What protection for '99 XJ?

[saburai]

Hi Gang!

I'm thinking about protection for my Cherokee.
It will be used for expedition style overland travel - not a rock crawler.
That being said I want to be prepared for what ever may come my way. I put many miles down over the road so MPG is a factor.

I see so many different options out there - it's bogelling:Wow1:

I'm thinking some good rock rails, a tank skid, T-case and what else?

Please educate me:smiley_drive:

 

[juicexj24]

http://www.kevinsoffroad.com

Great rock rails and can be used to jack off of. I have them on both my XJ and WJ.

http://www.skidplates.com

Gas tank skid. I have used it for 5 years or so and have been very happy. I have come down on it several times on drop offs and nothing more than a scratch.

T-case- TnT customs, Full Traction, you can search both on google. I run a TnT customs Y-Link long arm kit that runs that basic belly skid.

Diff protection at least for the Dana 30, Warn skids, Solid Covers but something is better than nothing. I do run Warn skids on my 30 and 44 and they have held up great to the rock crawling I do but are great for what your looking to do. I also recommend lower control arm skids. JKS or Currie that are welded on to protect the lower mounts. Again I have the JKS but they really are the samething and worth their weight to add strength to the control arm pocket.

The last piece that is important to me is converting the rear pinion yoke to a u-bolt style and get rid of the strap style. Not a major issue until you sheer off the bolts in 15 degree weather and have to repair. Cheap insurance regardless of the type of driving your going to do.

A lot of people mount there rear lower shock mounts up higher. JKS sells new weld on brackets but you can cut off the stockers and trim them to be more flush with the axle tube. Again something to prevent hang up on the trail.

My blog has a few pics of my front axle in a clean up/tear down state. Might help you get some ideas.

Juice

 

[XJINTX]

Rear bumper with spare tire carrier...maybe hi-lift and even spare gas. It should have GOOD extraction points too. Maybe not fo you but to strap a buddy.

Up front make sure you have extraction points too.

On top a rack with both front and rear lights.

inside ... CB or better yet ham and even a hand held pairof FRS.

Dual batteries if you use a lot of extras.

 

[ExpoMike]

Highly recommend rock rails and have been very happy with AJ's http://www.ajsoffroadarmor.com/products-rockrails-super.php

Next recommended item would be extraction points, either a good front bumper that tie into frame rails (not just the stock bumper mounts) or the full factory style tow hooks (with all of the correct tie in brackets). If you don't already have one, a tow hitch in the back works well for the rear extraction point.

Next would be a transfer case skid plate, followed by a fuel tank skid and that is not really needed unless you plan more rock crawling. I don't have one and have yet to have any problems.

Honestly after that, LOTS of experience. It is amazing what can be done by picking good lines and using your head. I have been with people on 5" lifts on 33" tires bang into things that I can work my way over or around with little drama. I tend to think before I hit the gas pedal.

Have fun!

 

[wADVr]

For light trail/overlanding use factory option tow hook brackets, t case and gas tank skids are the right price(2nd hand) and work great for being light weight. Rocker protection is available from a number of companies, pretty much pick your price and style. I am partial to custom rocker replacements but I do my own work so the cost differance makes sence.

 

[Root Moose]

FWIW, what I have (XJ):

- TNT belly pan (as part of LA suspension)
- JKS Supernerfs
- ARB front bumper
- C-Rok rear bumper (need to fab up a tire carrier)
- JKS Mini skids for the LCA brackets
- TNT stiffeners (they kinda act as armour in some respects)
- factory gas tank skid

I should look into engine and tranny armour I guess. Never ran it on any of my previous rigs but what the hey.

 

[mac]

Rock rails of some kind, then t-case skid, and tank. I installed the Olympic Top Hat rack with lights, and the olympic lower body armor.

Mac

 

[saburai]

Thanks Guys!
Keep my education coming:ylsmoke:

 

[saburai]

FWIW, what I have (XJ):

- TNT belly pan (as part of LA suspension)
- JKS Supernerfs
- ARB front bumper
- C-Rok rear bumper (need to fab up a tire carrier)
- JKS Mini skids for the LCA brackets
- TNT stiffeners (they kinda act as armour in some respects)
- factory gas tank skid

I should look into engine and tranny armour I guess. Never ran it on any of my previous rigs but what the hey.

Thanks Chris!

I read you build thread over at OVOR, looked at your home page.
Do you have any pictures of your rig? Seems like we have about the same goals:elkgrin:

 

[Root Moose]

It's not too impressive at the moment, what with being a garage queen sitting in the garage with its suspension ripped off. LOL

 

[saburai]

It's not too impressive at the moment, what with being a garage queen sitting in the garage with its suspension ripped off. LOL

Standing by...

 

[DaJudge]

Just to reinforce what has been said...

Rock Rails
T-Case
Gas Tank

These are the essentials.

I have the T-Case and Tank skids from DPG.

http://www.dpgoff-road.com/site/dpg_products.htm

And AJ's SuperRails.

I would also recommend reinforcing the steering box.

http://www.c-rok.com/sb.html

Glen

 

[saburai]

Thanks!

Just to reinforce what has been said...

Rock Rails
T-Case
Gas Tank

These are the essentials.

I have the T-Case and Tank skids from DPG.

http://www.dpgoff-road.com/site/dpg_products.htm

And AJ's SuperRails.

I would also recommend reinforcing the steering box.

http://www.c-rok.com/sb.html

Glen

That DPG stuff looks solid!:smiley_drive:

 

[Root Moose]

Dirk at DPG is a great guy to work with too. I bought his hybrid 5" lift way back and he was a top notch vendor to deal with.