Ground Clearance [Archive] - Cherokee SRT8 Forum

: Ground Clearance


TAXMAN
10-12-2006, 02:05 PM
Those of you who already have the GCSRT8 is the ground clearance in the spec sheet of 7inches accurate? I was not sure whether the air dam in front was that high. Some reviewers have noted problems with driveways and parking blocks.

ge2
10-12-2006, 03:19 PM
Ok-- I just went out and measured.... yes 7" from the pavement to the chin.

jms935
10-12-2006, 03:21 PM
7" is not high, you still need to be careful.

TAXMAN
10-12-2006, 03:56 PM
The question came up when considering if the car would able to handle difficult ski trips. When checking the ground clearance on a WRX STI and finding it to be 6.1" and wondering why reviewers were commenting on rubbing the facia on the GC SRT8 on some otherwise normal inclines. I can't imagine having trouble with the STI on ski trips but maybe I have just been spoiled with my years in my GC.

BahnBlastR
10-13-2006, 02:14 AM
The reviewers simply drive the sh*t out of the vehicles they are reviewing. I haven't had an issue yet, but I am rather careful. I don't fly into driveways that have a steep incline and I don't haul a$$ over speed bumps. I can understand how people have problems when they first drive one though because they think it has the same clearance as a "normal" SUV. I wish I could put a black rubber skirt to make mine even lower - like the MOPAR guys did with the Lap of America truck. I just don't want to drill holes in this thing!

SI_G35Coupe
10-13-2006, 07:50 AM
i wonder if it's possible to replace the lowered front bumper cover with the "standard" Jeep Grand Cherokee one to get more ground clearance?

(might enhance the sleeper effect too)

jlandbl
10-13-2006, 08:17 AM
i wonder if it's possible to replace the lowered front bumper cover with the "standard" Jeep Grand Cherokee one to get more ground clearance?

(might enhance the sleeper effect too)

Yikes! Not sure if it's possible, but one would loose so much good appearance. Can't be worth it! Just my opinion.

slate5.9
10-14-2006, 10:22 AM
Yeah, looks certainly would suffer but I don't see why it would not be possible? Technically does anyone have any thoughts why it wouldn't work? I am waiting for the 2008 to come out and will be faced with this issue. Because of work I have to drive up curbs etc to get to a job trailer. I want all that the GCSRT8 has to offer but have to have the clearance! And no I am a Jeep man so I cannot settle for the TBSS.

kwoody87
10-14-2006, 10:51 AM
im 80% it'll work because alot of people in my area are buying the srt8 bumpers for their regular grand cherokees to make it look like ours and they fit on the trucks just like ours do so im sure its the same line up

SI_G35Coupe
10-14-2006, 02:03 PM
side question, is the SRT8 front bumper made out of fiberglass or urethane?

BigHemi
10-14-2006, 03:02 PM
Yeah, looks certainly would suffer but I don't see why it would not be possible? Technically does anyone have any thoughts why it wouldn't work? I am waiting for the 2008 to come out and will be faced with this issue. Because of work I have to drive up curbs etc to get to a job trailer. I want all that the GCSRT8 has to offer but have to have the clearance! And no I am a Jeep man so I cannot settle for the TBSS.

I wouldn't recommend doing that. The front air dam is for performance and it helps lower the front end by a couple inches and keep the truck rock solid when traveling at 140+ mph. If you took the dam off and replaced it, you'd be in serious trouble at high speeds.

slate5.9
10-14-2006, 03:31 PM
Completely understood, but to be honest I am not sure if I would take her up that high anyway. If I did I would put the SRT facia back on. For the most part I would use my GCSRT8 as a daily driver and to burn others off the line. I currently have a 5.9 with CAI and Mopar Performance PCM and have enjoyed myself but the GCSRT8 is so much more. I can't wait.

idealrides
10-15-2006, 12:02 AM
You you can swap to the regular bumper, even the foglights are the same. Aside from the aesthetics and downforce issues, you will lose the brake cooling ducts which doesn't really matter if you're not racing around.

I was thinking about doing this to gain ground clearance, or going with a 2" WK suspension lift and big tires. Much more practical for my neck of the woods.
________
COLORADO MEDICAL MARIJUANA DISPENSARY (http://colorado.dispensaries.org/)

Str8Srt8
10-15-2006, 11:48 PM
Yikes! Not sure if it's possible, but one would loose so much good appearance. Can't be worth it! Just my opinion.

I'd like to try it just for winterization.

Dave
10-16-2006, 01:19 AM
Completely understood, but to be honest I am not sure if I would take her up that high anyway. If I did I would put the SRT facia back on. For the most part I would use my GCSRT8 as a daily driver and to burn others off the line. I currently have a 5.9 with CAI and Mopar Performance PCM and have enjoyed myself but the GCSRT8 is so much more. I can't wait.
ahh another 5.9 guy

when you do end up with an srt8 you'll think your niner is broken ;) i still drive mine occasionaly and im shocked that i lived with the slop for all these years.

anyways if one was so inclined they could swap out suspension and fascia and basically have a grand that could go and stop nearly as well as an srt8 but wouldnt have nearly the same handling qualities

could be worth it to some i suppose but once you experience the handling qualities of an srt8 youll likely be more inclined to keep it stock and leg it wherever you need to go that would otherwise be inaccessible

slate5.9
10-16-2006, 07:18 AM
No telling but you very well could be right Dave. I will have to see for myself! Say, if you had to drive up on a curb (to hook up a trailer etc.)& you backed onto it would it make it doable or would the front facia just bind up on the asphalt? Anyhow what is the gas mileage comparision between the SRT8 & 5.9 (city, hwy)?

SI_G35Coupe
10-16-2006, 07:27 AM
i would never mess with the suspension on a truck that handles as well as the jeep does. does anybody know the height difference between the SRT bumper and the stock GC one?

how long does the bumper take to get off the car? like Str8Srt8 said, it might be a good option for the winter

slate5.9
10-16-2006, 08:17 AM
My brother has a 2006 Overland and I recall it is about 11" from chin to asphalt & I know the GCSRT8 is 6 1/2-7" from chin to asphalt. If I did mess with the GCSRT8 configuration the bumper would be the only thing. No sense screwing with the tight suspension IMO.