I just bought my 1999 Jeep Cherokee XJ Sport. I have heard, and I'm thinking maybe this is not correct...that if you add custom bumpers or I should say new heavy bumpers with a winch or just the bumpers, it puts a lot of strain on the engine and drive train? Is this correct or just hog wash? Thanks.

 

It puts no more strain on the engine or driveline than having 200 pounds in the passenger seat. I have a 2000 and have pulled trailers ~4800 lbs with a weight distributing hitch, my engine and driveline run as smooth as the day it rolled off the lot, keep up with your maintenance, and your '99 will last forever. The only thing that might happen is spring sagging, to cure that you replace them.

 

I was thinking the same thing - just wanted feed back from other Jeep Owners. Thanks Jon

 

As long as your gearing is right for your tire size adding weight like bumpers and armor won't hurt the drivetrain at all.The extra weight will make the suspension sag a little so keep that in mind.

 

x2. Keep the maintenance a priority

 

Both above posts right on the money! What you heard all BS!!

 

As everyone else on here has said, you'll be fine.

I've got a an '01, original engine with 197K, 6.5" front, 7.5" in rear running 35's geared to 4.56. I run a Nate's Offroad front bumper, with a Bulldog Winch bolted to a Harbor Freight winch plate. A custom fab swing-away rear bumper with a full-size 35" spare, a JCR gas tank skid (that thing is probably the heaviest hunk of metal on the whole damn thing!), Detours Rock Slyders, a full cage inside (A/B/C pillars), plus custom built in tool drawers in the trunk, and a full set of tools for most trail repairs.

Anderwmp6 is right on the money! Gear it right and you'll be fine, though your suspension WILL sag! (After adding everything to mine, I had to add IronMan shackle relocators because my rear end had sagged an 1.5")

(And your gas mileage will suffer!)

I drive this thing to and from the trail, whether the trail is around the corner or 10 hours away. I figure I have around an extra 1000LBS on the rig before I or anybody else actually gets in it. Does JUST fine on the original motor.

 

We have members with 1 ton axles armored to the teeth crawlers still run the stock 4.0 with bolt on upgrades and it takes it no problems.