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WDWDuncan

Member
Received my SR 6-7 months ago. This forum has been very helpful in passing along useful information so I wanted to reciprocate and share what I have been able to do so far.

First thing was new wheels and tires. Read here about 265/65s on 18s and liked the photos so I have done the same. Photos below show before shots of OEM 21x9 wheels with +56mm offset and 275/45R tires. Note the suspension knuckle photo and how close it is to the top of the front tire.
 

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  • 2021 JGC SR 4X4 OEM profile.jpeg
    2021 JGC SR 4X4 OEM profile.jpeg
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  • Suspension knuckle OEM tires.jpeg
    Suspension knuckle OEM tires.jpeg
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WDWDuncan

Member
Here are photos of new shoes on my 2021 SR. Went with 265/65R Falken Wildpeak AT3s on 18x9 KMC Technic cast aluminum wheels with +18mm offset. Note the +38mm offset difference that pushes the tire away from the suspension. The knuckle is still there but not hovering so much over the treads. Tire diameter is just under 32". Don't see any way that you could get 33s on the SR but some folks in the forum are talking about it.
 

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  • 265-65R on 18x9s with +18mm offset.jpeg
    265-65R on 18x9s with +18mm offset.jpeg
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  • Front suspension knuckle with +38mm offset difference.jpeg
    Front suspension knuckle with +38mm offset difference.jpeg
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WDWDuncan

Member
No rubbing and any add'l road noise If at all is very minimal. Ride is a little stiffer than on the OEMs but I love the look and can't wait to get it up to the cabin.
 

WDWDuncan

Member
Also saw a post from a forum member who had cut a hole in the tow hitch bumper cover. I picked up a spare bumper cover and did the same, trimming the edging with some white plastic edge trim (small size) that fits 1/16 to 1/8 inch (1-3mm) edges that I ordered from Amazon ($10 for 5ft). Dremel tool works fine, but be careful in how much you cut. Start with a smaller square first and widen it out a little each time until it works for you. My first attempt with the edging in the photo is a bit wonky in the corners, but I'll do another pass at the trim since I have plenty to spare and now the SR's rear end will look good on July 4th with a flag off the tow hitch. Am waiting for the secure nuts to arrive at dealer in order to mount it, but will post a photo as soon as they get in.
 

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  • Rear bumper tow hitch hole.jpeg
    Rear bumper tow hitch hole.jpeg
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WDWDuncan

Member
Next was adding a roof rack. I found some black aluminum crossbars by Saremas made for the new L series. Very low profile (see photo). I first popped on my old 64" x 39" rack but it was too narrow as shown in the photo. So ordered a 64" x 50" Arksen from Amazon Perfect-Wide Universal roof rack cargo basket that I will be mounting tomorrow and will post updated photos. Was easy to install, just have the short screws already in place under the bracket arms with the cross bars attached. Pain to thread and screw tight upside down with that minimal clearance from the roof. Bought a 5th Falken on the KMC wheels for a spare that will have to live up there as it will not fit in the slim-line "full size" spare well under the SR.
 

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  • Saremas cross bars 1.jpeg
    Saremas cross bars 1.jpeg
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  • Saremas cross bars 2.jpeg
    Saremas cross bars 2.jpeg
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  • Saremas cross bars 3.jpeg
    Saremas cross bars 3.jpeg
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WDWDuncan

Member
Here are photos of the 64" x 39" cargo rack. Way too narrow (for my taste) but you can see how it rides in the last photo on the cross bars. 64" long works well with clearance above the driver's head when sunroof is open and leaves space for sat radio antenna in back. Drove around with this set up for a few days and never had any signal interruptions.
 

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  • 64%22 x 39%22 too narrow cargo rack 1.jpeg
    64%22 x 39%22 too narrow cargo rack 1.jpeg
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  • 64%22 x 39%22 too narrow cargo rack 2.jpeg
    64%22 x 39%22 too narrow cargo rack 2.jpeg
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  • 64%22 x 39%22 too narrow cargo rack 3.jpeg
    64%22 x 39%22 too narrow cargo rack 3.jpeg
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WDWDuncan

Member
Here are some close ups of the Falken Wildpeak AT3s (265/65R) on the KMC Technic 18x9 wheels (front and rear).
 

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  • 265-65R Falken AT3s on KMC Technic 18x9s front wheel.jpeg
    265-65R Falken AT3s on KMC Technic 18x9s front wheel.jpeg
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  • 265-65R Falken AT3s on KMC Technic 18x9s rear wheel.jpeg
    265-65R Falken AT3s on KMC Technic 18x9s rear wheel.jpeg
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WDWDuncan

Member
Here are some shots of the front tire clearance against the back of the tire well panel. A good 3/8" clearance from rubbing.
 

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  • Front tire clearance from rubbing 1.jpeg
    Front tire clearance from rubbing 1.jpeg
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  • Front tire clearance from rubbing 2.jpeg
    Front tire clearance from rubbing 2.jpeg
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WDWDuncan

Member
Here are shots of the 64" x 50" roof rack mounted. I think it looks much better than the 39" one I had on earlier. Will put the spare up top later this weekend and save the 39" cargo rack for the kid's Subabru when she heads off to college.
 

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  • 64x50 roof rack 1.jpeg
    64x50 roof rack 1.jpeg
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  • 64x50 roof rack 2.jpeg
    64x50 roof rack 2.jpeg
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  • 64x50 roof rack 3.jpeg
    64x50 roof rack 3.jpeg
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  • 64x50 roof rack 4.jpeg
    64x50 roof rack 4.jpeg
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  • 64x50 roof rack 5.jpeg
    64x50 roof rack 5.jpeg
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WDWDuncan

Member
Popped on the spare tow hitch bumper cover with hitch hole today. Obviously if I'm towing something, I'll have the cover off to access the safety chain holes on either side of the hitch and electrical connections for the trailer that are over to the left. But for other items using just the hitch like a bike rack, cargo carrier basket, or the flag pole mount shown getting ready for Flag Day and July 4th, I think this works just fine. Plus the rear hatch easily clears the flag pole mount when opening - nice!
 

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  • Tow hitch bumper cover revision.jpeg
    Tow hitch bumper cover revision.jpeg
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  • Tow hitch bumper cover & flag pole mount 1.jpeg
    Tow hitch bumper cover & flag pole mount 1.jpeg
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  • Tow hitch bumper cover & flag pole mount 2.jpeg
    Tow hitch bumper cover & flag pole mount 2.jpeg
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WDWDuncan

Member
Next mod is a cold air intake so the HEMI can breathe. Per K&N, their 77-1563KP model for 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokees will not fit the new L series (Booo!!!). Have asked but their customer service rep had no idea when a new product will launch and suggested checking their website (www.knfilters.com) every few weeks. Have seen the Volant cold air intake but no confirmation it will work on L series. Mopar has nothing. Waiting, waiting, waiting ...
 

Sarge

Well-known member
Have you ever looked into fitting the rear mufflers from the former WK2 Trackhawk model? I'm not a huge fan of the absolute lack of sound from the Hemi overall, and it seems like the OEM rear mufflers might provide a nice improvement in sound (probably nothing in power, but there's not probably anything available as a full system, and I don't want it too loud or live with highway 'droning' noise like you get with a lot of aftermarket mufflers either.
 

Sarge

Well-known member
For people making holes in plastic, I HIGHLY recommend using a Dremel tool to make your final cuts. I use the flexible extension with a cutting disc whenever I have to modify plastic this way, and if you're patient and careful you can end up with a perfect, OEM-looking result. It not only works fast, but will leave a nice smooth finish if you're careful.
 

WDWDuncan

Member
FYI - the Volant 16157 CAI does not fit WL series. While Summit Racing's website listed it as a part that would fit the "Grand Cherokee L" it does not. Spoke with tech support at TMG Performance (Corsa, Volant, etc.) and they confirmed that the 16157 CAI will not fit a WL series JGC. But they were courteous and quick in sending me a return shipping label for a full refund. Will look into the Momentum CAI posted above. But am wondering what are the 2 appendages on the curved air duct under my hood that do not appear on any of the aftermarket CAIs? Are there add'l sensors inside them that will be a hassle during installation or impact engine performance afterward if not attached? Anyone have an idea what those 2 trapezoidal modules are on the air duct just before it enters the engine?
 

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  • 1 - modules built into OEM air duct.jpeg
    1 - modules built into OEM air duct.jpeg
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FlyingAvocado

Well-known member
I found some third-party wheels which come very close to spec match for the 18x8 +50 OEM. The Enkei SVX (PN: 475-880-7350 BKM). I say very close because the max load rating is 1851 LBS per wheel... and the GAWR for rear axle on my GCL V6 SR is 3800 lbs. That puts it just 98lbs under the rated GAWR. For most people, this is fine -- but with towing in mind, I think I am going to keep searching for some take-offs. However, I think most 18" take-off for GCLs will come from Laredo trims, and I am not sure what the load rating is on those -- I expect it to be the same as a V6 SR.
 

Sarge

Well-known member
I haven't even seen any GCL's with the 18" wheels yet, but I haven't looked at Autotrader lately. My replacement will hopefully have them.
 
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