Not every concept for the 2017 Easter Jeep Safari is a Wrangler. Sure, there’s the Compass-based Trailpass Concept, but this… this is The Grand One. It’s a 1993 Grand Cherokee ZJ that Jeep bought off Craigslist and restored with absolute attention to detail. The 1990s is running strong here, as Jeep designers include an old-school car phone and Nintendo Gameboy. The body paint even has translucent woodgrain paneling along the sides. Jeep’s purpose here is to honor the Grand Cherokee’s 25th anniversary, having debuted in 1992.
This ZJ started life as an ordinary Grand Cherokee with the old 5.2-liter V-8 and four-speed automatic transmission. Those components were restored to proper working order, as was the rest of the Jeep. Modifications include a two-inch suspension lift to help clear the 33-inch BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM2 tires. The new Dana 44 solid axles were also moved apart, with the front axle relocated two inches forward, while the rear was moved back three inches – both thanks to longer control arms. The wheel wells were widened to accommodate the move, while wider fender flairs cover the meatier tires. Locking differentials were also included.
The Jeep is coated in a warm blue hue, complemented by matte black accents on the hood, grille, and bumpers. Custom 18-inch wheels were created to look like the lace-style wheels originally offered on upper trim levels of the first-generation Grand Cherokee. And it wouldn’t be a Jeep build if there weren’t Easter Eggs scattered about. A “Hammer Time” decal becomes visible when the third brake light illuminates, and there’s a sticker on the back window that reads “OGZJ.”
There’s plenty more Jeep has done to this lucky survivor, so keep reading for the full run-down.
Continue reading to learn more about the Jeep Grand One.
from Top Speed http://ift.tt/2okAv0G
