Reprinted with permission of Overland Vehicle Outfitters

In 2005, when we decided to do a “budget” build-up, the XJ Cherokee immediately came to mind as a good build platform. With its relatively light curb weight, strong inline-six cylinder engine, good fuel economy, 5000 lb. towing capacity, room for 4 adults (5 in a pinch), and ample cargo capacity, it's easy to see why it sold well in basically the same configuration for 17 years (1984-2001)!  Add to that its flexible coil/leaf suspension architecture, great low-end torque, solid axles front and rear, and dependable drivetrain and you've got an excellent platform for building a capable trail vehicle.

We tried to select components that would increase our Project XJ’s trail capabilities without breaking the bank. Since we were keeping our lift height moderate (3”), we knew we would need some stout protection to keep the body panels straight. We turned to Custom 4x4 Fabrication for a front winch bumper, rear heavy duty bumper, and a set of rocker guards.  Since these parts would have to ship from Oklahoma City to central Ohio, packaging is a concern.  We've received products before that looked like they've come through a war zone.  We were pleasantly surprised to find that great care was taken in the packaging of the components, allowing them to arrive in excellent condition. 

We installed the rear bumper first, noting the strength of the components and ease of fitment.  The deciding factor in choosing this bumper was the design of the side caps that bolt on in place of the factory plastic caps.  This lower quarter panel area is vulnerable to rocks and stumps on steep climbs and descents, and we like the peace of mind that these heavy duty plates provide. 

Next we bolted on the rocker guards.  To mount these guards, it's necessary to drill several holes in the pinch seam and unibody frame rail.  The rocker guards then easily bolt up into place, with the rear mounting to the spring hanger "buckets".  The weight of these pieces and the thickness of the mounting arms and flanges are a good indication of the amount of punishment they'll endure.  No more worrying about beating up your rocker panels while cresting a tough obstacle.  We also like the complete wheel to wheel coverage, and it doesn't bother us that they look great.

Our last C4x4Fab product was the front winch bumper.  We chose the tapered design for the extra clearance it provides on approach, though several other designs are available.  We also ordered ours with a number of options including the brush guard/grill guard combination, the top Euro guard, and the D-ring shackle mounts.  Prior to installing the bumper, we installed our winch (see details below). 

We were immediately impressed with the precise placement of the mounting holes (everything lined up perfectly) and the engineering of the bumper reinforcements.  Once mounted, it was simply a matter of aligning the bumper with the body and bolting on the optional pieces.  There are a couple of items that need addressed when installing this front bumper.  First, there is a vacuum canister mounted on the back of the stock bumper that needs to be relocated; we just drilled two holes in a nearby body brace and remounted it.  Also, the plastic front fender liner will extend down below the new bumper; we used a pair of heavy-duty scissors to trim the liner to match the lines of the new bumper.

C4x4Fab told us that they have a new textured powdercoat option available for their products called Black River, and we chose to try it out.  When we first looked it over, it seemed a little more glossy than we would have preferred, but after installing the components we think the look is awesome!  The quality and thickness of the powdercoat is also very impressive - it should hold up well to rock scrapes and our Ohio salt baths.  We gave all three of the components a good coat of automotive wax and thorough buffing prior to installation to preserve the finish. 

We’ve run the XJ for several months now since the build-up, and feel comfortable saying that these are the finest bumpers and rocker guards available. They provide stellar off-road protection, offer convenient mounting points for lights and a winch, and can be purchased with options such as a rear receiver, front and rear D-ring shackle mounts, and front grill-guard/brush-guard combinations.

Based on our satisfaction with the XJ components, we decided to install C4x4Fab’s rear bumper with swing-out tire carrier on our Grand Cherokee WJ. The high quality of this unit is what we’ve come to expect of C4x4Fab. Installation was straightforward with the mounting holes lining up properly and no surprises, making for a true bolt-on component. As with the XJ rear bumper, side plates are provided for the lower rear quarter panels to replace the stock plastic pieces. The streamlined design improves the departure angle by several inches, and if you do drag the rear-end over an obstacle you don’t have to worry about the sheet metal. The swing-out rear carrier mounts with quality hardware and utilizes an upper and lower roller bearing for strength and smooth operation. A cam style latch is used for a tight fit and is adjustable for effort and tightness as needed. Our only complaint is that a front bumper isn’t available to match it (although they’re working on one).

To view the complete Project XJ build-up, visit http://www.ovoonline.com/id19.html .

Overland Vehicle Outfitters, LLC
7801 Corporate Blvd. Suite D
Plain City, OH 43064
P: 614-408-3622
www.ovoonline.com