Aerodynamics

[mmc757]

If the vehicle came with side mirrors it must retain side mirrors,it's the law and the KJ requires 2 side mirrors.They also make those cowl things you talk about but interfere with the windshield wiper operation and is not a good idea if you live in a place that gets snow.

Good points. Mirrors are required, however in my reading I have stumbled across people who have obtained a waiver from the state if the video system installed provides equivalent field of vision. You just need to keep that documentation in the vehicle in case pulled over.
The cowl would of course have to allow for wiper operation, thats just a matter of proper support. Snow could be an issue though, that might be something better removed when the snow starts falling...

 

[retmil46]

Here's something that might be worth a look -

http://www.airtabs.com/main.html

No idea if you could fit on enough to be of any help on a KJ - provided they work as advertised.

 

[ridenby]

Here's something that might be worth a look -

http://www.airtabs.com/main.html

No idea if you could fit on enough to be of any help on a KJ - provided they work as advertised.

They help on semi's.

 

[J-Thompson]

I still say try the UHDPE
The cost for a 4 X 6 sheet is about $125
Keep the OE skids and cover the rest
Allow for air flow over the exahust and all should be good
You would for sure cut down on drag and it may help off road

 

[Banditsteve]

The KJ has the aerodynamic properties of a barn door so whatever you do will make some improvement to it! If you want a quick fix to get 1 or 2 more mpg's I would go for the road based tyres but obviously this will only "save" money in the long run if they are ready for replacing now otherwise it would be a waste of money. Obviously this will detract from it's safety and grip in snow etc when winter comes, so maybe change tyres to road based now and keep the all terrains for winter? Michelin are advertising a tyre at the moment (can't remember which one) which claims less rolling resistance and that is measured against a similar tyre, so a road tyre will have a lot less rolling resistance than a mud plugger. You can tell just by riding a dirt bike with knobblies on against a road tyre or even a mountain bike with road tyres on! So long as any mods you do are cheap, you will save in the long run, but the cost has to be considered against the savings. Time to get the calculator out! Hehe. Good luck and let us know how you get on. Steve :smokin:

 

[Ry' N Jen]

Here's something that might be worth a look -

http://www.airtabs.com/main.html

No idea if you could fit on enough to be of any help on a KJ - provided they work as advertised.

Interesting.
Inverted/inside out NACA Ducts!

 

[VeitzJeep]

Take a small ball-pin hammer and have a go at it with your Jeep. By making it look like a giant, off-road golf ball, you'll improve the aerodynamics. Contrary to popular belief, you don't want your vehicle to be completely smooth (some dealerships add on a "super slippery" sealant on hybrids' paint to reduce drag). But the problem is that the air can become trapped in a pocket of resistance (like how the wind whirls around in the bed of a pick-up). This is why you can see the rivets on airplanes and they don't smooth them out.

You will look weird driving around in a Jeep Golf Ball.

Weight reduction will probably be the simplest along with maintenance.