do you know anybody that's able to use wheel spacers with 265/65/17?
I've heard of some through Facebook. It's been a little bit but I think they mentioned having to trim a little in the front. Might have been with 265 70's. It's something I've been eyeballing and want to add.
@@MootsKLAdventure yeah, if you can fit them it will actually help the flex. It has to do with the motion ratio of the suspension. It might also help the ride. It could take camber slightly negative , but that also improves handling if it's very slight. I think it's far less likely to take the camber negative with our springs because they're so darn stiff.
McPherson struts also don't tend to have as much camber gain through the turns as double wishbone, so I think very slightly negative camber probably helps handling more so with McPherson strut than with double wishbone. Our front suspension is mcpherson strut. I think our rear suspension is some kind of a four link independent suspension. It's good stuff.
As long as you don't do a level lift and you keep the "rake" and the tire pressures are adequate, it appears to have really good anti-squat and anti dive properties. If you notice when you punch the gas or when you slam on the brakes as long as your tire pressures are high enough it doesn't move, it stays level. It's very good! Compare that to an old Buick - those things dive like CRAZY when you get on the brakes.
I had a level lift and I noticed I lost anti squat . I went to a full 4 corner lift and body roll decreased (counterintuitively!). Squat properties (leaning back on throttle) corrected. I don't recommend level lifting this car. It goofs the geometry. 4 corner lift is better.
@@off-roadingexplained8417 yeah I had put the HS lift/level and could see that. Now I've got the Stilettos rear control arm swap that brought back the front rack. It definitely handles better that way.
I need to do this, just afraid to mess it up, probably have to watch this video a few times before I actually pull the trigger
Yeah I was a little nervous about it when I did it. I don't really like cutting on my vehicle.
@@MootsKLAdventure, any issues after?
None. I did that back in December of 2019 and haven't had any issues and I do off road it.
@@MootsKLAdventure thank you
I'm now realizing also you don't trim the front? That's where I'm having problems at. I literally took off the black outer front wheel guard thing just to get home. Is that normal?
Hate to hear you're having that much trouble. I didn't trim any on the front just tried back the pinch weld. Did you install a lift before putting on the 265 70's?
@@MootsKLAdventure yes sir I'm not having any issues with the back rub though lol I'm wondering if the 2019 is just a little different in specs.
I have heard that each one is a little different. Some have had to do more trimming then others. I don't think I've seen any videos on how others have fixed that. Have you managed to get enough trimmed off so you don't have any rub?
@@MootsKLAdventure I've got enough to drive around as long as I don't do u turns. I have also only trimmed the liner at the moment will have to pinch weld this weekend.
I cut pinch welds front and back. MFC off-road makes a good how to video. Then I used a head gun to mold inside wheel wells to give more room. Even stretched my fender flares and restored the fenders to open that up. Everything worked well for a year then my front springs have compressed a bit and am starting to rub. Need Robison coil over kit
Loved what you were doing and also wearing extra eye protection is very important, well done, but, disturbed you removed the safety guard from the grinder, what the!
Yeah I need to put that on for sure. I'm not always the best at safety. I'm getting better as I get older but still have room for improvement in that area.
@Cimarron Peacekeeper he trimmed down the seam weld, didn't remove it. This has been done countless times on so many different vehicles without any detriment. It's just excess metal.
nice videos, thanks. do any of these mods ( LIFT KIT, larger tires, grinding) effect the warranty? did you / should you re-align the tires after?
You'd need to check with your dealer on the warranty. I've heard some say it did for them and others say it didn't so I'd hate to give you a definitive answer. As for the alignment you definitely need to do that after you lift it. It drives kind of funny until you do.
Thank you for the cool vids! i do have a quick question, if i do the lift(which i am going to do), do i need to do this mod at all or do we do it in conjunction with the lift. cant wait to see whats next from you and sure do like your kids! Thanks in advance! Tim
Really appreciate it! Trimming the pinch weld is for putting larger tires on. It's not always necessary. I might have been able to get away with not doing this but didn't want to take the chance of the tires not fitting. Mine barely rub at about half turn. So to answer your question the only time you need to do this is if you are putting larger tires on. Hope that helps!
@@MootsKLAdventurewhat the best size of tires you can put after this mod?
Awesome ,other rules to different countriesMerry Christmas to you and your loved ones buddy
Greetings from a Belgium
Late Merry Christmas to you! Are you not allowed to do this in Belgium?
@@MootsKLAdventure totally not, actually
Hola amigo.. una consulta.. al cambiar las llantas más grandes te surgió algún problema con la tracción 4x4? Si me puedes ayudar con este tema ya que yo igual quiero modificar modificarlas,
Gracias desde chile Rodrigo
Hello Rodrigo. I have had zero issues with the 4X4 system since putting larger tires on. You lose some fuel mileage and speedometer is a little off. Hope that's helpful and all is well in Chile.
Have you noticed any structural issues after the mod? Thinking of doing it as well.
I haven't noticed any issues. I load mine down pretty heavy and off road it quite a bit
Since that pinch weld holds those body panels together, probably no a good Idea to cut them off, why not just bend them flat with a BFH?
You could do that. Not sure it would be any stronger that way vs cutting it. I haven't heard of anyone having issues after cutting it back either. I'm not a professional either. Just a guy having some fun.
@@MootsKLAdventure definitely recommend keeping an eye on that area. That was a lot of welded structure removed.
He just trimmed off the excess metal. The weld is still strong. I've actually heard if you try bending it over by hammering it, that's when you can crack the weld and cause issues. This has been done countless times on vehicles without problems.
Where are you located? I am currently in northern California and would love to find someone to assist with this process!
I'm in Missouri. If you were in my area I'd be happy to help.
@@MootsKLAdventure I really appreciate your willingness to help! I'm at a loss because I'm worried to do it myself and seriously damage something, but I REALLY wanna throw some bigger tires on. Unfortunately for me I think Misouri just a tad far to drive 😅
@@youngne10 lol. Yeah a little far. Understandable to be concerned with cutting it back yourself. You could try getting it done a shop I'd imagine. Not sure what it would cost.
I want to know what specific parts do I use to raise the Jeep like that and where to put the jack stands??
Jack stands can go under the door. You'll see a section of the plastic cut out which exposes the frame of the Jeep . You can use that spot also to jack it up. On this video I had a low floor jack so I place it on part of the skid plate to jack it up and then put all the weight on the jack stands.
Oh ok can you take a picture and send it to me if you ever lift your car just like you did in this video.... that be awesome so I can visually see.. thank you bro
Will do!
Well… I’ve got my lift, I’m sitting on 31” Falkens (thanks BTW, I wouldn’t have considered them without your review). Now I’ve got JUST a hair of rub at full lock. I’m curious though, now that your done your pinch weld, any issues out of it? Weird noises, rusty spots, etc?
Good deal hope you like them as much as I have. I get rub at full lock but not bad. I haven't had any issues since doing the pinch weld mod. It sounds and drives the same. I sprayed on some primer and liner aftetwards
So....I guess my question is..is this technically necessary? I feel this is not since you have to but a lift on to truly make them fit.
It just depends on your KL. They all are a little different. Cutting back the pinch weld alone won't make fit and just lifting it won't necessarily make the larger tires fit. If I wouldn't have cut it back the larger tires would have rubbed on it.
@@MootsKLAdventure hmmmm. Ok....its interesting just bought a 2019 latitude plus black and white. Here I am thinking I have 17s lol nope...225/60/18. Wish like hell. I just traded my durango in for this which I have wildpeaks on them 265/60/18. Man I wish I could get those on this
@@aronjohn84 oh gotcha. I know their's some on Instagram with latitude's that have put 32's on it but I'm pretty sure they've got 17's.
@@MootsKLAdventure this is driving me insane. Honestly just want my wildpeaks to fit. But I may have to go with toyos or yokohama again.
@@MootsKLAdventure jeep cam with 225/60/18. So just wondering how wide or largest I can go as of right now without a lift.
If you damage a fender flare to your kL what is the part number to find It under
I have no idea
Why cut the welds out? Just cut in to them at the corners and fold them, I can't believe you would compromise the integrity of the unibody like that.
I'm not sure that cutting and folding would do that much less to compromise the integrity of the unibody. I wasn't very concerned with that to start with though. I know of quite a few that have cut it back and have had no issues.
The cut and fold keeps the pinch weld intact and keeps the strength. We have been doing it for years in the off-road community
Thanks for sharing. 🙂👍
I have 2016 Jeep Cherokee trailhawk. I don't think I should change or modify anything in it. Too many modifications will put a lot of stress on the drive train and eventually destroy the rear diff and transmission. This vehicle is not made to take any modifications to its 4x4 system. For serious off roading I think the Toyota FJ cruiser is a good option.
The FJ is definitely a good option for off roading. I can't really speak from experience when it comes to weather or not the modifications are putting any more stress on this vehicle then any other. Any time you modify any vehicle you are taking that risk no matter what vehicle it is I feel. I will say that a lot of Cherokee's have been lifted and held up well. Of course I'm sure some haven't but that's just the way it goes.
@@MootsKLAdventure I agree 👍
Has anyone seen the 4 inch lift American Trail has out for the KL's I want to lift mine but 2 inches doesn't seem worth it to me.
Everything I've heard and read says not to lift the KL over 3 inches. Has to do with some of the geometry of the suspension.
Never want to cut the pinch seam off ...cut then bend is the proper way ..but whatever ur jeep ur money hope you don’t do any serious off-roading
I can imagine it would reduce crash protection. I agree with fold over.
Взяв авто спортив. Страшний інженер!
And there goes your warranty
Was already gone
This is the wrong way to do this, you should not be cutting off welded flanges, it's weakening the chassis doing this. Just fold it over with a hammer and seal it and paint it
Maybe you are right. But I never sow way you explain. It's simply to cut it.
Did i just watch all that NOT to see the results???...wtf
The video is about the pinch weld mod you have to do in order to fit larger tires on a Jeep Cherokee.
th-cam.com/video/KhKOC-TzqTw/w-d-xo.html here is the link to the video on the tires mounted on the Cherokee. Had to put a lift on it before I could install the tires. When I originally did this video I was going to try and put tires on before the lift. Turns out that doesn't work. This video is the final product.