Quartzsite 2023 Rally (aka Q17)

[mburmandds]

Tami and I haven't been able to make it to Q for a couple of years due to my hip and knee surgeries. We have acquired a 1999 xj as a toad. It' mostly stock and I am wondering if it would be capable of the desert runs I see in Van's videos?

[Busbum]

Hi Mike,
It depends on the size of your tires, if oversized off road tires, you would be ok doing the trail to the Desert Bar, for ground clearance on that trail, otherwise the Dripping Springs and The O $hit trail will you need to go with...

HTH

Originally Posted by mburmandds

Tami and I haven't been able to make it to Q for a couple of years due to my hip and knee surgeries. We have acquired a 1999 xj as a toad. It' mostly stock and I am wondering if it would be capable of the desert runs I see in Van's videos?

[Steelwheels]

Originally Posted by NoGas

Me too. Hey Brad, seen the latest Q Jeeping video? I think you'll like it, even with that antique Andy's running . Part 3 with the steep narrow ledge drop-offs comes out next Friday and several more to go after that.

For those planning Q17 next year, don't forget your JEEP or SxS! The Q runs are generally on the mild side with some exceptions - you might like the Desert Bar Jeep'n video. However if you're looking for something a little more, plan an extra week or two around the official two weeks of the rally. Then check out the videos I am posting to decide if a slightly "enhanced" off-road adventure is for you. Andy & I had an awesome time after this year's Q16, and I'm pretty sure he'll be ready for more in 2023. Always free to join if you like!

https://youtu.be/gQxQ2IVL3ZE
https://youtu.be/sChBczUF1zo

.

I enjoy your videos, your narration is just like listening to ATC . Keep em coming.

[mburmandds]

Thanks Larry
Pics of tires and height.
Guess I've got some modification to do before Q

[NoGas]

Originally Posted by mburmandds

Thanks Larry
Pics of tires and height.
Guess I've got some modification to do before Q

You could easily go on some of the milder Q runs As-Is no problem. Bypasses for most of the obstacles close to the Q circle exist, and you could/should use those escape paths with a "mostly stock" XJ. How far you go in "building" is entirely up to you and where you want to take your Jeep. However, the XJ can make a great "serious" off road platform with readily available upgrades. Andy, Larry and Brad are all running XJ Cherokees in various states of "build". There are also tons of YT videos out there showing XJ build projects. One of my favs is this one: https://youtu.be/UqWjqsd9t9A.

The people who did that video said it cost $3000 plus their XJ that they supposedly bought for $2000. Right! . Notice they start like Larry said, with tires, going from stock to what I run - 35's. Note the diff in tire sizes in pic below, with 35's on the left and yours on the right. Also note what they had to do to put those 35's on an XJ!

When upgrading off-road capability of any Jeep, one must strike a balance between cost, towability (if flat towing like we all do), a wheeling capability that one will actually use AND your experience level. Go too far in one direction and the other "factors" will suffer. I wanted 37's, but could not justify the extra cost, bad effects on things like my axles & the factory warranty AND the poor towability I'd likely suffer with them. So I stayed with 35's on a Rubicon that is factory approved for that size tires. Whether a new vehicle or an XJ that's 40 years old, juggling those same factors is the key to you being happy with your build results!!

IF you start a build program, I recommend starting your own WOG Build Thread. Many WOGers are interested in doing exactly what you are considering and would find such aa thread interesting. Have fun with your upgrading and see you at next years Q!
.

[bwinter1946]

Larry and John McGinnis ran stock Cherokees for a number of years. John was in the process of installing a 4 inch lift and 31 inch tires on his when he passed.

My Cherokee had a 4 inch lift, rock rails, and 31s with lockers front and rear. I have since upgraded more.

I think Larry has gone on most if not all the trails we go on with his stock Cherokee. I think he even went on the Oh _hit trail.

Tire placement is key if you run a stock rig on some of the trails.

[mburmandds]

Thanks Larry and Brad
I'm constantly absorbing upgrade info on the net but haven't pulled the plug yet.
I'm surprised at the capability of the stock xj on the trails we've taken in the Sierras and the 395 Owens Valley corridor.
I think the xj makes an affordable off road platform and toad, Just can't justify a new Rubicon for a seldom driven vehicle.
I will create a WOG build thread when I begin.

[bwinter1946]

Van posted the 3rd chapter of his off-road excursion on YouTube with Andy during the week after "Q". If you are interested, it is worth a watch.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abAAVSeqit0