Faustmann’s Cherokee uses...
Faustmann’s Cherokee uses 37x12.50R17 Goodyear Wrangler MTR with Kevlar and are mounted on 17x9 Raceline beadlock wheels.
The Cherokee was also used as a basis for new products Faustmann developed for the company’s OR-Fab line. These include new body armor for the XJ rear quarter panels, as well as a heavy-duty rock slider rail that keeps this Jeep’s sheet metal perfectly straight. The Cherokee also sports an OR-Fab XJ modular front bumper that features a grille guard and winch fairlead for the Warn winch. A modular bumper also protects the XJ’s rear and wraps around to the bottom of the quarter panels to provide added protection.
To keep the interior clean and useable for passengers, items like a Hi-Lift jack and spare tire are mounted on a Gobi roof rack that has a set of KC HiLites off-road lights mounted to it that illuminate the trail once it gets dark.
An OR-Fab modular front bumper...
An OR-Fab modular front bumper with grille guard houses a Warn winch and KC HiLites off-road lighting.
To say that this Jeep rides smooth would be an understatement. The extra width gives the Cherokee a better stance that takes away the top-heavy feeling that other Jeeps might get with this same ride height. The Jeep articulates incredibly well over any large obstacle and the factory 4.0L engine has more than enough power to pull the Jeep wherever it needs to go.
Faustamnn has had his Cherokee at various events and has unintentionally sparked a renewed interest with other XJ owners who want to make these modifications on their Jeeps. “Now that people know they can easily adapt JK components to the XJ, we’ve seen more people doing it successfully,” says Faustmann. With an abundance of factory JK parts available, you can expect to see more XJ’s back on the trail using some of these components. So, if you know any JK owners who are upgrading their axles with aftermarket components, you’d be wise to offer to remove their old parts from their garage.
An OR-Fab rear rock slider...
An OR-Fab rear rock slider bumper protects the Cherokee and wraps around to also guard the rear quarter panels.
Faustmann designed this XJ...
Faustmann designed this XJ body armor for OR-Fab. It includes an optional rock rail and features taillight protection.
A Gobi roof rack holds the...
A Gobi roof rack holds the spare and a Hi-Lift jack.
To protect the rocker panels,...
To protect the rocker panels, an OR-Fab XJ rock rail is used that extends from the front to the rear passenger doors.
With the JK axles the Cherokee...
With the JK axles the Cherokee has incredible balance and traction over any obstacle.
| Specifications |
| Vehicle: |
1996 Jeep Cherokee XJ |
| Owner/Hometown: |
Chris Faustmann/Prescott, AZ |
| Engine: |
Stock 4.0L inline six-cylinder |
| Induction: |
MPFI |
| Transmission: |
AX4 |
| Transfer case/low range ratio: |
Atlas/4.3:1 |
| Front end: |
JK Dynatrac Pro Rock 44 |
| Rear end: |
JK Dynatrac 44 |
| Ring & Pinion: |
5.38 Superior |
| Axle Shafts: |
Superior Evo Shafts |
| Front Differential: |
Jeep Rubicon Tru-Lok E-locker |
| Rear Differential: |
ARB Air Locker |
| Suspension: |
Rock Krawler long arm w/rear coil conversion, 12-inch Fox coilovers and 11-inch Fox reservoirs |
| Tires: |
37x12.50R17 Goodyear Wrangler MT/R with Kevlar |
| Wheels: |
17x9 Raceline Aluminum Beadlocks |