Jeep/Mopar —Out in Full Force! - 4WD Mechanix Brings Jeep Inno… · Cherokee or, similarly, a TJ...

Moses Ludel’s 4WD Mechanix© Magazine, Issue #4, May 2010

Copyright © 2010 by Moses Ludel…This article may be distributed solely by download from www.4WDmechanix.com

Jeep/Mopar® —Out in Full Force!

Economic conditions at Detroit last year were anything but upbeat. Chrysler went through major financial upheaval and dealerships vied for the limited consumer spending that took place.

Despite these bleak conditions, Mopar spent more attention on Jeep vehicles and forward-leaning, post-market products than ever before. Considering the myriad project vehicles, new product interest areas like the 4.7L inline six stroker long-block engines and a roster of trail-ready, heavy-duty axle

upgrades now available, Jeep and Mopar® are alive and doing quite well!

In fact, the JK Wrangler has become a symbol of Chrysler’s recovery, supported by a loyal customer base that recognizes Jeep as the best America has to offer.

“Only getting better!” was the message at Mopar’s Moab Easter Jeep Safari media presentation. On Main Street, Moab, the ‘Direct Connection’ displayed an impressive array of Mopar Performance products plus

. Please refer others to the website for a free download copy!


rows of concept vehicles from the Mopar Underground.

To the large crowd at Moab, Mopar made it clear that Jeep and the Dodge Ram hold positions of prominence at the new Chrysler Group, LLC—and nothing could be better for Jeep owners!

The 2010 Easter Jeep Safari launched Mopar’s Jeep commitment to the next level. Staff and newly arrived executives came away from the event confident and fully aware of the growing Jeep consumer base. At the new Chrysler Group, LLC, Jeep clearly stands tall. Back on trail, stronger than ever, Jeep remains the leader!

No Jeep event would be complete without the original models that set the stage for today’s loyal following! The first civilian Jeep was the CJ-2A. This incredible example at the Mopar display on Main Street, Moab, is a 1945 production vehicle with the rare column shift transmission.

The original Jeep utility wagon was a Willys breakthrough. The wood simulation on this all-steel 1949 4x4 would become a Jeep Grand Wagoneer hallmark two decades later. Crowds flocked to these vintage Jeep display vehicles, linking their passion for the brand to its colorful, sixty-nine year history.

To this day, Jeep remains synonymous with exceptional backcountry performance. At the Mopar display area, engine and geartrain stamina was a main topic. Concept vehicles boasted larger Chrysler hemi V-8 engines and rugged Dodge Ram or military J-8 axles. There is much to celebrate in this era of high technology and performance.

Copyright © 2010 by Moses Ludel…This article may be distributed solely by download from www.4WDmechanix.com. Please refer others to the website for a free download copy!


The full line of heavy duty axles drew attention. On the trails, Dana 44 and 60 axles dominate. Mopar has the most cost-effective solution for axle upgrades. Using heavy-duty, assembly line units as a platform, consumers can save thousands of dollars!

Mopar Underground set up several vehicles with off-roaders in mind. Suspension, gear and Hemi V-8 engine upgrades—plus heavy-duty axles—were common. Mopar engineers are also Jeep enthusiasts. They ply the trails at Moab and listen to Jeep owners. The aim is a product line that will meet the real needs of active four-wheelers who will put these products to the ultimate tests!

Mopar and Mopar Performance understand that today’s Jeep customer is highly likely to install parts at home. Since axle work is a regular chore among owners swapping bigger tires and installing lift kits, Mopar has packaged several popular ring-and-pinion gearsets. At Moab, Mopar staff coached Jeep owners on how to properly install axle gear sets. Demonstrations were helpful and showed that Mopar is a viable contender in the Jeep performance parts aftermarket for the do-it-yourselfer. Mopar markets products through a variety of performance retailers plus all local Jeep dealership outlets.





Jeep owners have special interest areas and aims. Common to all is maximum traction, adequate ground clearance and reliability. Some owners, me included, also recognize performance as fuel efficiency and advanced engine management technology. This J-8 military model (at left) comes with the VM 2.8L common-rail four-cylinder diesel engine. Its stats approach the torque of the 4.7L stroker long-block. Torque peak is at a very low 2,000 rpm. I would consider swapping this engine type and five-speed automatic transmission into the magazine’s ’99 XJ Cherokee if there is enough reader interest in such a project. The aims are maximum fuel efficiency—on-highway and off-pavement—with a respectable performance level. Let me know if you have an interest in this topic.

Click here to share your comments. Let me know whether you have an interest in swapping the 2.8L diesel engine into an XJ Cherokee or, similarly, a TJ Wrangler.

In Chrysler Group’s own words and photos…Here is the motivating press release (word for word and unedited) provided to the media at the 2010 Easter Jeep Safari. Photos of the stunning concept vehicles, with exciting graphics taken on the trail by Mopar’s assigned photographer, are courtesy of Chrysler Group, LLC, as part of the press release package. Enjoy Moab through the viewpoints of Chrysler Group, LLC, and the Mopar Division staff and photographers…

Chrysler Group LLC Presents the Moab 2010 ‘EJS’ Mopar Concept Vehicles!

(Photos shot on location by Chrysler photographers; detailed, unedited captions provided by the Mopar staff for use as press release materials. Photo backdrops are genuine Moab, Utah, March 2010 Easter Jeep Safari event…Unedited words of the Mopar staff represent the viewpoint of Chrysler Group, LLC. Courtesy of Chrysler Group, LLC, and Mopar.)

mailto:[email protected]





Inspired by Baja‐style desert racing, the Mopar Ram Runner was revealed at the 44th annual Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah. The rigors of off‐road racing require large tires, plenty of ground clearance, extreme durability and a sophisticated suspension system capable of withstanding tremendous impact. These features are combined into a package that is stable at speed and in the corners. To achieve this kind of handling, a low center of gravity and long wheel travel are paramount. Mopar Ram Runner has the look and feel of a thoroughbred desert racer. Inspired by trophy trucks, steel front fenders and rear bed‐sides are replaced with fiberglass, allowing tremendous suspension articulation with zero interference.

The Mopar Immortal was revealed at the 44th annual Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah. The Mopar Immortal is a Jeep Wrangler featuring portal axles, a 5.7‐liter HEMI and off‐road bumpers. Military‐grade portal axle ends are engineered to mate to Mopar’s Pro Rock and Power Wagon performance axles and adapted to fit the suspension. Portal axle ends provide 5 inches of lift and contain a 1.5 gear reduction. Combined with the 4:1 transfer case, the result is a 100:1 crawl ratio. The vehicle is sheathed in Jeep performance body armor for protection.

Mopar revealed the Jeep Wrangler J7 image vehicle at the 44th annual Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah. Built off of a four‐door Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, the Jeep Wrangler J7 is designed to have the basic appeal of military‐issued vehicles. Mopar removed standard content including carpet, fog lamps, alloy wheels and the stereo system before adding front and rear steel bumpers, ‘helicopter hooks’, a heavy‐duty tailgate and steel wheels. Off‐road capability is increased with a Mopar 2‐inch suspension lift and 35‐inch Mickey Thompson tires. The unique Mustard Plug exterior paint is highlighted with Jeep Wrangler J7 graphics.

Mopar revealed the Jeep Patriot Extreme image vehicle at the 44th annual Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah. Mopar started with a Sunburst Orange Jeep Patriot model equipped with the Trail‐rated off‐road package and added a 2‐inch Rocky Road Outfitters suspension lift, TJ ‘Moab’ 16‐inch wheels, and BF Goodrich KM2 tires. Additional protection is added to the front and rear fascias with custom rock rails. Mopar added heavy‐duty slush mats, Kicker audio and a roof‐mounted snowboard carrier.



Mopar revealed the Jeep Wrangler Trail Boss image vehicle at the 44th annual Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah. The Jeep Wrangler Trail Boss was built to showcase Mopar off‐road products in the brand’s trail catalog. The Trail Boss is a two‐door Jeep Wrangler Rubicon that is built for serious off‐road duty. The vehicle features a half‐door kit, sun bonnet, front and rear AEV off‐road bumpers, a Warn 9.5ti winch, rear‐tire carrier, AEV hood, 3‐inch lift kit, Hutchinson Rock Monster beadlock wheels, Katzkin leather seat trim kit, slush mats and a Kicker audio system.

Mopar revealed the Jeep Nukizer 715 image vehicle at the 44th annual Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah. The Jeep Nukizer 715 is an all‐purpose truck that pays homage to the beloved military‐only Kaiser M‐715 truck. With a military‐issue Jeep J8 four‐door, the Mopar team converted the vehicle into a pickup body style by adding an aftermarket AEV Brute pickup box built for a TJ. To increase the size of the vehicle, the wheelbase is stretched to 124 inches from 116 inches. Enforcing the brand’s iconic M‐715 is a new front clip produced in carbon fiber that re‐creates the characteristic forward slant of the M‐715 truck. To top it off, Bestop provided a unique soft top which artfully captures all of the quirks of the original.

To build the Mopar XJ Stroker, the team started with a stock 2001 Jeep XJ and built a full‐blown, off‐road rig using Mopar performance parts. First step was to replace the stock engine with Mopar's new 4.7‐liter I‐6 Stroker engine, a powerful upgrade for the 4.0‐liter I‐6 made famous in Jeep vehicles built from 1991‐2006. The direct "bolt in" long block is complete with crankshaft and pistons. For optimum off‐road visibility, the doors were replaced with Mopar's XJ tube doors. To complete the off‐road protection, XJ front and rear bumpers and custom rock rails were installed.

Mopar revealed the Ram Power Wagon image vehicle at the 44th annual Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah. Mopar mated a unique 120‐inch wheelbase chassis to a regular cab and step‐side box. Axle articulation is increased by utilizing the rear link‐coil suspension of the Ram 1500. To gain additional ground clearance, Mopar added a new 4‐inch suspension lift and 40‐inch tires. Body protection comes from Rock‐Slide Engineering‐supplied sill guards, and custom front and rear bumpers. The spare tire is re‐located to the cargo box. For visual impact, the team used a menacing two‐tone black‐on‐white look, inspired by the wild paint schemes of Dodge Power Wagons in the 1970s.




Mopar revealed The General image vehicle at the 44th annual Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah. The General offers the ultimate in rock‐crawling capability with a custom Mopar 4.5‐inch performance lift kit installed on a 2009 Jeep Wrangler. A new flat fender kit and Mopar/Hutchinson Rock Monster beadlocks allow tire pressure to be safely lowered for extreme driving conditions. Front and rear off‐road bumpers and rock rails offer serious protection while the Mopar half‐door kit provides improved visibility. The hood and rear spare tire carrier feature custom Mopar graphics splashed across the Mopar Blue exterior.

Here is Chrysler Group’s complete and official (unedited) press release, including statistics and more details on Mopar’s fleet of Jeep and Dodge Ram Concept Vehicles…Note that these are the unedited words of the Mopar staff and represent the viewpoint of Chrysler Group, LLC. Courtesy of Chrysler Group, LLC, and Mopar:

Mighty Mopar Machines Arrive in Moab Chrysler Group LLC arrived with truck‐loads of head‐turning, “Moparized” Jeep® and Ram vehicles

to showcase at the 44th annual Moab Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah. “Our customized production vehicles show how Mopar can accessorize Jeep and Ram vehicles that

are on the road today while our image vehicles showcase directions we could take in the future,” said Pietro Gorlier, President and Chief Executive Officer, Mopar Service, Parts and Customer Care, Chrysler Group LLC. “We will gauge reaction to these vehicles. And as we develop our next generation of new Mopar parts and accessories, we will listen closely to this dedicated group of hard‐core off‐road enthusiasts.”

“Moparized” Vehicles

The Mopar design team is a small group of dedicated engineers, designers and fabricators who are led by Mark Allen, Chief Designer – Head of Jeep Design Studio, Chrysler Group LLC. The Mopar design team has been customizing production vehicles since 2002 and has introduced nearly 20 concept vehicles to enthusiast crowds at the Moab Jeep Safari.

The Mopar off‐road engineering team is led by Keith Montone, Manager, Mopar Jeep and Ram

Off‐road Engineering, Chrysler Group LLC. This experienced group of vehicle engineers is dedicated to providing Jeep and Ram customers with the best off‐road parts and accessories. The team has introduced many new parts and played a key role in developing the first aftermarket lift kits available from an automotive manufacturer.



“Moab is a proving ground for us to test our vehicles on extreme trails alongside our customers,” said Allen. “We will take all of the feedback we get from our customers right back to the design studio with us.”

Following are five “Moparized” image vehicles that [will be] shown in Moab:

Jeep Wrangler J7

Built off of a four‐door Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, the Jeep Wrangler J7 is designed to have the basic appeal of military‐issued vehicles. The Mopar team removed standard content including carpet, fog lamps, alloy wheels and the stereo system before adding front and rear steel bumpers, ‘helicopter hooks’, a heavy‐duty tailgate and steel wheels. Off‐road capability is increased with a Mopar 2‐inch suspension lift and 35‐inch Mickey Thompson tires. The unique Mustard Plug exterior paint is highlighted with Jeep Wrangler J7 graphics. Vehicle information: Engine: 3.8‐liter V6 Transmission: Four‐speed automatic Overall height: 74.3 inches Overall width: 78.6 inches Wheelbase: 116 inches Weight: 4,482 lbs. Tires: 35‐12.50R/17 M/T Baja Claw radial Jeep Patriot Extreme

The Mopar team started with a Sunburst Orange Jeep Patriot model equipped with the Trail‐Rated off‐road package and added a 2‐inch Rocky Road Outfitters suspension lift, TJ ‘Moab’ 16‐inch wheels, and BF Goodrich KM2 tires. Additional protection is added to the front and rear fascias with custom rock rails. Mopar added heavy‐duty slush mats, Kicker audio and a roof‐mounted snowboard carrier.

Vehicle information: Engine: 2.4‐liter DOHC 16‐valve VVT I‐4 Transmission: CVT2L with 19.1:1 first‐gear crawl ratio Overall height: 66.9 inches Overall width: 69.8 inches Wheelbase: 103.7 inches Weight: 3,332 lbs. Tires: 225‐75R/16 BF Goodrich KM2 Mud Terrain Jeep Wrangler Trail Boss

The Jeep Wrangler Trail Boss was built to showcase Mopar off‐road products in the brand’s trail catalog. The Trail Boss is a two‐door Jeep Wrangler Rubicon that is built for serious off‐road duty. The vehicle features a half‐door kit, sun bonnet, front and rear AEV off‐road bumpers, a Warn 9.5ti winch, rear‐tire carrier, AEV hood, 3‐inch lift kit, Hutchinson Rock Monster beadlock wheels, Katzkin leather seat trim kit, slush mats and a Kicker audio system.



Vehicle information: Engine: 3.8‐liter V6 Transmission: four‐speed automatic Overall height: 74.4 inches Overall width: 78.6 inches Wheelbase: 95.4 inches Weight: 4,350 pounds Tires: 35‐12.50R/17 M/T Baja Claw radial Jeep Nukizer 715

The Jeep Nukizer 715 is an all‐purpose truck that pays homage to the the beloved military‐only Kaiser M‐715 truck. With a military‐issue Jeep J8 four‐door, the Mopar team converted the vehicle into a pickup body style by adding an aftermarket AEV Brute pickup box built for a TJ. To increase the size of the vehicle, the wheelbase is stretched to 124 inches from 116 inches. Enforcing the brand’s iconic M‐715 is a new front clip produced in carbon fiber that re‐creates the characteristic forward slant of the M‐715 truck. To top it off, Bestop provided a unique soft top which artfully captures all of the quirks of the original.

Drivetrain upgrades include beefy Dynatrac Pro‐Rock Dana 44 front and Dana 60 rear axles filled

with 5:38 gears and ARB Airlocker differentials. Power is distributed by an Atlas II transfer case spinning custom driveshafts from Tom Woods. To keep the military look, tires are 38‐inch BF Goodrich Mud Terrains mounted on Hutchinson beadlock wheels.

The powerplant remains a J8‐specific 2.8‐liter turbo diesel I‐4 that has been treated to a re‐

programmed controller for more boost. Fuel is supplied from a custom Gen‐Right tank made specifically for this vehicle and mounts to the rear cross member.

For body protection, Mopar added Jeep Wrangler rock rails and off‐road bumpers. Other features

include a Warn 9.5XP low‐profile winch equipped with a Master Pull synthetic winch line, Warn air compressor, TeraFlex dual‐rate front sway bar and Garmin GPS Map 640 navigation unit.

Vehicle information: Engine: 2.8‐liter turbo diesel I‐4 Transmission: four‐speed automatic Overall height: 75.2 inches Overall width: 78.6 inches Wheelbase: 124 inches Weight: 4,500 pounds Tires: 38 x 14.50‐R17 BF Goodrich KM2



Ram PowerWagon

The mighty Ram Power Wagon is the full‐size pickup truck of choice in a range of off‐road situations. For Mopar’s Ram Powerwagon image vehicle, the team mated a unique 120‐inch wheelbase chassis to a regular cab and step‐side box. Axle articulation is greatly increased by utilizing the rear link‐coil suspension of the Ram 1500. To gain additional ground clearance, Mopar added a new 4‐inch suspension lift and 40‐inch tires. Body protection comes from Rock‐Slide Engineering‐supplied sill guards, and custom front and rear bumpers. The spare tire is re‐located to the cargo box. For visual impact, the team used a menacing two‐tone black‐on‐white look, inspired by the wild paint schemes of Power Wagons in the 1970s.

Engine: 5.7‐liter HEMI V8 Transmission: five‐speed automatic Overall height: 81.5 inches Overall width: 83.5 inches Wheelbase: 120 inches Weight: 6,500 pounds Tires: 40‐14.5R/17 BF Goodrich KM2 Mud Terrain Following are select “Moparized” production vehicles that [will be] shown in Moab: Mopar Ram Runner This is a new kind of Ram. Inspired by Baja‐style desert racing, this 4x4 is unlike any other in captivity. The rigors of off‐road racing require large tires, plenty of ground clearance, extreme durability and a sophisticated suspension system capable of withstanding tremendous impact. These features are combined into a package that is stable at speed and rock‐solid in the corners. To achieve this kind of handling, a low center of gravity and long wheel travel are paramount. The Mopar Ram Runner has the look and feel of thoroughbred desert racer. Inspired by trophy trucks, steel front fenders and rear bed‐sides are replaced with fiberglass, allowing tremendous suspension articulation with zero interference. Vehicle information: Prototype of full suspension that Mopar will offer later this year

35‐inch x 12.5‐inch x 17‐inch DOT‐approved General Grabber Competition tires Three‐inch diameter internal bypass Fox shocks provide front and rear motion control

6061 T6, billet aluminum upper A‐arms contain rebuild‐able, high‐angle ball joints that permit a massive 14 inches of wheel travel High‐angle CV joints are combined with plunging, splined axles made of 300 M tool steel and 1.00‐inch diameter high‐angle tie rods 4130 chromed moly steel lower control arms Variable‐rate coils support bed loads while special control arms provide 14 inches of wheel travel Custom tubular Baja bumper and aluminum skid plate combination that housed four high‐powered, LED off‐road lights A six‐point roll cage finalizes the package while a special tubular tire carrier keeps a spare handy in the bed while maximizing load space



Mopar ImMortal The Mopar ImMortal is a Jeep Wrangler featuring portal axles, a 5.7‐liter HEMI and off‐road bumpers. Military‐grade portal axle ends are engineered to mate to Mopar’s Pro Rock and Power Wagon performance axles and adapted to fit the suspension. Portal axle ends provide 5 inches of lift and contain a 1.5 gear reduction. Combined with the 4:1 transfer case, the result is a hard‐core 100:1 crawl ratio. The Mopar ImMortal is sheathed in Jeep performance body armor for intense protection. Prototype Mopar portal axle assemblies 42 x 14.5 x 17LT Goodyear MTR tires Mopar Jeep Wrangler 4:1 Rock Trac transfer case Mopar Jeep Wrangler 2‐inch lift kit Mopar Performance body armor Mopar AEV heat‐reduction hood Mopar half‐door kit Mopar sun bonnet Mopar Jeep Wrangler seat covers Paint – Viper Snakeskin Green Pearlcoat Tom Woods custom drive shafts AEV 5.7‐liter HEMI V‐8 conversion Off‐road front and rear bumpers

Hydraulic steering assist Katzkin leather seats

So What Does “Mopar” Stand For? Mopar’s Definition:

Mopar is Chrysler Group LLC’s service, parts and customer‐care brand.

Mopar distributes approximately 280,000 parts and accessories in more than 90 countries and is the source for all original‐equipment parts for Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Ram vehicles. Mopar parts are unique in that they are engineered with the same teams that create factory‐authorized vehicle specifications for Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Ram vehicles – a direct connection that no other aftermarket parts company can provide. A complete list of Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Ram vehicles is available at www.mopar.com.

When Chrysler bought Dodge in 1928, the need for a dedicated parts maker, supplier and distribution system to support the growing enterprise led to the formation of the Chrysler Motor Parts Corporation (CMPC) in 1929.

Mopar (a simple contraction of the words MOtor and PARts) was trademarked for a line of antifreeze products in 1937. It also was widely used as a moniker for the CMPC. The Mopar brand made its mark in the 1960’s – the muscle‐car era. The former Chrysler Corporation built race‐ready Dodge and Plymouth “package cars” equipped with special high‐performance parts. Mopar carried a line of “special parts” for super‐stock drag racers and developed its racing parts division, called Mopar Performance Parts, in order to enhance speed and handling for vehicles both on the road or at the track.


Jeep/Mopar —Out in Full Force! - 4WD Mechanix Brings Jeep Inno… · Cherokee or, similarly, a TJ...

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