2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee Modifications
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is always going to hold a very special place in my heart. My first car was a 1996 Grand Cherokee Laredo, in black with grey cloth seats. I drove the living piss out of that car, pushing it over 100 mph as many stupid teenagers do. It kept me safe in a couple of small accidents and out of trouble with my parents when I was inebriated. My jeep was my clubhouse, my escape from oversight, my bedroom and my hookup den.
My first jeep was sold nearly 10 years after its purchase and cost virtually nothing to maintain over that same period. Brakes, tires, the usual stuff.
Fast forward 20 years later and my newest vehicle acquisition isn’t all that much newer. Our new jeep Dutch, a 2005 Grand Cherokee Limited Edition has all the same characteristics I’ve fallen in love with. Powerful motor, great traction in the mucky stuff, and a general appearance that just feels kinda tough. Dutch isn’t perfect, in fact he’s far from perfect and that makes him great. He’s got character, and charm and personality.
The first thing I did when buying the vehicle was replace the factory original headlights and fog lights that had both oxidized with years of wear. I found OEM replacement headlights on Amazon.com for $200 for the pair. The fog-lights were an additional $40 to replace. I did the labor myself which saved us a couple hundred dollars. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OJF7HTE?...
The next thing I upgraded were the rear lift gate struts and the rear window struts as well. These were really easy to install myself and fairly inexpensive on amazon. Rear Lift Gate Struts on Amazon and Rear Window Lift Struts
I forgot to mention in the video that I had also updated the antenna to a shorter, more visually appealing version from Shorty…Shorty Antenna on Amazon.
Next i built the rear table that can slide in and out of the vehicle. It provides great additional storage and makes for a great cooking surface or place to work. I found the idea on All Terrain Family’s Youtube Channel.
I built the fly fishing rod vault using a 10’ section of 3” PVC pipe. I purchased a couple of fittings and an end cap, bringing the total project to around $50 including the ammo can from Plano.
All in all, I’m loving my jeep “Dutch” and making some simple modifications has taken it from just any old jeep to a mobile office/kitchen/bedroom that I’m incredibly proud to own.
If you aren’t proud of your current vehicle, because it’s old, or beat up, or doesn’t run great…give it a name, and a personality, it makes the whole adventure a lot more fun. When Dutch isn’t acting like I want him to, he get’s a good cussing out and I move on with my day, just like any other good friend would.
Have fun out there guys, and tag me in your adventure vehicle photos on IG. I love ideas and seeing what other people are doing with their jeeps.
