The American Utility icon revisited and revitalized
VIGILANTE
Jeep J-Truck or Gladiator
A beast of burden for decades, the Gladiator, or Jeep J-Series Truck, starts from 485 HP to 825 HP.
Featuring cutting-edge, high-performance components, the Jeep J-Truck offers outstanding reliability, combining comfort and efficiency for both on-road and off-road journeys.
Conquer Every Terrain
Gone are the days of the beast of burden, now discover off-the-beaten-track landscapes at the wheel of this gladiator.
Dominate Any Terrain
Classic Style, Advanced Engineering
Built around a custom-engineered chassis designed to support the power of modern HEMI engines, the Jeep Gladiator redefines off-road performance with cutting-edge suspension systems and robust braking capabilities. Over two decades of JEEPHERITAGE experience have allowed us to thoroughly evaluate the original design's strengths and shortcomings. VIGILANTE’s objective is to maintain the essence of the Gladiator while modernizing it to fit today’s exacting standards. The result is a vehicle that blends timeless ruggedness with the latest in automotive technology, delivering a driving experience that’s both thrilling and reliable, whether on the highway or tackling the most demanding terrains.
Unleashing 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 825 HP).
Custom Suspension and Brakes
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
Engineered to handle up to 825 HP.
Completely Restored Jeeps.
At VIGILANTE, our restorations rival the quality of high-end brands like Ferrari, Porsche, and Bugatti. We deliver a near-new experience. Every Jeep undergoes a full disassembly, where we repair rust and damage, metalize the body, and galvanize the chassis to prevent future rust. The process is completed with a high-quality paint job, powder-coated chassis, and new mechanical components throughout.
“Our rule: as much as possible, each element is either replaced with New Old Stock or completely restored”
Motorization
At VIGILANTE, we focus on offering engines that far surpass the original carbureted 5.9-liter 8-cylinder or inline 6 engines in both performance and reliability. Our objective is to provide the same level of power and dependability as today’s top-tier sport SUVs.
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
With power ranging from a formidable 485 HP to a jaw-dropping 825 HP, this raw strength is transmitted through a choice of a 6-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic gearbox. Both gearboxes are specially designed and engineered to work flawlessly with HEMI engines, providing optimal power distribution and smooth gear shifts. The manual transmission gives you the freedom to harness every bit of power, while the automatic provides seamless shifting for effortless driving. Each system has been expertly adapted to enhance performance, reliability, and driving dynamics, whether you're on the open road or tackling tough terrain.
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
In the VIGILANTE line, we’ve chosen to keep the four-wheel-drive functionality to maintain the Gladiator's legendary off-road performance. To best handle the immense power of the HEMI engine, we’ve integrated the Advance Adapters Atlas-II reinforced transfer case. This high-strength transfer case ensures optimal power distribution, delivering both strength and precision for tackling any terrain with ease and reliability.
Atlas-II
2 manual speed
High Range 1:1
Low Range 1:3.45
Reinforced case
Helical gear transmission
Axles
The axles play a crucial role in the kinetic chain, and for the VIGILANTE line, we wanted axles that reflect Jeep’s storied legacy. That’s why we’ve chosen the DANA 60 and DANA 44 axles from Currie Enterprises. These top-tier axles are the benchmark in the industry, known for their rugged durability and unmatched reliability, making them the perfect fit to handle the Gladiator’s high power and performance demands.
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 powerful braking system.
Replacing the original leaf spring suspension found on Full-Size Jeeps, we've installed EIBACH coils and adjustable FOX RACING 2.0 shock absorbers for improved ride quality and off-road capability.
With more power comes the need for stronger braking. The original drum/disc combination used on J-Trucks was functional but outdated, so we upgraded to four large slotted, drilled, and vented discs capable of withstanding high temperatures. The BAER 6-piston calipers provide exceptional braking performance, offering firm control, and this setup is standard across 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.
Each set of wheels is custom-designed for our vehicles. This upgrade improves braking efficiency while giving the Gladiator a more modern, rugged look that matches its impressive performance.
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
Want something that makes a statement?
Contact us 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.