The American sports icon revisited and revitalized
VIGILANTE
Jeep Cherokee Chief
The most racy Jeep classic on the market is the Jeep Cherokee Chief, from 485 HP to 825 HP.
Equipped with advanced, high-performance components, the Jeep Cherokee offers exceptional reliability, providing a perfect combination of comfort and efficiency for both on-road and off-road excursions.
Unleashing Adventure
Embark on thrilling escapades
Master Every Journey
Timeless Design, Modern Innovation
Crafted with a custom-built chassis designed specifically to handle the immense power of modern HEMI engines, the Jeep Cherokee offers an elevated driving experience with advanced suspension and true braking capabilities. Drawing from over 20 years of JEEPHERITAGE expertise, we’ve carefully analyzed the strengths and weaknesses of the original designs. The goal of VIGILANTE is clear: preserve the best qualities of the Cherokee while updating its systems to meet today’s performance standards, providing a perfect balance of innovation and legacy. With this new generation, the Cherokee not only honors its past but is ready to tackle the challenges of today’s roads and trails with confidence.
A Beast from 485 HP to 825 HP with a 6-Speed Gearbox
The engines found in our VIGILANTE vehicles are the same as those found in today’s JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE SRT and TRACKHAWK.
Motorization revisited with 3 HEMI engines to choose from (from 485 HP to 1000 HP).
Sport Suspension and Braking
EIBACH coil springs and manually adjustable FOX RACING 2.0 shock absorbers have replaced the original leaf springs suspensions used on Full-Size Jeeps.
The firm grip is provided by BAER 6-piston calipers.
A sporty chassis
Custom-built to handle up to 825 HP.
Fully Restored Jeeps.
At VIGILANTE, our restorations match the quality found in luxury brands like Ferrari, Porsche, and Bugatti. We bring your Jeep as close to brand new as possible. The process involves a complete disassembly, where the body is stripped, repaired, and metalized, while the chassis is galvanized to prevent rust. The final touches include a flawless paint job and powder-coated chassis, with every mechanical component replaced with new parts.
“Our rule: as much as possible, each element is either replaced with New Old Stock or completely restored”
Motorization
VIGILANTE’s goal is to deliver engines far more powerful and reliable than the original carbureted 5.9-liter 8-cylinder or inline 6 engines. Our aim is to match the performance and reliability of today’s high-end sport SUVs, providing exceptional power for every adventure.
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 of this impressive power, ranging from 485 HP to an incredible 825 HP, is carefully managed through either a 6-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic gearbox. Both gearboxes are specifically designed and fine-tuned to work seamlessly with HEMI engines, ensuring smooth performance and precise control. Whether you prefer the hands-on experience of the manual transmission or the ease of the automatic, the system is built to maximize power delivery, handling, and overall driving experience.
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
Four-wheel drive
For the VIGILANTE line, we’ve made the strategic decision to retain the four-wheel-drive mode of operation to ensure superior handling and off-road capability. To effectively manage the immense power of the HEMI engine, we’ve selected the Advance Adapters Atlas-II reinforced transfer case. This robust transfer case is specifically designed to distribute power efficiently, providing a smooth and responsive drive, whether on rugged trails or smooth highways.
Atlas-II
2 manual speed
High Range 1:1
Low Range 1:3.45
Reinforced case
Helical gear transmission
Axles
The axles are the final link in the kinetic chain, and for the VIGILANTE line, we wanted to stay true to Jeep’s legacy. Our choice was clear: the DANA 60 and DANA 44 axles from Currie Enterprises. These new axles are widely regarded as the industry standard, known for their exceptional strength and reliability, ensuring the Cherokee is ready to handle whatever challenges come its way, both on and off the road.
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
Long-travel suspension and high-performance brakes.
The original leaf spring suspension on Full-Size Jeeps has been replaced with EIBACH coils and adjustable FOX RACING 2.0 shock absorbers for superior handling and comfort.
Increased acceleration demands enhanced braking power. The original drum/disc system found on J-Trucks was functional but outdated. To address this, we've upgraded to four massive slotted, drilled, and vented discs that can handle extreme temperatures. The braking power is provided by BAER 6-piston calipers, ensuring a firm grip and responsive braking, now standard 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-build our wheels for each vehicle line. This not only enhances braking performance but also gives the Cherokee a more modern and robust appearance, perfectly complementing its high-performance capabilities.
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
Price start at $295,000
Looking for something extraordinary?
Get in touch and give us a call.
Our inventory
At Vigilante, we have a passion for breathing new life into classic Jeep vehicles.
Our dedicated team of enthusiasts meticulously restores each Jeep, bringing back the timeless charm and rugged elegance that these vehicles are known for.
In progress
Jeep builds in progress
We have an abundant inventory of Jeep Wagoneers, Grand Wagoneers, Cherokees and Trucks in the starting blocks. These donors are ready to be customized to your desired specifications.
Available vehicles
We have a small inventory of vehicles that were traded in for new Vigilante builds. These vehicles were classically restored to the highest standards by our sister company, JeepHeritage. If you are looking for a unique and incredibly restored Jeep and want to avoid the current 24 months restoration process, this could be an ideal scenario.
Immediately Available
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VIGILANTE Jeep Grand Wagoneer 1988
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VIGILANTE Jeep Cherokee S 1975
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JEEP Cherokee Golden Hawk 1980
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JEEP J10 Honcho 1981
Want to know more about the VIGILANTE Cheroke Chief ?
Make an appointment to come and visit our shop so we can share with you the passion that drives us. We’ll show you the projects we have ongoing, and can discuss your new build.