Vehicle Description
It looks like it took a lifetime just to get all the upgrades and
enhancements into this 1997 Jeep Wrangler. But in fact, the full
upgrade - including the fuel-injected Vortec V8 - was only started
around 2019, and we have the thousands $$$$$ in receipts to show
the full investment. It makes for an impressive custom that's
perfect when you want to get serious about having a 4x4 built for
fun.
This is how an off-roader should look. After all, Wranglers were
built to be serious machines, and so this one has had some serious
hardware attached. It starts up front with the steel bumper with an
integrated brush guard. It's a beefy piece that can hold the
Smittybilt XRC 9500 winch, and at the same time, it allows for
better clearance for the wheels. And you can see enough LED lights
up front to turn night into day. The hood usually doesn't see much
investment on most 4x4s, but this has limb risers, a louvered
panel, and an off-road jack. The sides are reinforced with rock
slider step bars and diamond plate trim. Plus, the Bushwacker
plastic fenders give the upgraded suspension and tire package
plenty of added clearance. In the rear there are tow hooks, a
trailer hitch, LEDs, and a full-size spare on a swing-away mount.
It's the kind of total package that looks like it could move
mountains, but the overall appearance looks like it was only on
light pleasure duty. So while this is capable, it also remains
quite handsome.
The interior continues with the right upgrades for a capable yet
stylish machine. For example, the upholstery is a two-tone red and
gray to bridge the gap between the interior and exterior colors.
They are done in durable vinyl to make sure it's easy to have this
open to the world. And features like a CB radio and an on-demand
rear camera are nice for the trail. As much as this is an off-road
machine, there also is a practical side. The reason why you invest
so heavily into a more modern Jeep is that you also get useful
features built right into it. The well-fitting full roof, tilt
steering column, cup holders, and a full stereo upgraded to an
AM/FM/CD unit with Bluetooth. This is even a factory A/C vehicle
(it will need a new compressor.) This generation Wrangler also has
better safety with shoulder seatbelts for both rows, dual airbags,
and a comprehensive roll cage. The locking center console also
means added security. And the upgrade to the glowing red gauges is
a cool way to match the other red accents, and it also hints at
this Jeep's more aggressive nature.
The LS/Vortec line of motors is the choice for those who want
modern power with classic Chevy small block style robustness. So
it's nice to see the fuel-injected 5.3-liter V8 upgrade under the
hood done with care. We have a receipt for over $21k documenting
the install in 2019 that includes everything, including
reprogramming the ECM for Wrangler 4x4 duty. And you'll spot good
supporting components like a newer oil pump, newer injectors, an
aluminum radiator with electric fan, and separate oil and trans
cooling units. This added power works nicely with the upgraded
off-road components like the lifted suspension, extended sway bar
connection rods with quick disconnects, upgraded suspension arms,
Bilstein shocks, and Cooper Discoverer STT Pro tires. But the
receipts also document the full comprehensive build, and you can
see that this was built to feel steady on the road, too. A large
steering stabilizer, a newer power steering box, four-wheel power
disc brakes, and a four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive
makes it feel quite capable on the road, too.
The sale comes complete with the receipt file, service manuals, and
the owner's manual. It's all about delivering a capable and
upgraded Jeep that also is easy to take for a summer night ice
cream run. So if you like a thoughtfully rugged V8 4x4, call
today!
