- Dirt Road Magazine - Locked & Loaded

- Dirt Road Magazine - Locked & Loaded - (dirtroad.com)

Š2005 Dirt Road Magazine

If you've been following the buildup of our Project '94 Cherokee, you've seen some pretty basic and functional modifications. We've done a lot of suspension tuning/tweaking, and a few engine modifications. The resulting wheel travel and power helped to create a very capable SUV. In fact, we were so surprised at its abilities, we began to wonder what this Jeep could do if it weren't still equipped with 3.55 gears and open diffs.
Want huge improvements in off road capability? Traction-aiding differentials are a must. This can be accomplished either a civilized limited-slip differential, or a no-nonsense locker. We used both in our Cherokee. When it comes to lockers, there is only one choice in our book: The Detroit. The Detroit is the best choice when comparing cost and durability in a locker. As for limited slip differentials, Tractech wins again with their Truetrac differential. The main durability issue with limited slip differentials is the wearing of the clutch packs and the special oil additives required to keep them happy. The Truetrac voids both of those worries with a 100% gear-driven limited slip system - no clutches to wear out and no additives. The Truetrac will provide consistent performance with no clutches to wear-out, and likely outlive the vehicle in which its installed.
Since both the Truetrac and the Detroit replace the carrier, we were wide open to replace our ring and pinions as well. The 3.55's and 31" tire combination we had was awful at best. The tranny couldn't decide whether to run in third or fourth gear on the highway and our crawl speed was more like a fast jog. An easy phone call to Randy's Ring and Pinion, and we had a new set of Spicer 4.10 gears and two Yukon installation kits at our door.
We made an appointment with a reputable 4x4 shop in town to have all of these goodies installed. Naturally, this shop was a little hesitant when we told them we would be supplying all of the parts for the install. We assured them that Randy's had sent everything they would need, and the date was set. Lo and behold, when we arrived to pick up the Cherokee, the service manager actually thanked us for having provided high quality parts. He raved about the quality of the Spicer gears and how much easier the whole installation was because of the quality of the parts. For that, we thank Randy.
With the installation done, it was time for the moment of truth. The following weekend I joined a local Jeep club run on a 4 rated trail. I had the only XJ in the bunch and was handicapped by also having the smallest tires. There was more than one questionable look about the abilities of our XJ to make the trip. I am proud to say, not only did the XJ make it, it faired better than most! Our XJ crawled through off-camber sections where a CJ-7 with 35" Swampers couldn't go! With true four-wheel drive traction, all obstacles on the trail were a "point and shoot" affair...no tire spin, no drama, just traction.
Since the install, we have been very grateful to have the extra traction in our XJ and we are still amazed at our "family wagon's" capability. The 4.10 gears are perfect with the 31" tires and make for a much more pleasant interstate experience. Once we're off the pavement, clearance (not traction) is our only limiting ability. We have been through our fair share of Jeep models, and we can say that this XJ has the best mix of off pavement ability and daily driver comfort of any Jeep we have owned.

Dirt Road Magazine is sponsored by Turner 4WD Parts Co.