Cherokee Warrior

An XJ With a Purpose

- Harry Wagner

AARON LITZ GREW UP AT LAKE Tahoe, where four-wheel drive is a way of life. His dad had an old F-250 that ran with the hubs locked all winter long. Aaron wanted a built rig, but it just never seemed to be a priority until he experienced some life-changing events. The first was losing his friend Jeremy to cancer. “When that happened,” Aaron recalls, “it made me keenly aware of my own mortality.”

The rear bumper has a swingout that is mounted with rod ends to hold up the weight of a full-size 37-inch Goodyear MT/R and Raceline Monster beadlock wheel. Also found out back are two Specter fuel cans, a CO 2 tank, a Hi-Lift jack, a shovel, and a Trasharoo where all are easily accessible.