Skunkworks Grand Canyon WK

[Scott Brady]

http://www.expeditionportal.com/images/stories/vehicle_articles/grand_canyon/grand_canyon%202.jpg

While at the Easter Jeep Safari, I had the opportunity to drive and test the "Grand Canyon" Skunkworks WK Grand Cherokee on a few trails, including Kane Creek and Fins and Things. Honestly, the WK had never even raised an eyebrow for me before this test, and it was impressive to see the performance of the platform with a few sensible modifications. I even found myself searching Autotrader for used 3.0 CRD models - just for a moment. . .

FULL ARTICLE HERE: (http://www.expeditionportal.com/editorials/37-vehicles/141-grand-canyon-mopar-underground-wk-project-vehicle.html)

http://www.expeditionportal.com/images/stories/vehicle_articles/grand_canyon/grand_canyon%2032.jpg

[Scott Brady]

I would be curious if anyone else on ExPo has a WK with the Superlift suspension fitted. Anyone? Thoughts and impressions?

[modelbuilder]

I have a WK with a budget boost (half of the superlift) and the V8. I have driven a superlifted WK as well. I love it. It will def. be my next rig when I trade up in a few years.

Here is a similar super lifted WK in action...Quadra Drive II in action...pretty much fully automatic lockers.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DlaHUN8j_dM

Here is my WK on a trail run a few months ago...

http://nwoods.smugmug.com/Jeep-Adventures/Trail-Runs/expo-nightmaregulch-2010/Nightmare-2010-06/772910799_x5pAm-L.jpg

http://nwoods.smugmug.com/Jeep-Adventures/Trail-Runs/expo-nightmaregulch-2010/Nightmare-2010-07/772911451_vxBDu-L.jpg

http://nwoods.smugmug.com/Jeep-Adventures/Trail-Runs/expo-nightmaregulch-2010/Nightmare-2010-12/772914817_ywoLE-L.jpg

From my blog....

http://thedesertfiles.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/dscf2680.jpg

http://thedesertfiles.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/dscf2676.jpg

http://thedesertfiles.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/dscf2684.jpg

[getlost4x4]

i have not driven the superlift kit.

i have used a budget kit and it was alright.

i upgraded to the OME kit and it was awesome. it rode very well and was much better off road. i actually got about 3 inches of lift with my OEM kit. the spring rates are perfect for off-road and on.

[Scott Brady]

Great image
http://thedesertfiles.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/dscf2680.jpg

[modelbuilder]

Great image


Thanks!

Put it on the front page? =)



.

[KSJeep]

I'm running a 05 WK and it's a really great platform even with just the 2" lift and larger tires. I could only imagine the Superlift would be that much better.
http://inlinethumb29.webshots.com/46044/2525787040054084051S600x600Q85.jpg

[zigsrig]

Scott,
I just went up from the 2.25" puck style lift to the Superlift on my Grand. It is perfect IMO.

If you want some more info on CRD Grands, and learn some more about outfitting one, Talk to Russ at 4xGuard.

Here is his CRD Grand from EJS:

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h48/zigsrig/EJS2010/IMG_9106.jpg

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h48/zigsrig/EJS2010/IMG_9105.jpg

He makes the armor of choice for grand cherokee's (Its what they used on the skunkworks Jeep).

Gobi now makes a rack for it (here is mine before the superlift):

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h48/zigsrig/EJS2010/DAH_5115.jpg

A very cool and capable rig to outfit!

[BIGdaddy]

very cool. I like the WK with a few choice bits and pieces. I drove one for about a week while up in Napa for a wedding. Very nice rig to blast around town in, and very comfy on the highway.

We were running late to the wedding and as such I had to rally the Grand on a few gravel roads. Got a thumbs up from me!

-B

[Ryanmb21]

Very cool article and photos! This would make an interesting comparison with a late model 4runner with similar mods and size tires. Vehicle looks great with those mods. Scott, how would compare the the superlift suspension on the Jeep to a 4runner with OME?

[Scott Brady]

I did spend some time talking with Russ' wife at EJS. They had done a nice job on many of the products.

I liked this front skid in particular. Powdercoat it black - done.
http://www.expeditionportal.com/vehicle_testing/Grand_Canyon/4XGuard_1.jpg

The front bumper on the other hand - not a fan, design wise.
http://www.expeditionportal.com/vehicle_testing/Grand_Canyon/4XGuard_2.jpg

Rear tow hook/slider was bomber.
http://www.expeditionportal.com/vehicle_testing/Grand_Canyon/4XGuard_3.jpg

http://www.expeditionportal.com/vehicle_testing/Grand_Canyon/4XGuard_4.jpg

Just powdercoat that rear skid too.
http://www.expeditionportal.com/vehicle_testing/Grand_Canyon/4XGuard_6.jpg

[realdeal]

http://thedesertfiles.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/dscf2684.jpg

Freaking awesome...

[modelbuilder]

That was a fun day =)

[haven]

I'm happy to see a project like the Grand Canyon get thumbs up from forum members. :victory:

There's a place in ExPo for vehicles capable of moderate off-road escapades, and that still can serve as daily drivers. Not all of us want to roll to the supermarket in a vehicle that looks like a Rally-Raid competition truck.

In this spirit, I think I'd equip the Grand Canyon with A/T tires.

Here's an example of the diesel Grand Cherokee Scott was thinking about (no doubt he was thinking "ExPo White")
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=280452737
2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited
3.0L diesel engine, 5 speed automatic trans, 4x4
red exterior, grey leather interior
20K miles, $25,000
This vehicle cost about $45K new.

The Grand Cherokee diesel had a 36 month, 36,000 mile warranty. So it might make sense to look for a low mileage 2008 model like this one

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=p&car_id=280232228
2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited
3.0L diesel engine, 5 speed auto trans, 4x4
light grey exterior, grey leather interior
16,200 miles, $31,900

[modelbuilder]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DlaHUN8j_dM

Not Moderate!!!


.

[Scott Brady]

This would make an interesting comparison with a late model 4runner with similar mods and size tires. Vehicle looks great with those mods. Scott, how would compare the the superlift suspension on the Jeep to a 4runner with OME?

That would be in interesting comparison. I have spent a lot of time in similarly equipped 4Runners and then this Mopar WK. As an interesting opinion, I actually like the WK more than any other Grand before it, even with the shift to IFS. This truck has a level of refinement and quality the previous Grands never had.

The 4Runner is a more stable platform overall on the trail, but the Quadra-Drive is in another class. The A-Track in the 4Runner is much slower to respond and more intrusive, inducing unnecessary tire spin and under/oversteer on loose obstacles. Of course the WK uses electronic control of the diffs, which is a superior solution to brake traction control. It also has the side benefit of not reducing overall available torque. Traction control operated by the brakes must stop (or try to stop) a spinning wheel by slowing it down and causing some torque to be moved to the non-turning side. In pure trail performance, I would have to give the nod to the WK, but the 4Runner doesn't give up the fight that easy. . .

The 4Runner can be fitted with ARB lockers and also has considerably more interior room and better aftermarket support.

The Overland WK is worth a look. I had never paid attention to it before, but it has my respect now.

2009 for sale (http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=280206652&dealer_id=55734947&car_year=2009&rdm=1275611727017&lastStartYear=1981&model=JEEPGRAND&num_records=25&systime=&make2=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&start_year=2009&keywordsfyc=__b3ZlcmxhbmQ%2C__&keywordsrep=111118101114108097110100&engine=8%20Cylinder&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&awsp=false&search_type=both&distance=500&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&sownerid=83093&showZipError=n&make=JEEP&keywords_display=overland&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&drive=4%20wheel%20drive&default_sort=priceDESC&seller_type=b&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceDESC&address=86301&advanced=y&end_year=2011&doors=&transmission=&max_price=&cardist=529&standard=false) ;)

[FlexdXJ]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DlaHUN8j_dM

Not Moderate!!!


.

Does his wife know he did that with her Jeep? :D Thats making me want a WK now.

[modelbuilder]

I love my WK...not nearly as built out as that one but it's really comfortable out there in the desert.

[winkosmosis]

Great image
http://thedesertfiles.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/dscf2680.jpg


I like yours better modelbuilder... Because it doesn't have the subframe drop

[Ryanmb21]

That would be in interesting comparison. ...[snip]... I had never paid attention to it before, but it has my respect now.

2009 for sale (http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=280206652&dealer_id=55734947&car_year=2009&rdm=1275611727017&lastStartYear=1981&model=JEEPGRAND&num_records=25&systime=&make2=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&start_year=2009&keywordsfyc=__b3ZlcmxhbmQ%2C__&keywordsrep=111118101114108097110100&engine=8%20Cylinder&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&awsp=false&search_type=both&distance=500&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&sownerid=83093&showZipError=n&make=JEEP&keywords_display=overland&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&drive=4%20wheel%20drive&default_sort=priceDESC&seller_type=b&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceDESC&address=86301&advanced=y&end_year=2011&doors=&transmission=&max_price=&cardist=529&standard=false) ;)

Thanks for the good response, very interesting. I am not at all considering a change but was curious. Great article over your blog as well.

cheers!

[JeepinJon]

About three years ago I test drove an AEV converted Commander with the Superlift and 35" tires. That thing could drive over pretty much anything, and drove very well. Also it was a bit bigger than the WK, but I know that my wife would like the WK since our Wj was her favorite Jeep we have ever owned.

[mountainsoul]

Always had a soft spot for the WK. I like the integrated ARB front end on the Canyon version.

[alexfm]

I think if i were to get one, I'd grab a wrecked 4x4 model, and a brand-spankin' new SRT8, and swap all the 4x4 stuff and a superlift onto the SRT8. :) 400+HP sounds good to me. :)

[john101477]

My parents had an SRT8 jeep and it was tight. All wheel drive but the suspension they used is more in tune with a Mercedes than a Jeep. one major problem and the reason it got sold was the cost of tires for it was a little crazy. Plus you have to use one makers tires or the tires will blow out - Not kidding here it was scary to have both fronts blow at the same time.

[oz97tj]

I loved my WK. It actually gave some locked TJs some issues a couple times. I'm sure it was more to do with the wheelbase than anything else, but my WK did some amazing things considering it wasn't lifted. On the other hand, I'd do something cool and then get hung up on something simple do to lack of clearance. I would imagine with a lift and larger tires it would be amazing.

Then again, I got rid of it for another wrangler because I missed the convertable. I need a better job so I can have both a WK and my JK.