Jeep Cherokee XJ Performance Upgrades

Book excerpt: The Jeep Cherokee XJ is a pioneering SUV that delivers commendable performance and off-road capability. More than 3 million Cherokee XJs were manufactured during its production run. However, when the XJs rolled off the production lines, they were built primarily for the street. As a result, XJs need crucial modifications and high-performance upgrades to make them better for off-road duty. In this updated edition, author and veteran Cherokee expert Eric Zappe guides you through each stage of an XJ build, so you can take the mild-mannered, bone-stock XJ and upgrade it to a capable off-road performer. Zappe delves into suspension bolt-on improvements, including lift kits to increase ground clearance and suspension travel. He also covers high-performance shocks and long-arm suspensions. Wheels and tires are your vital link to the terrain, and he reveals all the important considerations so you select the right combination. XJs need a heavy-duty steering system to negotiate challenging off-road conditions, and Zappe explains several ways to upgrade the steering. Driveline and axle upgrades are an important part of the performance equation, so these performance improvements are covered as well. But he doesn’t stop there; he also explores engine performance improvements for the 2.5-, 2.8-, 4.0-liter engines so the Cherokee has more power for off-road performance. In addition, he covers some basic tips for body strengthening and adding skid plates. If you’re ready to go off road with your Cherokee but you’re not planning to build a top-dollar off-road machine, this is the book for you. With the techniques and latest products described in this book, you will be able to upgrade your XJ to much higher level of performance and your XJ will be at home off and on road.