Lifted Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk WK2 Overland Off Road Build on 33s

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a well-rounded SUV, a true crossover that can do whatever you need it to do. A well-equipped Cherokee shows excellent off-road capabilities and can provide the right amount of luxury and comfort on city streets and highways. Even though the fourth generation of this model was introduced almost a decade ago, it still looks modern and packs all the latest comfort and safety features, which can explain the rise of its popularity.

Most of the Cherokees we see on our streets rarely leave paved roads essentially wasting their great 4×4 potential. David, the owner of this 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee wasn’t going to make the same mistake. He chose the Trailhawk trim level knowing that this rig is capable of tackling the most challenging off road trails and mud pits, and when it is time to head home, it will offer a smooth ride on the highway. The only Cherokee drawback that we could see, the lack of cargo space, is easy to solve with a roof rack.

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Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk WK2 Off Road Build Specs

Engine

• 3.6L Pentastar V6 with K&N Air Filter

Lift height and suspension

• AirLinks for Quadralift – Leveling height (+1″ to front)

Wheels

• Rims: Black Rhino Trabuco 18×8″ ET+30mm
• Tires: Falken AT3W 275/70r18 (33″x11″)

Exterior mods
Armor:

• Chief Products transmission skid
• Chief Products Sump plate
• Chief Products Lower front guard
• Chief Products Trek 11 rock rails

Roof Rack:

• Gobi Ranger Rack with sunroof cutout/insert
• Gobi Axe/Shovel Mount
• Front Runner 2M Awning
• Front Runner Rooftop Tent

Exterior Lighting:

• KC HiLites Gravity Pro 6 LED Pairs – 2 Spot and 2 Driving Beam Patterns
• 2x 3600lm, 36w LED bars on left right and rear of rack
• Removable amber covers on rear lights

Spare Tire:

• Wilco Offroad Solo Hi Clearance tire swing out
• Front Runner Drop down table

Interior
Electrical:

• Custom 100ah Dual Battery Mount in Rear Wheel Well Storage
• Auxiliary Port, fuse block and relays in Rear
• 8 switch panel

Interior Organization:

• Molle Seatback Panel
• Custom Rear Drawer Module (2x stacked drawers, 1x fridge slide)
• Molle Platform Solutions rear window panels
• Viair onboard air compressor

“Even though we all have incredibly different backgrounds we all enjoy getting out in nature to enjoy the beauty of this world.”

Interview With The Owner

How did you become interested in off-roading?

We’re not hardcore “off-roaders” but definitely love getting off the beaten path to get to the remote camp sites. We’re into hiking and being out in the wilderness under the stars so this became a project that helped us get to those locations. As we got into it, we started meeting more like-minded people which has been great. Even though we all have incredibly different backgrounds we all enjoy getting out in nature to enjoy the beauty of this world.

Why did you choose a WK2 for your project?

I was looking for an SUV that was maneuverable and comfortable to drive on the highway since we do a lot of highway miles. The Jeep feels nimble and easy to turn. I had the chance to test drive the Jeep as a rental and we took it on several road trips. Its drivability, comfort, and features for the price point were great. Comparably, some of the Toyotas did not have the same creature comforts as this one did (or were more expensive for the same features).

What inspired you to choose overland off-road build style?

“- Jurassic Park! I loved the classic safari style lights.”

I’ve been trying to keep it modular, simple, and as lightweight as possible. At the same time, I needed it to be capable of getting us out and back. Aesthetically, it’s different working with the newer crossover-style vehicles because they have more curved and aerodynamic body lines. In my opinion, it’s harder to make a full-sized bull bar look good on one of these. It’s easier on the boxier cars. The most important mods are the ones you don’t see on the outside of the vehicle at all (skids, interior storage).

“The most important mods are the ones you don’t see on the outside of the vehicle at all”

What challenges did you face while putting it together?

There is relatively limited aftermarket support for the WK2 platform. A lot of the interior modifications I have done are custom (electrical, drawer build, organization etc.) The exterior modifications are limited and somewhat pricey. However, while building custom modifications, I was able to be more cost-conscious and build everything around exactly what we needed for our trips.

What do you love about your lifted WK2?

I’m a huge fan of the colors. Black and red on white is my favorite color combination. It’s a good size for two people, and is very comfortable to drive all the highway miles.

Is it your daily or a weekend ride?

It’s for both! I don’t do too many city miles during the week but need it to be entirely drivable on the road for this purpose. Hours and hours on the highway are another reason I need to maintain its drivability.

Do you take it off-road? If so, where and how often?

All the time! Out in the sierras mostly just due to location, but we have been as far as Washington and as far south as the Baja peninsula. We’ve traveled to Moab, Arizona, New Mexico, Oregon, Wyoming, and Nevada as well. Hoping to make more trips out later this year. Last year we were out camping for 63 nights.

See Also

Lifted 1st gen Land Rover Defender 90 Off Road Build on 33″ Tires

“Last year we were out camping for 63 nights.”

What are your future plans for this vehicle?

Looking to add on a winch and front/rear bumpers eventually (might also be looking to switch roof racks). Otherwise, keeping the experience light and simple so we can maintain its factory reliability.

Watch the progress and find out more about this Lifted Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk on 33s by visiting the Instagram profile of the owner @venturethe395 

Related Parts & Off-Road Mods for WK2 Grand Cherokee

– Inspired by this Jeep Grand Cherokee build and looking to prepare your own SUV for off-road adventures? Some parts used in this build were sourced from custom shops or custom made, but our team has put together a list of similar products and accessories available online that may help you to achieve similar results:

Lift Kits for non air-suspension models (up to 33″ tires)

• Rough Country 2.5″ Spacer Lift Kit 60300– For 2011-2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee WK2. Run up to 33″ tires (minor trimming may be required)
• Rough Country 2.5 Lift Kit w/N3 Struts 91130– For 11-15 Jeep Grand Cherokee WK2. Manufacturer recommends max 33×11.50R20 with 5.75in backspacing
• Rough Country 2.5 Lift Kit w/N3 Struts 91430– For 16-22 Jeep Grand Cherokee WK2. Manufacturer recommends max 33×11.50R20 with 5.75in backspacing

Wheels

• Black Rhino Trabuco Rims– Just make sure to choose the proper size
• Falken Wildpeak AT3W– 275/70/18

Roof Rack

• YAKIMA LoadWarrior – Rooftop Cargo Basket

Roof Top Tent

• Front Runner Roof Top Tent – Lightweight & Low-Profile

Awning

• Rhino-Rack Sunseeker Awning – 6.6ft 2.0m available in various sizes

LED Lights

• KC HiLiTES Gravit Pro6 – Single Spot Beam with Wiring Harness and Illuminated LED Light Switch

Hitch

• CURT 13182 Class 3 Trailer Hitch, 2-Inch Receiver – Fits Select Jeep Grand Cherokee WK2

*Before ordering any part or accessory, it is recommended that you verify its fitment with a qualified professional and/or seller. We are not responsible for fitment or other issues that may arise from using the products featured on our website.

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