The SUV market has changed quite a bit over the years, but not all change was for the best. It could be argued that, in prioritizing fuel efficiency, handling and comfort, some automakers sacrificed some of actual off-road qualities and design aesthetics. A nice example is this 1977 Jeep Cherokee S, which can teach its modern ‘Grand’ cousin a thing or two.
The exterior of the car stays largely unchanged, but the axles, the brakes and the suspension are all new. The project uses Baer calipers, Eibach springs, Fox Racing shocks and Dana axles. Given that the classic SUV shipped with very basic leaf springs instead of coils back in its era, the driver is guaranteed to notice and appreciate the difference.
New alloy wheels sized 17x9 inches slotted into the arches. The stock engine vacated the engine bay for a new eight-cylinder mill rated at 500 PS (493 hp / 368 kW). A Bowler Performance automatic transmission was tasked with delivering the torque to the wheels through an Advanced Adapter Atlas II transfer case.
The car itself was resprayed in dark blue with a neutral grey leather trim inside embossed with floral ornaments. The dash instruments are digital, but other than that, the customer who ordered the car did not relish the idea of stuffing it full of newfangled tech.
U.S.-based tuner Vigilante is open for more such conversions.
