I really can't think of a 'cool' answer, Sean. I was just thinking about one of those big flat Moroso type pans (like on an early Chevy II) with an extra 4 quarts or so, spread out over about a 2'x2'x4" area under the XJ (not that wouldn't interfere with the suspension or anything, but one thing at a time) and if you hung on something long enough, you're just going to run out of oil after a while.
Would a heavier oil work better? Maybe some 20-50 or something with an additive--{Slick 50 or Duralube type deal}? The heavy oil and the additive -could- save the bearings, but not for a long period of time (unless you truly believe those Sat. morning informercials
where they run Viper V10's on the track with 'No Oil'
). It might extend it long enough to get up a long waterfall, but the only time I've really had trouble is when someone is trying to take a picture or I break something on a steep incline. I just turn the sucka off then and figure out what to do from there......(automatic and I just hold the brake and listen to what 'observers' are telling me)
I guess what I'm asking, is 1) what exactly are you trying to do --get up a steep incline-- and 2) how long do you need to hold the pressure--I'm thinking 20-30 seconds tops....if it's longer, I usually try to back down and 'recover'--sometimes not possible or desireable, though?
I don't think an extra quart will make the crank come in contact with the oil, but that would need to be tested on an engine out of the rig......hmmmmmm......I'm kind of understanding what you are talking about, but don't know of a 'cool' way to solve it without the 'baffle' idea and some of the above. Even then, it's still time contingent. On a 'trail only' trim, an extra quart might be fine. I wouldn't want to run down the interstate with the crank hitting 'puddled' oil in the pan, but it might be OK for trail runs......