holycaveman

I am posting this thread up so it may help motivate me to get this project moving. Seems to take me forever.

Anyways its a 2000 xj. Goal is to make a machine that will tackle the big obstacles while still looking like a base cherokee.

Like to keep the 36" tsl's I am currently running. And the stock wheelbase. My lift is 2.5" front and 3" rear.
What is hanging me up currently is approach and departure angles. And weight placement. Also would like to shed a few hundred lbs.

holycaveman

Front approach angle.

I already have the bumper completely off. Not enough.



So my plan is to shorten the nose. I will have to relocate the radiator to the rear. So i can move the nose back 2-3 inches. While I am at it I need to ditch the ac compressor and fan.

Gas tank will removed. Fuel cell will be installed behind the drivers seat.

Was thinking about this one. 15 gallons.



Not exact picture but you get the point.

holycaveman

The stock tank while low is on the wrong side of the axle. Huge detriment to climbs and obstacles. In the stock location it lightens the front end too much, also its a dead weight you have to drag over obstacles. . This is why I am moving it to behind the drivers seat on the floorboards.

holycaveman

I am not against long arms. If I was convinced they would make a difference in performance for my application. Only 2.5" lift and I do NOT want to lose any belly clearance.

My main goal is to perform awesome off road. So any suggestions feel free to post up.

holycaveman

So far this is what it has.

36" tsl
Beadlocks
Snorkel (cowl)
10" shocks front and rear.
Weld in sliders.
Basically 2.5" lift.
Good Ole optima battery
Stock 3.55 gears.
Welded and shaved 8.25 rear
Spartan locker in lp dana 30.
Adjustable lowers
Track bar relocation bracket
Flat belly.

I am wanting anything that will increase hp, lighten, or make it more capable off road.
Tires size no more than 37"

Gary Briggs

I love Low COG rigs, look forward to seeing this.

I'm also interested in how you haves the c8.25, cod you throw some pictures up.

holycaveman

Yea. Soon as I get back to my shop tonight I will post more pictures.

It's basically cutting the access off clear to the lower bolt and up on the sides. It's not pretty. But have been running it 2 years this way without a problem.



I even cut some of the bolt head off. Gives you an inch more Clearance. Which is like 2" more tire.

michaelOH

Nice a build thread! Was wondering if you were ever going to make one...

holycaveman

Thanks. Although I am not an elaborate builder. Performance wise this may be a good thread to watch. Because it WILL be tested! LOL

michaelOH

I'm not an elaborate builder either(besides my roof and cargo rack) but I have been toying with an idea for adjustable rear bump stops.

holycaveman

I am all ears!

michaelOH

It's still in the idea phase, maybe I'll draw it up one of these days.

holycaveman

About 11 3/4" clearance to the very bottom point. Much better than the stock 8.25.

holycaveman

You can see where the tow point sticks out. A little less than a stock cherokee bumper. My goal is 3 " back from a cherokee with no bumper. So i will have about the same approach angle as a cherokee with 42" tires.



Notice the power steering pump is 2 3/4" back from the stock location. Basically one bolt hole over.

holycaveman

Shouldn't have used the impact without heat.



That's ok. Smoke wrench plus stud remover.