I understand as we lift our rig and throw some bigger shoes on her they will bog down a bit. Im driving a 99 auto with 31's and 3.73s. colorado I-70 is a B#### to drive for me because the jeep above 2500 RPM constantly bumps into Overdrive. up hill I-25 80mph is practically top speed.

What are if any my options on trying to get the xj to not fight steep mountain roads so much. Is there something that needs to be adjusted?

Please no stroker recommendations though tempting its not practical or affordable.

 

You're driving a jeep. In mountain terrain. At altitude. It's going to suck.

31's and 3.73's seem reasonable to me. About the only thing I can suggest is gearing. Not cheap.

Also, before you say "what do you know, you live in California"....I lived there for 17 years, and it's where I bought my XJ....so I know.

Try doing that drive on 3.55's with 35's.

You'll never ***** again, lol

 

Haha I won't be complining about your experience but I'm curious can we modify when over drive kicks in?

 

He is correct I spent quite a few yrs. living in Arvada, CO, and owned 3 Towing Company's. One of them towed all the way up to the tunnel from Golden and all on request from police agencies in the area towed for 7 of them.


Nothing takes the place of gears even HP it not geared properly to use it. You are going to give up a little a I-25 for a more favorable up hill experience on a 31" tire for that a 4.56 may be required I know that I70 is a 7% grade on a lot of it starting at Golden. going from a 3.73 to a 4.10 I don't think will be pleased you but that equals stock gearing with a 31" tire.

 

80 mph is plenty fast if you ask me. That's just the nature of the beast when owning an xj

 

Yeah, you are basically driving one of the least aerodynamic vehicles out there, especially when lifted, roof-racked, armor-plated, heavy-bumpered etc etc.

When you get into spots where it is hunting for overdrive, you could just down-shift it. Its what I do.

 

80mph on i70 going west is going to be hard on any car with under 300hp (imo)

The XJ is also shaped like a house, so that doesn't help things. Add bumpers, extra gear, etc and it just makes the XJ into a donkey (not the fastest, but super dependable).

Myself, with 33's and stock gears on a 5spd manual, I have to keep the speed above 55mph, otherwise it is too low for 4th gear and I am not in the powerband. If I have to drop down in speed and gear, sometimes I can't accelerate enough to drop it back in 4th, and have power to maintain speed.


Basically, gear it or quit whining

 

Yes, adjust your kickdown cable next to the throttle body.

Take Clear Creek Canyon up to avoid the climb outside of Golden on I-70. It's nearly the same time and if you go around noon you can avoid getting stuck behind the seniors heading up to gamble away their retirement. Once you get past Idaho Springs the climb to Eisenhower Tunnel is somewhat gradual (except that tight curve outside of Georgetown).