Aeromods for Jeep Wrangler

[bombloader]

Ok here is the aerodynamic mess:
A few things I've considered for it: A belly pan or air dam. Looking at the underside, it seems like a full belly pan would be difficult to fabricate and also might cut into ground clearance(Unlike some people, I actually bought a Jeep to take it off road.) Especially since I would have to cover up the axles to make it really effective. Air dam has even more off a problem with ground clearance, unless I could rig to be easily removable for off road driving. I know putting the top on would improve things, but I like it this way in the summer I've also considered a Kammback for when the top is on, since the rear of the vehicle is extremely flat. Downside-if I understand what I've read here, Kammbacks only help if the airflow is fairly attached at the back. As you can see, the nose is very blunt and the windshield is flat and steep, so the airflow may not attach to the roof. Anyway I could test this before I start rigging up a Kammback? I have used a grill block with modest improvements, however, I don't want to keep it on in the summer because of the heat. Also, I'm a little short on money right now, so I'd like to avoid really expensive projects that may give me little or now mileage improvement.

[sn0w3n]

one, buy 4 (5 if you want to cover the spare) pizza tins and usa these to cover wheels. Could fall off in havey mud or water, but by attaching with tape this should be very easy. two cant those things windows fold falt? If so, DO WHEN POSSIBLE. Most of your drag is that brick like window. 3 if your good with lezan or cholorplast try to seal the gap between bumper and fenders. (could be done with duct tape :]). that must let alot of air into an already turbulent section of the vehicle. You also might want to boat tail the fenders and if possible make fender skirts. GODD luck!

[99LeCouch]

Could try a giant airdam in the front to divert air away from the underside. This could be fabbed from cardboard and duct tape for proof-of-concept.

[Frank Lee]

I think it's pretty much futile on that thing unless you go radical; then you may find it's no longer suitable for it's intended purpose.

[wdb]

Fold down the windshield!

[pvan93]

Hi, your car has the aerodynamics of a brick. Enjoy. Embrace it. (I love my bread truck, really) You might try building a one off cargo trailer to act as a boat tail trailer for long trips. No one has to know that the rear top and sides dimensions conform to the critical 10-12 degree angle. I've just started on mine. For city traffic, nothing going to help

[bombloader]

Pvan93-
Is their a thread for your trailer on this website? I'd like to look at it if their is. That's a great idea to combine practicality and aeromods.
sn0w3n-
I'll check state law for folding down the windshield. Already planning on developing smooth wheel covers. Looked over the thread on smooth wheel covers for the S10. Would want to make sure there easily removable to get to the valve stems.

[FastPlastic]

The way I look at it is, you're already at the bottom of the hill with one of those, so the only way you can go is up

If you don't mind the look go for the wheel covers. Plus I'm guessing with the big tires those have finding a way to push more of the air around them would also help. I found with the Cherokee pushing the air down under more at the front helped a lot. It tends to keep the air from hitting all the nooks and crannies of the under body. The air dam I set up hangs down a little above the bottom of the front axle, so I still have a fair amount of ground clearance, not to mention it only takes about 10min to take off. I know the full belly pan would be awesome, but fair gains can also be had with a separated panel setup.

[Frank Lee]

"I found with the Cherokee pushing the air down under more at the front helped a lot."

Can't tell any such thing by the gas log.

[FastPlastic]

Originally Posted by Frank Lee

"I found with the Cherokee pushing the air down under more at the front helped a lot."

Can't tell any such thing by the gas log.

Oh Frank, Ye of little faith. If you we looking for a big spike in the MPG's around when I put it on you won't find much. I don't do enough highway driving to really show anything like that. But if you noticed the 24.22MPG trip, that was with a few grill blocks and the airdam plus a single under body panel. That was with normal driving. No P&G or engine off coasting. Which I don't think is too bad for a Jeep rated at 19MPG's highway.

Just remember with the super low MPG's that some of these get even a 1/2MPG can be a savings of several dollars at the pump.