How can you modify your Jeep for jumps

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Jun 3, 2015 | 09:41 PM

#31

TwistedWrench

CF Veteran

Joined: May 2015

Posts: 1,472

Likes: 5

From: San Antonio, TX

Year: 1992

Model: Cherokee

Engine: 4.0L H.O.

Hmm. Having unintentionally gotten a little air a couple times, and dealt with the effects to both the vehicle and my kidneys, don't know if I'd do it on purpose. But if you really want to do it, of course everything that's been mentioned already. "Strong enough" isn't even nearly enough, LOTS of suspension travel, etc.

Try to get as close to a 50/50 weight balance as possible(think engine relocation further back behind your front suspension). Nose dives are BRUTAL.

Think backwards of trying to get a street car to handle well. Unsprung weight is no longer your enemy, sprung weight is.

Go on a diet/get in shape. It's not just your Jeep crashing down to earth, it's your beer-gut, teeth, family jewels, bad back, last night's bean burrito, etc...

Just saying...

Jun 4, 2015 | 12:07 PM

#32

Fred/N0AZZ

CF Veteran

Joined: Jul 2013

Posts: 7,554

Likes: 17

From: Monett, MO.

Year: 1999

Model: Cherokee

Engine: 4.0

The cage point was rather glossed over it should be built to spec and all chrome molly to save weight that's a lot of metal for the cage that the XJ needs to do jumping.

OP might start with pricing some of the CM right size tubing for it. I can weld but never have I built frames or cages for my race cars, leave that to the pros.

Jun 4, 2015 | 12:23 PM

#33

91WhiteXJ

Senior Member

Joined: Apr 2014

Posts: 840

Likes: 0

From: las vegas, nv

Year: 1991

Model: Cherokee

Engine: I6 H.O, 99 manifold, APN header, neon injectors, cowl intake, screamin demon ignition system

Quote:

Originally Posted by cherokeeowner123

I'd like to build my two wheel drive XJ in to a prerunner like the ones from Jeepspeed I plan on taking it to the desert and going on some little jumps in the desert and dunes is strictly going to be used as a toy prerunner type vehicle not a crawler will a lift kit Help soften the landing? Or is it just for looks? What else do I need to do for a stock XJ to be able to do some jumps?

Honestly if you are asking these kinds of questions about something so advanced then I don't think you are ready to build a peer unmet jeep. Do your homework on this subject and a lot of the questions you asked will be answered.

Jun 4, 2015 | 12:26 PM

#34

McCaffrey

CF Veteran

Joined: Jun 2012

Posts: 1,250

Likes: 3

From: California

Year: 1989

Model: Cherokee

Engine: 4.0L

I've found, "Because it's fun" is always the best answer when people ask, "Why?"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B2cY71_M2KM

Last edited by McCaffrey; Jun 4, 2015 at 12:28 PM.

Jun 5, 2015 | 09:41 AM

#35

XJNVA

Seasoned Member

Joined: Apr 2013

Posts: 429

Likes: 0

From: Purcellville, Virginia

Year: '95

Model: Cherokee

Engine: 4.0 HO

Quote:

Originally Posted by DBMETALWORX

You'll need to start with the foundation. By installing frame stiffeners like these http://dbmetalworx.com/#!/Frame-Stif...egory=13125360 Then an extensive cage to brace everything up and tie it all together. 2wd is best too. A trussed 9 inch rear end. Longarm with Deaver springs and king bypass shocks & bump stops. Steering will need to be beefy as hell.. Some motor & trans mounts like these http://dbmetalworx.com/#!/Ultimate-J...egory=13125360 Suspension seats & harnesses. Skidplates. That should get you in the ball park.. Then you can go out and see what else breaks.

All of this.

And I must say, don't skimp on a cage. Not only for safety reasons, but in the our case it really helps stiffen the weak unibody.

Also, most "prerunner" type rigs run fiberglass fenders. For increased wheel well clearance and for weight savings.

Long-travel XJ's are super cool, but this will be a rather expensive and fab intensive endeavor. The cherokee is one of the most difficult platforms to start with. A Ranger/Mazda truck would be simplest, followed by an IFS Yota.

I would love to build a NBS 2wd Silverado, glass, pulled bedsides, Mazzula mid-travel, 63" deavers, bed cage, c/o's all around, on 37's, but that's just a pipe dream because there would be no where to drive it here out east, but I'm starting to ramble now.

Go to Racedezert, Dezertrangers, and NAXJA like suggested, and read up. Good luck.