Skunkworks Grand Canyon WK

[Scott Brady]

This would make an interesting comparison with a late model 4runner with similar mods and size tires. Vehicle looks great with those mods. Scott, how would compare the the superlift suspension on the Jeep to a 4runner with OME?

That would be in interesting comparison. I have spent a lot of time in similarly equipped 4Runners and then this Mopar WK. As an interesting opinion, I actually like the WK more than any other Grand before it, even with the shift to IFS. This truck has a level of refinement and quality the previous Grands never had.

The 4Runner is a more stable platform overall on the trail, but the Quadra-Drive is in another class. The A-Track in the 4Runner is much slower to respond and more intrusive, inducing unnecessary tire spin and under/oversteer on loose obstacles. Of course the WK uses electronic control of the diffs, which is a superior solution to brake traction control. It also has the side benefit of not reducing overall available torque. Traction control operated by the brakes must stop (or try to stop) a spinning wheel by slowing it down and causing some torque to be moved to the non-turning side. In pure trail performance, I would have to give the nod to the WK, but the 4Runner doesn't give up the fight that easy. . .

The 4Runner can be fitted with ARB lockers and also has considerably more interior room and better aftermarket support.

The Overland WK is worth a look. I had never paid attention to it before, but it has my respect now.

2009 for sale

 

[FlexdXJ]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DlaHUN8j_dM

Not Moderate!!!


.

Does his wife know he did that with her Jeep? Thats making me want a WK now.

 

[modelbuilder]

I love my WK...not nearly as built out as that one but it's really comfortable out there in the desert.

 

[winkosmosis]

Great image

I like yours better modelbuilder... Because it doesn't have the subframe drop

 

[Ryanmb21]

That would be in interesting comparison. ...[snip]... I had never paid attention to it before, but it has my respect now.

2009 for sale

Thanks for the good response, very interesting. I am not at all considering a change but was curious. Great article over your blog as well.

cheers!

 

[JeepinJon]

About three years ago I test drove an AEV converted Commander with the Superlift and 35" tires. That thing could drive over pretty much anything, and drove very well. Also it was a bit bigger than the WK, but I know that my wife would like the WK since our Wj was her favorite Jeep we have ever owned.

 

[mountainsoul]

Always had a soft spot for the WK. I like the integrated ARB front end on the Canyon version.

 

[alexfm]

I think if i were to get one, I'd grab a wrecked 4x4 model, and a brand-spankin' new SRT8, and swap all the 4x4 stuff and a superlift onto the SRT8. 400+HP sounds good to me.

 

[john101477]

My parents had an SRT8 jeep and it was tight. All wheel drive but the suspension they used is more in tune with a Mercedes than a Jeep. one major problem and the reason it got sold was the cost of tires for it was a little crazy. Plus you have to use one makers tires or the tires will blow out - Not kidding here it was scary to have both fronts blow at the same time.

 

[oz97tj]

I loved my WK. It actually gave some locked TJs some issues a couple times. I'm sure it was more to do with the wheelbase than anything else, but my WK did some amazing things considering it wasn't lifted. On the other hand, I'd do something cool and then get hung up on something simple do to lack of clearance. I would imagine with a lift and larger tires it would be amazing.

Then again, I got rid of it for another wrangler because I missed the convertable. I need a better job so I can have both a WK and my JK.