Opening the rear hatch usually allows easy access to groceries; that time passed long ago for this XJ. A Jaz fuel cell is mounted directly to the unibody floor and is surrounded by the rearmost quarters of the DXR-installed tubing. DXR placed the heavy stuff as far back as possible, including the Optima RedTop battery and the spare BFG Baja T/A. Sixteen-inch King smooth-body 2.5-inch-diameter shocks give consistent damping in the dirt. Note the fuel cell's filler tube: It connects to an aluminum panel where the rear window once was. Overall layout is smooth and clean and one of the reasons this XJ has withstood so many off-road miles without a major breakdown. The stock rear bumper wasn't anywhere near adequate, so it was ditched for a custom DXR unit that ties into the rest of the structure. The original Dana 35 rearend was also fed to the scrap bin, replaced by a much stronger Currie-built Ford 9-inch unit. To turn the tires more effectively, 4.56 gears make the most of the stock inline-six under the hood. Traction is enhanced via a dirt-simple device: a spool. Spools lock both axles together in unison at all speeds. Spools are great off-road, but on the street they wear tires quickly and chirp them during tight turns, so get ready for some strange looks if you use a spool on the pavement. Although this Cherokee bears a license plate, it's not Sean's daily driver so the spool doesn't see much pavement use. Tales of long-lived engines usually have "Toyota" somewhere in the story, but this Jeep mill went 350,000 miles before needing replacement. The 4-liter inline-six...Tales of long-lived engines usually have "Toyota" somewhere in the story, but this Jeep mi ...produces good power and torque, and the inline configuration leaves lots of room on the sides for rollcage tubing and coilover shocks....produces good power and torque, and the inline configuration leaves lots of room on the The good news overhead is twofold: First, there's a stout maze of tubes protecting the occupants, and second, the tubes are padded for fewer headaches.The good news overhead is twofold: First, there's a stout maze of tubes protecting the occ Driver and passengers venture forth in Beard seats and Crow harnesses. The seats' side-bolsters offer support while sliding around corners...Driver and passengers venture forth in Beard seats and Crow harnesses. The seats' side-bo ...and when the Jeep pitches side to side over uneven whoops. The stock gauge cluster went away, replaced by Auto Meter items that offer better accuracy and......and when the Jeep pitches side to side over uneven whoops. The stock gauge cluster wen ...vibration resistance. Note the way the outer 'cage tubing was tied into the A-pillars for maximum stiffness....vibration resistance. Note the way the outer 'cage tubing was tied into the A-pillars Rear suspension layout was easy. A pair of Deaver leaf packs mount in the stock location above the rear axle and bolt to the...Rear suspension layout was easy. A pair of Deaver leaf packs mount in the stock location ...stock spring hangers. Dan Fresh extended the stock shackles for extra wheel travel. The rear suspension cycles at 16 inches from bump to droop....stock spring hangers. Dan Fresh extended the stock shackles for extra wheel travel. T A quartet of Hella 500s lights up the night, and a DXR front bumper with an integrated skidplate fends off brush, branches, and small bovines.A quartet of Hella 500s lights up the night, and a DXR front bumper with an integrated ski Sources DXR Racing www.dxrracing.com « | 1 | 2 | View Full Article Enjoyed this Post? Subscribe to our RSS Feed, or use your favorite social media to recommend us to friends and colleagues!
