RETROFIT
If a person didn't know any better, they might assume that this Hemi Wrangler is a factory production vehicle; the swap and AEV retrofit were crafted that cleanly. This is an absolutely beautiful rig. The engine fits a little snug, but nobody would be the wiser. Keeping the factory components and wiring in place prevents the Jeep from being hacked up. The top for this TJ was custom-made of Dodge Viper soft-top cloth from Haartz and built by Bestop. The interior features custom Recaro seats stitched with AEV leather by HG Helman Inc. in Missoula, Montana. A Mopar Navigation Radio (RB1) unit was installed in the dash, and the tub of the Jeep was fit with sound insulation under the carpet. A custom AEV steel heat-reduction hood replaced the factory unit, and once that was done, the TJ was painted with Imola Orange paint.
The Tentrax trailer that's towed behind the Hemi Wrangler has been custom-built to match the Jeep and features the same custom paint and wheels. This tough little trailer is perfect for any adventure and looks great behind AEV's Wrangler.
SUMMATION
For the little 4,550-pound Wrangler, the Hemi conversion certainly gives it some get up and go. Taking a ride in this Jeep is amazing: Its agility, comfort, and power make you think you're riding in a factory performance vehicle. The Hemi engine conversion and complete retrofits are available through American Expedition Vehicles, based in Missoula, Montana.
SPECS
| Year/make/model: | '04 Jeep Wrangler |
| Owner/hometown: | American Expedition Vehicles (AEV)/Missoula, Montana |
| Engine: | 5.7L Dodge Hemi |
| Induction: | Sequential multiport injection |
| Transmission: | 545RFE double-overdrive five-speed |
| Transfer case: | NVG 242 Selectrac |
| Frontend: | Dana 44 |
| Rearend: | RockCrusher Dana 60 |
| Suspension: | Rubicon Express Extreme Duty long-arm suspension system |
| Ring-and-pinion: | 4:46 by Precision Gear |
| Tires/wheels: | Goodyear 315/75R16 M/TRs/AEV 16x8-inch chrome wheels |