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Making a Rally Car from a Jeep Cherokee
Rally Jeep 1 was my daily driver that was used to write the route books for the Cherokee Trails International SCCA Prorally. I took it to Chattanooga's first RallyCross as the field was a bit too rough for my AWD Talon.
The Jeep did so well at Rallycross that The Talon stayed on pavement and the search began for a dedicated race Jeep.
I wanted the lightest possible configuration so I began searching Ebay for a two door 5 speed with no options. I finally found what I wanted in an 88 two door with manual windows, no roof rack, no tilt wheel no options other than Air Conditioning. It was perfect for me in that it was not drivable due to a stuck clutch and sold cheap.
Once home, a new clutch disk, pressure plate and both hydraulic cylinders had it ready to race. So began the evolution of Rally Jeep 2.
Converting to a ClubRally racer required a roll cage. The cage was fabricated by Will Perry at Rivergate racing. He was able to take measurements off his father's Cherokee to have a plan in mind before mine ever reached his shop.
To aid weight distribution, the Co Driver seat is mounted as far back and as low as possible. A Terratrip rally computer was mounted to the passenger door handle. Wheel position is sensed using a Compurally probe mounted in the front axle yoke to protect it form rocks.
So far, the engine and suspension are stock. I am running SCCA's PGT class so minimal modifications are allowed. I am running both front and rear sway bars in rubber mounts.
Shop for Kumho Tires at The Tire Rack.
Tires are either BFG AT KO 30x9.5 or Kumho Rally Tires.
Shop for BF Goodrich Tires at The Tire Rack.
Content by Mike Strawbridge