Jeep Grand Cherokee WK (2005-2010) as ExPo vehicle

[Romberger]

I have a CRD WK that use as an expo vehicle. It’s a great platform and I’m glad to see others are building them too. Here’s a pic of mine:

 

[Charles R]

Back in January, I mentioned that there's not as much room in a Grand, partially because of all the interior trim panels. But I never showed what I did with mine after I removed all those panels.

So here's my version of an expo WK.

 

[406to417]

Unless you're going to use takeoff JK tires, might want to look into a proper offset dedicated rim setup for a little more than the spacers.

I keep getting conflicting reports on if you can use JK wheels without spacers or not.

 

[Utah KJ]

I keep getting conflicting reports on if you can use JK wheels without spacers or not.

I have a CRD which has very manly calipers. Spacers were required.

 

[Charles R]

I keep getting conflicting reports on if you can use JK wheels without spacers or not.

There are several different JK wheel styles. The spoke design of some cleared the front brake calipers better than others. That's where the contact issue is.

 

[CaptainJack]

Good to see so many WK owners here.

I have had a 2010 CRD S-Ltd since 2015. It had 75K miles then, now 170k and no real issues. Merc OM642 engine with Merc NAG1 gearbox married to NV245 TC, QT2 and ARB rear locker is a combination not to be under estimated. AWD in high range is excellent for slippery gravel tracks and highways. Very sure footed.

As the OP stated, torque required fully loaded and my Black Pearl puts out 620NM, beyond the V8s. We know how to ECU tune CRDs over here.

The Black Pearl is fully loaded plus roofrack with spare wheel to 2750Kg GVM on OME HD with 265/70/17 STT Max and does 500miles to a tank. (29mpg) on long highway runs.

I'll finish the spreadsheet and post it with full specs to summarise what I've shared on other forums if anyone is interested.

 

[CaptainJack]

There are several different JK wheel styles. The spoke design of some cleared the front brake calipers better than others. That's where the contact issue is.

My wheels were upgraded and downsized to 17x8.5 Quadratec Moabs with 5.2" backspace and 265/70/17 (31.5") tyres. No need for spacers to clear the CRD callipers or knuckle, but had to cut the well liners around the pinch weld and grind the pinchweld in the front a couple of millimetres (without compromising the spot welds). Also needed 1.5" flexi flares. Also trimmed the rear wells. Also fitted JBA front UCAs with uniballs and soft poly bushes in front LCAs. Also replaced tie rods and lower ball joints from plastic to greaseable steel.

Flexing the rear axle, the rear tyres would catch and cut on the fender lip, which is required to fix the flexiflares, because the OME lift shifted the axle forward and across. So adjustable UCA and LCA, adjustable trackbar and adjustable swaybar links frony and rear (all above with heim joints and soft poly spherical hybrid bushes) were fitted to re-centre and solve.



The rear control arms now max out the OME shocks with flex so I fitted axle limit straps to protect them.



She looks a shiny street rig, but is also a very comfy off road sleeper and fully kitted European overland rig.

 

[nwoods]

Back in January, I mentioned that there's not as much room in a Grand, partially because of all the interior trim panels. But I never showed what I did with mine after I removed all those panels.

So here's my version of an expo WK.

@Charles R - Can you repost those photos? The link seems to have expired.

 

[nwoods]

@Charles R - Pretty please? Would love to see more of your rig and learn from your experience