Reader
1996 Jeep Cherokee XJ
Driver: John Bjorum
Co-driver: Jeff Miller
Returning reader John Bjorum from Holland, Michigan, showed up this year with his trick LS1-powered XJ more modified than last year. On UA 2009 we were worried about John's Dana 30 front axle and the LS1 engine power not being the best combination. This year John's XJ was sporting a new Spidertrax axlehousing up front, which set our minds at ease given the terrain we were about to cover.

Drivetrain

• Engine: '00 LS1 5.7L
• Transmission: 4L60E
• Transfer Case: Atlas II 3.8
• Front Axle: Spidertrax with True hi9, 35-spline chrome-moly shafts, CTM-U-joints, ARB Air Locker
• Rear Axle: Custom 9-inch housing with True hi9 third-member, 35-spline chrome-moly shafts, ARB Air Locker

Suspension

• Front: Custom 3-link with ZJ coil springs
• Rear: JCR Offroad 4-link with TJ coil springs
• Tires & Wheels: 37x12.50R17 Goodyear MT/Rs on 17x91/2 Spyderlock beadlocks

Other Stuff
Winch & Bumpers: Warn 9.5Ti winch, Hanson front bumper, homemade rear bumper
The Rest: PSC hydro steering assist, two 10-pound Power Tanks, 8-point chrome-moly rollcage, DOM tube doors, Tom Wood's driveshafts, Wilwood brakes