The Jeep
THE BASE
2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee WK2 3.6L 4x4
I know, you’re probably wondering why a Jeep? Well, let me tell you. Coming from a die hard Jap car fan, contemplating a US model vehicle, seemed out of character. Toyota’s were being priced out of my budget, Land Rover too, so what next? You always hear of Jeep, but I never really took much notice, until i started looking into them. Then I started seeing them EVERYWHERE. With such a strong offroad pedigree in the states, I thought, what the hell, lets give it a try. I drove straight to the Gold Coast Toyota Dealership, looked in their used car yard, and said “I wanna see that Jeep please” and the next was history.
I purchased this vehicle back in 2018, for its looks, price, comfort and capability. For its class and age, the Grand Cherokees capability was quite intriguing to say the least. So, as you do. you pick up the key fob and you test it out to make sure it can climb steep hills, and push through those wheel lifting wombat holes like it claims it can do.
And boy did she do it!
The following few months predominantly consisted of research for modifications to further enhance capability and protect the body. Below I will outline what options made the cut, and what is featured in its latest form.
Exterior
Offroad Animal Front Pre-Runner Bar
Offroad Animal Nudge Bar
Offroad Animal Rear Bar with Recovery Points
Offroad Animal Rock Sliders w/Side Steps
Offroad Animal Front Bash Plate
Custom Offroad Transmission Bash Plate
Custom Offroad Sump Bash Plate
Rhino Rack - Platform
TyreTrek Rear Wheel Carrier
Interior
Kakadu Canvas Seat Covers (Waterproof and Dustproof)
HD Rubber Floor Mats
XTM Rear Draw x 2
XTM Rear Draw w/ Fridge Slide
Suspension, Wheels and Tyres
The One! The Only! TOUGHDOG
41mm Foam Cell Shock Absorber
TD Heavy Duty Springs (40mm Lift)
OE Replacement Bump Stops and Upper Strut mounts
Tyres 275/65R18 Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac’s on OE 18 inch wheels
Accessories
Murchison Products Snorkel
ARB Spare Wheel Bag
GME XRS 5w UHF w/ 6.5 and 2.1 Antenna
GME 2w hand held UHF
105aH stand alone AGM battery and box
XTM 220w Folding Solar Blanket
XTM 45L Single Zone Fridge
Battery Jump Pack
ToolPro OBDII Scan Tool
XTM High Lift Jack
Maxtrax MKII Recovery Boards w/ Flat Mounts
Recovery Straps
Equalizer Strap
Soft and Hard Shackles
XTM 41” Lightbar
XTM 21” Lightbar
Rhino Rack Heavy Duty Awning Brackets
Rhino Rack Support Bracket (Used from the old 75 degree maxtrax mounts)
XTM Awning
My Thoughts
Since purchase, this vehicle has taken me to some beautiful destinations, and held up to the abuse I’ve thrown at it. Its capability over-all when tackling the extreme trails can lack, due to the ground clearance and the depth of some ruts and washouts you can find in the bush, but for the 98% of other driving conditions, I cant really fault it. The Quadra-Trac II 4WD system and Selec-Terrain System is probably to thank for that.
Fuel economy I average 14-15 around town, 11 Lp/100km.
Everyday driving is great with the interior features and comfort, great sound system, great aircon, heated seats. I love it.
You’re probably wondering how reliable the Grand Cherokee WK2 has been? Well, I have had some dealings with issues that I would refer to as “Jeep Issues”, ie the failing rocker arms for example.
As I write this, the Jeep is just about to tick over 260,000kms and be in receipt of some well deserved maintenance.
Would I own another Jeep. Yes.
The Offroad additions
Reviews to follow ;) or message the page if you have burning questions.