Jeep Cherokee Aeromods

[TheDon]

Originally Posted by FastPlastic

I just used a piece from a broken picture frame. So it is pretty thin, which makes it easy to curve around bends. If you want to be lazy you could just pick up a picture frame from Wal-mart $10. Otherwise if you have a local hobby store (Hobby Lobby around here). I've seen the same size sheet for about $6. Another reason I choose to do it this way, be it harder because you have 5-7 slots to fill. I can always pop one or two out if I start having heat problems.

cool, I found a bunch of transparency sheets so I'll play with those

[FastPlastic]

Ok I went ahead and uploaded more pics of my Jeep to my photo album. I think I'll just post one or two of the main ones here if you'd like more detail feel free to browse my album.

Side View


Messy Front Under Body.


Driver Side Under Body.


Passenger Side Under Body.


And A view From The Back.

[aerohead]

Originally Posted by FastPlastic

So for the past 5 or 6 days now it's been raining. So I haven't been able to work on the Jeep. Instead I started looking over photos I took last week to get ideas for what to do next. I've decided the next project is going to address the para shoot they call a rear bumper.

The fuel tank hangs really low on the Jeeps, So do I need to wrap around the tank some with the tray or can I just butt it up against the rear of the tank?

I'm guessing either way would be an improvement from the para shoot I have back there already. Just looking for input.

I just did a post on underside mods.You might want to check it out.'like the grille,happy modding!

[DifferentPointofView]

I believe that all you'll have to do to remove the racks is take some torx bits and unscrew them, then take off the crossmembers if you want to keep the rest on.

[FastPlastic]

Ok, I'm going to take the advice of most of you and work from the front back. With the exception of the roof rack. I'll save the rear bumper for later.

I think I'll go ahead and take off the cross bars on the roof rack. I'm planning on leaving the tracks because I don't want the roof to leak. Had problems with the last Jeep ceiling so don't want to take any chances.

The other project on the front end I think will be filling the Fog light/Tow Hook holes in the front bumper. Hopefully that will help push a little more air around the Jeep. I know it's not much, but every little bit counts right?

[Bror Jace]

Yes, FastPlastic, every little bit should help ... and since you are doing it yourself on a shoe-string, you have practically nothing to lose.

But I have to side with the others here that your roof rack is a killer. I'd remove it ... and if you have bolt holes going into the roof, take the bolts that go into them, give each a dab of RTV silicone on the threads then replace them. They shouldn't leak for 20+ years.

My uncle has a Hyundai Tucson with a long commute he complains he gets only 23mpg. I told him to at least take the cross-bars out of his rack (which is never used) and inflate the tires to 2psi lower than the sidewall maximum ... that might get him to 25mpg ... but I know he won't do it. Some people are funny like that.

[Bror Jace]

"Are the fender flares easily removable? Those babies stick out like big air scoops. The early Cherokees didn't have them."

Take the front ones off ... but use the rear flares as starting points for rear wheel well skirts.

[COMP]

waiting to hear the improvements

[Red]

The flares and the molding are bolt on, I'm 98% sure since I know some XJ owners install TJ flares to cover their tires

[zjrog]

I'd check local laws before covering headlights (even with clear) and before removing the flares. I know in Utah, if the body doesn't cover the tires, you won't pass safety. I also know some that take the flaresoff after passing safety, but that could one stopped by the troopers...