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XJ Off-Road Test Run -- The Cherokee Finally Hits the Trails

After months of building the shop XJ Cherokee, the Core 4x4 crew finally gets it on the trail for a shakedown run near Cascade Springs in Provo Canyon.
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XJ Off-Road Test Run – The Cherokee Finally Hits the Trails

After months of work on the shop Cherokee XJ — rebuilding, upgrading, and testing every component in the Core 4x4 catalog — the day finally came. Spence and Marissa loaded up the XJ for its very first off-road shakedown run. Naturally, it did not go smoothly. The radiator hose exploded before they even reached the trailhead.

 
 
Core 4x4 XJ Cherokee being inspected underneath before the first off-road test run

Pre-Trip Inspection and the Radiator Hose Surprise

Before every trail run, Spence crawls underneath the Jeep to check everything. The XJ showed a small oil leak on the motor, but levels were fine. Everything else looked solid. The suspension, the steering, the control arms — all the Core 4x4 parts they had installed throughout the build series were ready to go.

Then, on the canyon road heading to the trail, the upper radiator hose exploded. Coolant everywhere, including all over the brand-new battery. Not the start anyone wanted. Trevor and Cameron were dispatched to find a replacement hose while Spence and Marissa waited on the side of the road.

Three hours later, after a minor adventure with a hose that turned out to be the wrong size (it was the lower, not the upper), the right hose was installed, coolant was topped off, and the XJ was finally ready to actually drive to the trailhead.

Replacing the blown radiator hose on the XJ Cherokee before the off-road test

The Trail: Cascade Springs Back Road

The destination was a back road leading to Cascade Springs, a state park above Deer Creek Reservoir near Heber, Utah. Trevor recommended the trail — he had run it before and knew it offered a mix of rocky terrain and tight tree-lined sections that would put the XJ through its paces without being extreme.

From the start, the trail was rockier than expected. The team had not aired down their tires initially, and on the hard Mud Hog tires, every rock made itself known. Once they stopped and deflated, the ride improved dramatically — a lesson that applies to every off-road vehicle, every time.

XJ Cherokee navigating rocky terrain on the Cascade Springs trail

How the XJ Performed

Despite the rough start, the Cherokee performed well on the trail. Spence noted it was the best-driving XJ he had ever been in — not just because it had all Core 4x4 parts, but because those parts were all working together as a complete system for the first time on one vehicle.

The trail had steep rocky sections, tight trees that left pinstripes down both sides, and some off-camber spots that tested the suspension. The long arm kit kept the axle planted, the steering felt precise even at crawling speed, and the alignment held true through obstacles that would have pushed a stock XJ off line.

The biggest challenge was the trees. This trail was tight — tight enough that branches were hitting the doors, mirrors, and roof. The crew joked about Rocky Mountain pinstriping, but the XJ pushed through without mechanical issues.

XJ Cherokee on the tight tree-lined trail section near Cascade Springs Utah

Lessons from the First Trail Run

Every shakedown run teaches you something. Here is what the Core 4x4 team took away from this one:

  • Always air down before the trail: The team started without deflating and felt every rock. Once they aired down, the ride and traction improved significantly, even on the hard Mud Hog tires
  • Carry spare hoses and coolant: A radiator hose failure on a trail road is inconvenient. On a remote trail, it could end your day entirely
  • Bring tools for trailside repairs: Having the right tools and a crew willing to make a parts run saved this trip
  • Test before you trust: Six months of shop work means nothing until the vehicle actually performs under trail conditions. This run validated the entire build
  • Tight trails eat paint: If you care about your paint, this trail is not for you. If you do not, it is one of the most scenic back-country routes near Provo Canyon
Core 4x4 XJ Cherokee pushing through narrow trail with tree branches scraping the sides

The Build Pays Off

This XJ started as a rusty 2000 Cherokee. Over the course of the Core 4x4 build series, it received a full suspension overhaul with adjustable control arms, a long arm kit, steering upgrades, new wheels and tires, fender flares, bumpers, and all the supporting hardware. Every part was designed and manufactured in-house by Core 4x4.

At the end of the trail, parked next to a beaver dam in the back country, Spence summed it up: “Super happy with the build. Everything performed great.” After months of setbacks and delays getting the XJ on dirt, the first real trail run was a success — blown hose notwithstanding.

Core 4x4 XJ Cherokee parked at the scenic overlook near Cascade Springs after completing the trail run

Frequently Asked Questions

The XJ received a complete Core 4x4 suspension setup including adjustable long arm control arms, a long arm kit, HD steering components, adjustable track bar, bump stops, new wheels and tires, fender flares, and off-road bumpers. Every suspension and steering component was manufactured in-house by Core 4x4.

Airing down increases the tire's contact patch with the ground, improving traction on rocks and dirt. It also allows the tire to conform to obstacles instead of bouncing off them, which dramatically improves ride comfort on rough terrain. The XJ in this video started the trail without airing down and felt every rock until they stopped to deflate.

At minimum, carry spare radiator hoses (upper and lower), extra coolant, a basic socket set, pliers, zip ties, tow straps, and a tire repair kit. This trip was saved by having a crew member who could make a parts run, but on a remote trail you may not have that option. Spare belts, fuses, and electrical tape are also worth keeping in the back.

The trail has rocky sections and very tight tree-lined passages that will leave pinstripes on your paint. It is not extremely technical, but it is challenging enough to test a lifted XJ. A stock vehicle would struggle, and anything wider than a Jeep may have trouble with the tight sections. It is best suited for lifted Jeeps, quads, or side-by-sides.

The long arm kit kept the axle planted through rocky and off-camber sections. Spence noted this was the best-driving XJ he had ever been in, with precise steering and stable handling even at crawling speed. The adjustable arms allowed the suspension geometry to be dialed in before the trail, and the Johnny Joints provided articulation without binding.

Shop XJ Cherokee Parts

XJ Long Arm Kits XJ Lift Kits All XJ Cherokee Parts Johnny Joint Grease

Core 4x4 builds adjustable control arms, track bars, and steering components for Jeep, Ram, Toyota, Ford, and Bronco platforms. Made in the USA with a lifetime guarantee. core4x4.com | (385) 375-2104

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