Jeep Cherokee Chief - 1978
Black on Blue
In the build
This Jeep started off as a 1978 Jeep Cherokee Chief. After completely striping the body down to its bare metal, we decided to go black on blue with the paint. The beauty of this body is that the original vinyl decals were reversed onto a shablon and painted onto the body for durability and quality purpose.
Matching era and looks, we have a LEVIS denim and MOORE & GILES leather interior about to be installed.
The body sits on a VIGILANTE frame and will be completed with your choice of drivetrain, and wheels. Check out our options below and lets get going!
Price start at $295,000
This Jeep is currently in the buid. We are ready to complete it with your choice of drivetrain, and wheels. Check out our options below and lets get going!
Motorization
The objective of VIGILANTE is to offer engines that are much more performant than the original ones (the carburated 5.9 Liter 8 cylinder or inline 6 engines). The goal is to get as much reliability and power as the high-end Sport SUVs that are currently found in todays market .
392 SRT HEMI comes standard. Optional engine configurations with increaded power are available.
485 HP
MOPAR HEMI SRT-8
Naturally aspirated V8
392 c.i. Electronic Fuel Injection
Optional
707 HP
MOPAR HEMI HELLCAT
Supercharged V8
376 c.i. Electronic Fuel Injection
Optional
825 HP
PREFIX VIPER GEN-V
Naturally aspirated V10
550 c.i. Electronic Fuel Injection
Transmission
All that power – ranging from 485 HP to 1000 HP – is channeled through 6-speed manual or 4 speed automatic gearboxes that are designed and adapted to HEMI engines.
We recommend the 4 speed automatic for this build but other transmissions are available. Manual or automatic? You pick.
Optional
6-speed manual
Tremec TR-6060
6 speed manual transmission
HEMI compatible
4-wheel drive compatible
McLeod RXT hydraulic clutch
4-speed automatic
Bowler 4L80E
4-speed automatic transmission
HEMI compatible
4-wheel drive compatible
Compushift TCS
Axles
The axles are the last part of the kinetic chain, and we wanted axles in accordance with Jeep’s legacy for our VIGILANTE line. The obvious choice for us are the DANA 60 and DANA 44 type from Currie Enterprises: these new axles are the standard of reference in the axles’ market for both their sturdiness and their reliability.
Front Dana 44
Currie Enterprises Dana-44 front axle
3.71 or 4.11 gears
6-piston Baer disc brakes
Rear Dana 60
Currie Enterprises Dana-60 rear axle
3.71 or 4.11 gears
6 piston Baer disc brakes
Four-wheel drive
For the VIGILANTE line, we chose to maintain the four-wheel-drive mode of operation. That’s why, to best distribute the high power of the HEMI engine, we selected an Advance Adapters Atlas-II type of reinforced transfer case.
Atlas-II
2 manual speed
High Range 1:1
Low Range 1:3.45
Reinforced case
Helical gear transmission
Long travel suspension and powerful brakes.
EIBACH coils and adjustable FOX RACING 2.0 shock absorbers have replaced the original leaf springs suspension used on Full-Size Jeeps.
More acceleration requires more braking power. The drum/disc combination originally found on Grand Wagoneers was functional but completey outdated. That’s why we replaced it with four huge slotted/drilled/vented discs that can withstand high temperatures. The firm grip is provided by BAER 6-piston calipers. This combination is installed on all VIGILANTE Jeeps.
Fox Racing 2.0
Front & Rear Lift Coilovers
2.0" Smooth bore and honed seamless
Black-anodized,
CNC-machined 6061-T6 billet aluminum components
Baer 6 pistons
6 cross-bolts
Stainless steel pistons
Drilled/grooved/ventilated 14” brake disc
Flexible aviation
High-temperature resistance pads
Wheels.
We custom make our wheels for each line of vehicles. Not only does this allow for better braking; it also gives the Jeep a modern and robust look that better aligns with its performances.
Here are our prefered wheel options for the Cherokee. What fits your life?
Dog-dish 60s
18x9” steel, powder-coated
Vigilante slotted wheels
17x9" Vigilante signature wheels, designed and machined out of billet aluminum
Looking for something different?
Give us a call and reach out. We build to your colors and specifications yet to our standards.