2009 SEMA Auto Show: Mopar Jeep Lower Forty
Published Oct 19, 2009
LAS VEGAS — You'll no doubt be able to plow up some ground in the Mopar Jeep Lower Forty. But Chrysler didn't stop at the 20-inch Mopar forged aluminum wheels and giant-size 40-by-13.5-inch tires.
To boost ground clearance on the two-door Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, Chrysler flared the fenders and opened up the wheel wells to accommodate the 40-inch rubber. It also chopped the windshield frame by 3 inches and raked it 10 degrees, then added a one-piece domed carbon-fiber hood, a drop-down tailgate, a cargo rack and a custom-made Bestop bikini top shrouding the integrated roll cage.
Power is supplied by a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 equipped with an AEV conversion kit and mated to a Getrag 238 six-speed manual gearbox. The Dana 44 front axle and Dana 60 rear axle are fitted with ARB air lockers and 5.38 gearing. Revalved Bilstein shocks provide additional cushioning.
Passengers are treated to Katzkin two-tone leather-covered seats, along with a color-matched center console and instrument panel. The carpet has been replaced with a spray-in truck bedliner topped with Mopar floor mats.
Inside Line says: More powerful than a team of oxen — and just a little bit better-looking. — Paul Lienert, Correspondent