On and Off Road

Designers and engineers like to create purpose vehicles, although many of us don't use the vehicle as it was intended. Most notably the G-Glass is engineered to be used off road, however, few who drop over $100K for the truck ever take it off-road. Other examples include track-ready two-seaters used as date night cars. One car looked to buck that trend and cross the line between off-road and urban commuter, the Jeep Cherokee XJ. In the process created the crossover segment that is quickly replacing the family sedan.

In 1984, Jeep introduced its first unibody truck. It parted from the ladder frame used since WWII and revolutionized the market with what some consider is the first successful crossover SUV. With room for 5, four doors, a hatchback and softer suspension the truck was an instant hit. Luckily, the engineers used a lot of components from the Wrangler, including the engines, transfer cases, differentials, and axles.  The result was a comfortable and capable truck that automotive journalist Robert Cumberford, called one of the 20 greatest cars of all time — for its design, and "possibly the best SUV shape of all time, it is the paradigmatic model to which other designers have since aspired". The XJ was also selected in 2011 as one of "10 cars that refuse to die" by Kiplinger.

Because so many were produced and because they "refuse to die", the Jeep XJ has become a great platform to build on. The most desirable are the late-model examples with a 4.0 L fuel-injected inline 6 powerplant. Because so many parts are shared with the Wrangler platform, customization options are extensive. 

Starting with the power plant, some basic performance improvements include larger throttle body, throttle body spacer, and high-performance air intake. Better flow exhaust can also squeeze more power form the seemingly indestructible I6. More aggressive options include a stroker rebuild that can bring the powerplant up to 4.6L displacement and produce a whopping 271 HP and 315 ft-lb Torque. 

Turning attention to the suspension, like any Jeep, there are seemingly unlimited options. The easiest and less intrusive is a 3" lift that requires a lowering of the transfer case, replacement of springs and new shocks. This allows the fitment of 35" tires and gives an effective 4" lift to the car. Upgrades to the axel to Dana 44 is also a popular option and will make the car almost bulletproof off road.

Bumpers, body panels, racks and recovery gear are all easily found and installed but don't get too carried away, the stock engine is only about 195 HP and weight is your enemy for highway acceleration. 

Modifying any Jeep can be costly and time-consuming as an example, here is a list of modifications to our feature today:

Suspension:
Rough Country 87317N2 - Steering Stabilizer with Premium N2.0 Series Shock $28.95
Rough Country - 630XN2 - 3-inch Series II Suspension Lift System w/ Premium N2.0 Shocks $609.95
Rough Country - 7572 - Front Adjustable Track Bar for 1.5-4.5-inch Lifts $129.95
Zone Offroad J5006 Transfer Case Drop Kit $45.50


Engine/Performance
BBK 1724 62mm Throttle Body - High Flow Power Plus Series for Jeep 4.0L $270.00
Rough Country - 1068 - Throttle Body Spacer $41.90
Airaid 310-136 Intake System $239.60
Pypes Performance Catback Exhaust System SJJ01S $333.21
Walker 16117 Ultra EPA Certified Catalytic Converter $158.00

Recovery/Offroad
Smittybuilt XRC Front and Rear Bumpers $733.98
4 Smittybuilt D-Rings $51.96
Smittybilt 76853 XRC Armor Rock Sliders $500.00
Optoma Battery $169.00
Quadratec Rubicon Xtreme 16x7 wheels $683.95
Black Lug Nuts $51.98
245/75/R16 BF Goodrich All-Terrain Tires  $1,064.00
Smittybilt 97495 XRC Winch $318.14
Kargo Master Rack, Mounts, Hi-lift Jack Brackets, Spare Tire Bracket, and Hi-Lift 48" Jack $705.00
Corbeau LG1 Seats $1,008.00

Other

Rockford Fosgate R1525X2 Prime 5.25-Inch Full Range Coaxial Speakers (4 in all) $130.00
Pioneer AVH-3300NEX 7" Flip Out DVD Receiver with CarPlay, Android Auto and Bluetooth $428.00
Retent Windows $310
Dynamat Dynaliner and Noico 80 Mil Noise Damping $180.00
Interior Carpet 6559 $413.00
Rugged Ridge 4 Piece Floor Liners $222.99
Truck-Lite 5x7 LED Head Lights $360.00
Omix-Ada 12035.56 Underhood Insulation Liner $111.00
Spyder OEM Style Smoked Tail Lights, Euro Style Bumper and side marker lights $138.21
Media Blast, Epoxy, Prime and Paint Body. Replace Door Hinges $11,000

Considering a $5000 investment in a rust-free XJ, this example would be well over $30,000 but you would have a capable and comfortable off-road workhorse. Sample Video below: