Roll Cages-

[ExpoMike]

That cage in the Disco is a great example of good planning and exacution. Thing is, unlike an XJ, he has much more headroom to start with. I doubt you would get as much clearance from the bars in an XJ and would still run the risk of hitting your head inside.

I think the hybrid exo/internal cage is really a good ticket for protection of the passengers without the typical risks of an internal cage. It would be what I would do.

 

[getlost4x4]

that is probably one of the best thought out cages i have ever seen. if i was to build one in my commander, that is how i would want it. very nice except the leopard skin.

there's a difference between a cage meant to save just the occupants, and one meant to save the vehicle AND the occupants. either one is an advantage to me. my truck will get a cage *one* day. no matter what.

also watch this:
and YES, it has a rollcage. i couldn't imagine that without one.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TjnBpruer8g&feature=player_embedded#

 

[IXNAYXJ]

Just got this pic from the scene of the accident:

-----Matt-----

 

[getlost4x4]

that video is alittle stupid. who the hell would do that? only a complete idiot would swerve like that.

 

[Root Moose]

Whenever I see bars behind the front seats like this the first thing that pops in my head is "melon cracker". Even with shoulder harnesses in the rear seats there is enough "whip" energy transmitted to the passengers to cause the head to hit that bar. Or get awfully close. Watch some youtube videos from the test establishments to see what I mean.

Otherwise I think that cage is about ideal. You'd never get one to work that way in an XJ though. There just isn't the room for it. Matt's setup is about the best you can do with an XJ I think.

that video is alittle stupid. who the hell would do that? only a complete idiot would swerve like that.

Oh, I dunno. There's a big difference between rationalising the fall out after the fact versus reacting while lulled half asleep by the morning news on the radio while commuting in the morning. Maybe we might not do a manoeuvre like that but I'd suspect that in a panic stop situation you'd see that kind of thing happen a lot of times.

 

[thethinginthewoods]

Man that is about the worst I have seen done on a trail roll in an XJ. Glad your friend made it out.

I agree that a cage is very worth it but has to be done right, especially one that is DD or spends a lot of time on public roads. I put a roll bar in my Miata because that A piller is not going to do anything to save my bacon. I chose one that put the bar as far back as possible, so the likelihood of my head hitting it is almost zero. Some bars put the main hoop above the top of the seat, way too close to my head. No thanks.

I think this setup (from the link above) is really the best method if you don't need anyone riding in the back seat. Keeps everything away from the front people but should provide a lot of protection in a slow flop/roll. High speed, I don't think it would do a whole lot depending on how it happened.

Lyle (this XJ ^) has the same halo setup that Matt has, and he told me he paid around $1,400 when he had his installed. Personally, i prefer full exo-cages, but this is a damn good cage and still leaves you with enough room for gear and occupants.

 

[BIGdaddy]

I have a mental block or something with respect to putting a cage inside an XJ.

I just can't see where there is room for it without giving yourself a lobotomy if you ever had to actually use the cage for its intended purpose.

I like the idea of having a "family cage" style bar behind the rear seats (C pillar) that is clear of all passengers. My theory is that between the bull bar and that roll bar all roof will be flattened along the line drawn between those two points.

Yeah, not NASCAR ready and there are a lot of assumptions, probably mostly flawed, but with any luck it'll keep the roof from completely pancaking and provide a little more safety while not affecting utility too much. With that little bit of tube you wouldn't be lulled into a false sense of security that the cage will save you either. You'd still drive like you don't have a cage.

The rear cargo area crushes like pop can in rear end accidents so the cage will help with that a little anyway.

$0.02 for now.

Chris this is so funny. My wife came in, took one look at the rockhard and gave me the veto look. haha!! She's all about a well designed exo that follows my original idea(mounted to bull bar, front of sliders, back of sliders and then rear bumper/rear quarter panel armor). She doesn't want tubing anywhere near her, her kids or me during a roll. :elkgrin:

AND

She likes the idea that the exo would actually have a chance at saving the rigs structure, being on the outside, in a normal "oops" type of roll.

 

[BIGdaddy]

 

[Root Moose]

You know, I'm not a big fan of exo-cages at all. There just isn't much choice with an XJ though. If I was going to try to do a full cage I'd basically search for every post that Matt has posted on the subject and copy his. It's the most "stealth" exo I've ever seen. Actually there is a lot of things about his rig that I like. The fact that he runs quite big tires without the Jeep looking "bubble gummy" is the icing on the cake.

 

[SWbySWesty]

I dunno - I'm still thinking more along the lines of having just watched a slow rollover this past weekend. His exo cage saved his passenger door frame, the roof, probably the driver's glass and having to get a new door:

So I think a combo cage would be good as well. Eventually you might as well get the tubing to protect the engine compartment if you're going with an exo cage anyways...the biggest thing I foresee with an exo is tie-in points (ie: front and rear bumpers and rock rails which all need to be purchased beforehand at great expense)

 

[BIGdaddy]

:coffeedrink: thats a funny picture. who's the flock of seagulls fan? Is that you?

 

[SWbySWesty]

haha - that's actually a SCUBA shirt, thank you! and yup, that's me, and nope, not my Jeep!