1998 Jeep Wrangler

Description

Hard to see why the factory didn't build them like this 1998 Jeep Wrangler, which offers a transplanted 5.7 liter Hemi V8 for motivation. It also has a full complement of off-road-ready hardware, an awesome paint job, and enough performance on and off road to make it your favorite vehicle to drive under any circumstances.

The Jeep guys came back to their roots and put round headlights back on the famous Wrangler, which was a step in the right direction. Bright colors like the Chili Pepper Red on this off-roader also make a big impact, and the workmanship that went into the build is impressive, not only mechanically but cosmetically. It's got that traditional tough Jeep look but the paint is so glossy and deep that you have to wonder if it's ever been tested off road. The usual upgrades like fender flares, running boards, and a big spare tire carrier on the back certainly make it more apt to go into the dirt, and they do give onlookers ample warning with the "HEMI Magnum" decals on either side of the modernized 2005 hood. Painted steel doors are included with the package, but given how much fun it is to run around with the bare minimum, you may only need them in truly inclement weather.

The gray interior is fairly original, including durable high-back bucket seats that are comfortable like cloth but low-maintenance like vinyl, a great combination for a vehicle that will be playing in the dirt. Carpets help add a sense of civility and also control noise and heat inside, and the Wrangler has evolved to provide plenty of creature comforts along the way. You'll note an airbag-equipped leather-wrapped steering wheel, a tilt column, and a full complement of gauges for the driver. They stuffed a newer AM/FM/CD stereo head unit in the dash, but that's the only really visible modification inside, which is a testament to the quality of the work. With the removable hardtop in place, it's actually pretty civilized inside, with good weather protection and relative quiet highway cruising, although there isn't much you can do to disguise the engine note of that HEMI engine.

Speaking of the engine, it's a full powertrain lifted from 2005 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup and it fits so neatly in the Wrangler's engine bay that you have to wonder why the factory didn't do it that way themselves. The conversion looks quite OEM, complete with a factory accessory drive and wiring to make it reliable. Turn the key and it starts like it's still in the Ram and with a big aluminum radiator and custom intake system, it happily runs like an OEM build. All the hardware is there for the A/C system if you'd like to hook it up, and service access is still very good despite the added cubic inches under the hood. The 545RFE 5-speed automatic is hooked to an NP231HD transfer case and rebuilt axles, so no fears about plunging into the brush with this 4x4. Dual exhaust gives it a fantastic V8 sound and a 4-inch lift means there's not much that can slow it down, particularly with the quick-disconnects on the front sway bar. Shiny Mickey Thompson bead-lock wheels are fitted with giant 33x12.50-15 off-road tires that complete the package.

An awesome build that surely cost more than the asking price to complete. There are a lot of Jeeps, but there's something special about having eight cylinders to make your climb that much more fun. Call today!