1JP's 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The Hobby

About this Current Vehicle:

It is a 1995 ZJ that has been stripped of all its street requirements. I bought this from Clayton, of Clayton Off Road Manufacturing. http://www.claytonoffroad.com
The suspension under the ZJ was the prototype to what he manufactures to date. Specializing in solid axle Jeep suspensions.

As you can see all the glass and extra sheet metal no longer exists. Since the diet it weighs in at a curb weight of 3080.

I started wheeling with my brother in 1986, after he purchased a brand new 1986 Toyota pickup. He began some mods and took me along. I was INSTANTLY hooked. At the time I was driving a 1973 olive drab Saab 99LE, my first vehicle.

In 1987 when I graduated, my parents would buy me a new vehicle, but I was to register and insure it. Sweet deal, man I have great parents! So, I asked for a Toyota 4x4. Through comments I made in front of my Dad about my brother’s cautiousness in certain situations when wheeling, he flat out said, “I’m not spending money on a vehicle that will be used more off the road than on!” Well, that idea fell faster than a tree in a hurricane. I settled on a 2wd Mazda B2000 pickup. Poor Mazda, it had a hard life. It is unbelievable how well your parents really do know you. I kept on wheeling with my brother and as I aged, the desire to wheel never left. Went with friends that had them, everything.

Around 1989 I bought a 1978 Dodge W-series pickup, cheap. Found the frame to be a big issue and sold it. 1991 I sold the Mazda and replaced it with 1985 Dodge Ram Charger. 1992 I decided I needed more power and began the engine swap for a 340 that was all done up for a Dart. The kid that had it in the Dart, all built, decided that wasn’t enough for him and wanted a 440. So, I needed another vehicle to get me around the next few weeks.

A friend’s brother had a 1987 Suzuki Samurai sitting in the driveway for a few years, I asked about it and bought it for $200.00 After screwing around with that of-road, I was back. I eventually sold the Ram Charger (boy that thing flew once you got it up at high rpms right til’ float that thing would just pull...great highway sleeper)

I bought more Zuks and acquired more of them than I can remember. I eventually picked up a sweet one in mint condition, modified the crap out of it and had the most fun with it. I still have it. But, that is what got me behind the wheel of this ZJ. Night and day difference and the ability to my new addiction...rolling over :o)