Sponsors

Shortly after we bought our 2005 Grand Cherokee Limited we began to look for ways to modify it for improved off-road use. We found there were essentially no products available at the time (2005), but fortunately Daystar indicated they were working on a 2-inch lift kit. Shortly thereafter they were kind enough to send us one for testing, as at that time essentially no new WK owners were using their vehicles off road as extensively we were. The testing agreement was unrestricted--that is we provided candid feedback on the product (including installation instructions) both to Daystar and to interested parties on the JeepsUnlimited and other forums.

Over subsequent years as our WK experienced more and more exposure we have been "sponsored" by a number of other manufactures. Our requirement has always been the same: honest feedback relative to the product--be it good or bad for the manufacturer/distributor. And NEVER has one of our sponsors subsequently tried to influence our opinions of their products in any manner what so ever. Our experience with most products has been extremely positive, and therefore led to our request in many cases to become a distributor in order that 4xGuard become a source of a wide variety of after-market products for the WK/XK platform.

Our "sponsors" (past and present):

Advanced Flow Engineering (Air intake system)

Bilstein (Front strut/shock)

BDS Suspension (Sway bar links)

Cequent Towing Products (Rola Roof Rack)

Daystar (2-inch Lift Kit)

Goodyear Tire and Rubber (Tires)

JKS Engineering (Sway bar Disconnect)

PIAA (Off-road Lighting)

Superlift Suspensions (4-inch Lift Kit)

T-Max (Air compressor and Winch)

Walker Evans Racing (Wheels)

Each of these fine companies has been willing to devote resources in support of the WK/XK platform and accessories for the off-road enthusiast, and we encourage owners to patronize them as opportunities arise.

Engine/Drivetrain

5.7 Hemi V8

We have had fantastic luck with the Hemi. It has proven very reliable and delivers relatively good gas mileage, which has ranged from about 10 mpg pulling our travel trailer to about 18 mpg during highway driving. We use regular-grade fuel (86 oct) normally, and change to mid-grade (88 oct) when towing.

Quadra-drive II (stock), with Electronic Limited Slip Differentials

What can I say but a fantastic system. It performs extremely well in snow/ice and off-road situations, and it has been trouble-free. Along with the 6-speed transmission with manual override, this is the most versatile and capable system I have ever experienced.

Air intake system by Advance Flow Engineering

In order to get a little more horsepower/torque out of the Hemi, primarily to get us and the travel trailer over the high passes here in Colorado, we installed this system in 2008. We selected this product because unlike other similar products AFE had actual dynometer-test results for the 5.7 Hemi and they looked very encouraging. We have found it added slightly to the "normal" noise of the engine--not too much to be bothersome.

Electric fan (supplemental) by Davis, Craig LTD

We installed this product in 2008 in order to help with over-heating issues, that we only experienced while pulling our 5,500 lb travel trailer over a steep mountain pass in warm/hot weather. Though it seemed to help a bit, the ultimate solution was to simply keep the rpms below 4,000.

High-flow muffler by Magnaflow

Installation of the Magnaflow was I think the first modification we made. I did not change the remainder of the exhaust system as the technician felt it was sized correctly and I did not want to loose any low-end torque. Most of the time it sounds great and I do think it added a little to the performance of the Hemi, but over time it has gotten uncomfortably loud when accelerating/pulling in the 2,500 rpm range.

Suspension

4-inch Suspension (Lift) by Superlift

This terrific product was added in 2007 and has served us extremely well. The only initial problem was the exhaust cross-over that had to be re-bent several times in order to clear the front drive shaft when the WK's front was flexed a bit. Later we found the sway bar links that were a part of the kit were worn so Superlift was kind enough to send replacements.
       

Swaybar Links by BDS Suspension

As mentioned above we have had some problems with the swaybar links provided as part of the Superlift kit, but then again they are subject to an unusual amount of off-road abuse. Compared to the Superlift links those recently provided by BDS have pressed-in rubber bushings that appear to be of much denser rubber. So far they seem to be working just fine and have yet to cause unwanted frontend noises.

Electronic Stability Program correction by American Expedition Vehicles/Superlift

The addition of a lift kit and oversized tires causes premature engagement of Electronic Stability Program that is standard equipment on the WK and XK. The effected portions of ESP can be temporarily immobilized by engaging the button on these vehicles, but that obviously results in a less than complete ESP and thus a reduction in the vehicles capability to overcome potentially unsafe driving situations. In partnership with Superlift, American Expedition Vehicles developed the EGR module that eliminates most (but not all) of the premature engagements and maintains all of the OEM functions of ESP. It is relatively easy to install and despite the cost is a recommended accessory to the Superlift suspension kit; it will not work on other lift kits.

Rear remote reservoir SSR shocks by Edelbrock

One of the more frequent questions we get is about the ride quality of the Superlfit kit. The engineer who designed this kit used his wife's WK for developmental testing and was told the ride MUST be like it was in stock configuration. A tall (no pun intended) order, but nonetheless that objective was accomplished in our opinion and that of all customers who have provided comment in this regard. We have only experienced the ride and handling with the optional SSR shocks, which are built by Edelbrock using Superlift's specifications, and encourage customers that the upgrade is very worthwhile. The setup looks great, and as mentioned provides fantastic ride and handling. Other the other hand we have not heard of complaints from those going with the standard hydraulic shocks.
         

Front Custom shocks by Bilstein

The folks at Bilstein have been working for quite awhile on a replacement front shock/strut that would handle the extra weight of an aftermarket winch and bumper, and the higher center of gravity that results for a modified suspension. We have installed a prototype that has a number of groves and a snap-ring, so the user can customize their front suspension height based on their specific needs. Though not ideal in that each adjustment requires disassembly of the front suspension (as compared to a typical coil-over type setup) it seems to function very well and the vehicles handling is vastly improved.

Tires and Wheels

MTR size 305 x 70 x 17 by Goodyear

These tires replaced Goodrich ATs, which I had sworn by for many, many years. I can honestly say it was one of the best changes I have made. The ride and handling are nothing short of fantastic, the road noise is minimal (especially for such an aggressive tire), and the tread wear is very good. And their off-road traction is about as good as it gets, while their traction with snow/ice conditions is much better than expected.

Streetlock Wheels by Walker Evans Racing

I have had these wheels for many years and like them very much. I decided not to go with true beadlocks due to the fact some tire companies do not like to work on them or charge more for tire service, and the fact that some states do not allow them on highway vehicles. Like any polished aluminum wheel maintenance is always a hassle, and thus I would probably go with the machine finish if I had to do it all over again. Mine have a backspace of 5 inches, so my track width is a bit wider than most. I did this in part since I was going with such tall tires (34 inch) and 5 inches was the maximum available at the time (no longer the case). I generally recommend to customers that they order 5.25 inches of backspacing.

4xGuard Accessories

If we don't have it...we don't/didn't make it!

Front Guard HC
Belly Guard HC
Rear Guard HC
Antenna Mount (no longer available)
Side Guard HC
Prototype “Matrix-HC” --Brushguard/pushbar/lightbar/etc.


 Other Accessories

Roof Rack by Rola

If there is one non-4xGuard product that customers love it is this rack by Rola. Why? It has the features most folks like, including a faring, relatively low profile and secure mounting system, it is not too expensive, and it is built exceptionally well. And of course it is the right dimensions for the WK and can be extended for use on the XK or previously models of the Grand Cherokee.

Tail Light Guards by Aries Offroad

We added these light guards as we like the look and the fact that the Aries versions on better contoured to fit the vehicle than those by other manufactures.

Winch (portable) by T-Max

I did a ton of research before selecting this winch. I compared performance data of all the major manufactures of 8-9,000 pound winches. The results were the T-Max's performance was only slightly less than the Warn, which was the best overall. Due to its much lower cost and weight (only 65 pounds), especially with included synthetic line, it was the one we went with. It has performed flawlessly, and I have come to really like its wireless remote control. We have the winch on the T-Max heavy duty, portable winch cradle, and have pre-wired our WK with snap connectors front and rear for maximum versatility.

Air Compressor (portable) by T-Max

When we obtained the distributorship from T-Max I was pleased to find they have such a low-cost portable air compressor with sufficient capability to take a tire from 25 to 35 pounds in a relatively short period of time. It has been perfect for our uses, and this included hose will reach even the rear tires from the compressors temporary mounting location in the left hand corner of the engine compartment. All I typically need to do is to attach the alligator clips to the battery and I am set to go.

Prototype Sway bar Disconnect by JKS Manufacturing

Without a doubt the most frequent request for a new product is for a sway bar disconnect. First of all we have found that disconnecting does make a difference ...a HUGH difference...in hardcore four wheeling. That said the WK/XK platform does not adapt well to a typical sway bar disconnect since the sway bar is very stiff and the weight of the vehicle places an unusually high amount of stress to this component. Also the unibody construction causes any play in front suspension components (like a disconnect) to be transferred to the passenger compartment. We have tried several prototype versions and thus far the one by JKS is the only one that is relatively close to what we seek. We are continuing to work on development of the "perfect" unit.

Off-road Lighting by PIAA