Mopar Underground Easter Jeep Safari Concepts: Formidable Foursome

Formidable Foursome 2012 Jeep Wrangler Apache

Just as sure as you’ll see snow on the La Sal Mountains and Jeeps lined up outside the Moab Diner, you’ll see a bevy of potential production and customized vehicles from Jeep and Mopar during the annual Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah. You see, it has become tradition that the crew from Auburn Hills, Michigan, invades Moab with a collection of rigs designed to get people talking. Over the years Jeep and Mopar have trotted out such memorable vehicles as the Ram Runner, Lower Forty, and Nukizer 715. Well, this year the Michigan crew raised the bar yet again by unveiling a pack of cool rigs. Here’s a detailed look at four of our favorites

Formidable Foursome 2012 Jeep J 12 Concept Front Three Quarter

The Mighty FC is based on a ’12 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon two-door. How do you get this from that? Well, the UnderGround crew stretched the center of the frame 20 inches and added approximately 18 inches of front overhang. Interestingly, the powertrain remains in the stock Wrangler two-door location relative to the front axle. To create the cab, many parts were recrafted from the JK including the doors, windshield, front bulkhead, dash panel assembly, and a roof from the Mopar JK8 pickup truck. The nose cone and 10-inch-wide fender flares are custom carbon-fiber parts. The bumper is a JK-application unit sourced from Hanson that was heavily modified to fit the unique contours of the FC and contain the Warn 16.5ti winch, IPF 930 Super Rally off-road lights, and Warn D-rings. The FC is painted PPG Gray Blue to mirror a mechanic’s shop shirt.

The Mighty FC is based on a ’12 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon two-door. How do you get this from t

Jeep J-12
A new twist on an old favorite
We’ve never been able to figure out why manufacturers are willing to create a modern interpretation of old classic cars like the Chevy Camaro, Dodge Challenger, and Ford Mustang, but classic pickup trucks are largely forgotten. Well, until now. This is the J-12 concept and it was created by the UnderGround (formerly known as the Mopar Under Ground) as a modern interpretation of the Jeep Gladiator pickup of the ’60s and ’70s. Outside it says Gladiator, inside it says Wrangler, and on the trail it says get out of the way.

UnderGround says that the interior was actually “dressed down” to support the basic truck theme. The carpet was removed and replaced with spray-in cargo bedliner material; the door panels and the lower instrument panel were painted to match the exterior of the truck; the console armrest was removed; and a rack was added to the rear window, complete with fishing pole. Further, the JK seating was recrafted from bucket-style to a classic bench-style and they’re trimmed with white vinyl, black suede, and plaid flannel (cut from a snowboarding jacket including the pockets and snaps). Another unique feature of the interior is a classic bubble compass mounted on top of the extended length transmission shifter.
UnderGround says that the interior was actually “dressed down” to support the basic truck
The front axle is a Dynatrac ProRock 44 and it has been fitted with an ARB Air Locker, Dynatrac diff cover, and 4.10:1 ratio gears. It’s fed by a Tom Wood’s custom driveshaft. The suspension uses the new Mopar 3-inch Stage 3 lift that includes springs, lower control arms, polyurethane bumpstops, limiting straps, extended sway bar end links, and a pair of Fox remote-reservoir shocks.
The front axle is a Dynatrac ProRock 44 and it has been fitted with an ARB Air Locker, Dyn
Out back is a Dynatrac ProRock 60, and like the front it has 4.10 gears, an ARB Air Locker, and a Dynatrac diff cover. The suspension is comprised of a new Mopar 3-inch Stage 3 lift and a pair of Fox piggyback-reservoir shocks.
Out back is a Dynatrac ProRock 60, and like the front it has 4.10 gears, an ARB Air Locker

Because the J-12 is based on the ’12 Wrangler Unlimited Sahara it uses a two-speed NV241 Command-Trac transfer case with 2.72:1 ratio low-range gearing.
Because the J-12 is based on the ’12 Wrangler Unlimited Sahara it uses a two-speed NV241 C
Lifting the custom carbon-fiber hood reveals the Pentastar 285hp 3.6L V-6 engine. Underhood mods include an ARB air compressor, Mopar intake system, and a modified exhaust system that utilizes a Corsa muffler. The engine is mated to a W5A580 five-speed automatic transmission.
Lifting the custom carbon-fiber hood reveals the Pentastar 285hp 3.6L V-6 engine. Underhoo
Here you can see the clean, detailed workmanship of the custom front end. Special vacuum-formed ABS plastic inserts cover the space between the radiator core support and the new front end.
Here you can see the clean, detailed workmanship of the custom front end. Special vacuum-f

Formidable Foursome 2012 Jeep J 12 Rear Three Quarter

Eighteen inches was added to the rear overhang of the Wrangler Unlimited chassis to allow an underslung spare tire. This meant that two Mopar JK8 pickup truck conversion kits had to be combined to extend the bodysides and bed floor to compensate for the longer chassis. The tailgate is a custom steel unit that was designed to incorporate the Kaiser-era Jeep logo. Like the front bumper, the rear is a new replacement piece from an older van application that was modified and chrome plated. Also notable is that the Mopar roof of the JK8 kit was shortened to remove the side glass and increase the bed length. The finished product offers a generous inside bed length of 6 feet.

The Details
General
Owner/Hometown: Chrysler LLC/Auburn Hills, Michigan
Vehicle/Model: 2012 Jeep J-12 concept
Estimated value: N/A
Engine
Type: Chrysler 3.6L V-6
Aspiration: Fuel injection
Output, hp/torque (estimated): 285/260
Drivetrain
Transmission: Chrysler W5A580 5-spd auto
Transfer case: NV241
Suspension
Front: Stage 3 Mopar 3-in-lift, Fox remote-reservoir shocks
Rear: Stage 3 Mopar 3-in-lift, Fox piggyback-reservoir shocks
Axles/Differentials
Front: Dynatrac ProRock 44/ARB Air Locker
Rear: Dynatrac ProRock 60/ARB Air Locker
Ring and pinion: 4.10:1
Wheels/Tires
Wheels: 16x8 Vintique and baby moon caps fitted with custom vintage Jeep badges
Tires: 9.00-16LT STA Superlug, bias-ply

Formidable Foursome 2012 Jeep Mighty Fc Concept

The Mighty FC is based on a ’12 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon two-door. How do you get this from t

Jeep Mighty FC
Mighty is its middle name
It’s rare that a truck that was last made 47 years ago still makes many truck lovers giddy. The Jeep Forward Control (FC) is that vehicle. Even more extraordinary is that the FC was only produced for nine years, which is an incredibly short amount of time in the big picture of truck production. The original FC was a unique machine and its design kept overall length at a minimum for maneuverability while maintaining a full-length cargo box for utility. To honor the original FC, the UnderGround created the retro Mighty FC. This vehicle had been on the minds of the UnderGround group for a long time and they “just couldn’t wait anymore to act.” There are many people who are very happy about that.

The technologically current Wrangler-spec interior has undergone a few modifications including painting of the lower dash and seats trimmed in dark red leather with plaid inserts cut from a snowboarding bag.
The technologically current Wrangler-spec interior has undergone a few modifications inclu
A skidplate made from 1/4-inch-thick steel protects the Rubicon-spec NV241OR two-speed transfer case. Sprouting from the ‘case are a pair of Tom Wood’s Custom Driveshafts.
A skidplate made from 1/4-inch-thick steel protects the Rubicon-spec NV241OR two-speed tra
In the bed there’s an engine access box with hinged top. This setup allows easy servicing of the 285hp Chrysler Pentastar 3.6L V-6 engine. Additional engine access is provided by a removable “doghouse” behind the interior seating. A modified exhaust system with Corsa muffler carries exhaust gases away from the engine. The V-6 engine is mated to a W5A580 five-speed automatic transmission.
In the bed there’s an engine access box with hinged top. This setup allows easy servicing

The one-of-a-kind drop-side-style steel cargo box was sourced from Tafco Equipment Company. The lower bedsides with JK lighting and swing-open tailgate was fabbed by the UnderGround team. From the rear of the engine box to the inside of the tailgate the cargo bed has a length of approximately 8 feet. In this image you can also see the Wrangler-application Hanson rear bumper that features D-ring mounts, a 2-inch hitch receiver, and a pair of Warn D-rings. The Mighty FC rolls on 39x13.50R17LT BFGoodrich Krawler T/A KX tires mounted on 9.5-inch-wide Hutchinson Rock Monster beadlock wheels.
The one-of-a-kind drop-side-style steel cargo box was sourced from Tafco Equipment Company
The rear axle is a ProRock 60-based Mopar/Dynatrac/AIM portal axle assembly. It has been fitted with an ARB Air Locker, 4.10:1 ratio gears, and dual Wilwood brake calipers at each wheel. One caliper at each wheel serves as standard brakes while the other caliper at each wheel serve as parking brakes. The rear suspension is also similar to the front with King remote-reservoir coilover shocks and Teraflex standard-length JK-application control arms. Positioned behind the axle is a GenRight 18-gallon aluminum fuel tank. The fuel tank and the spare tire were specifically positioned behind the rear axle to help balance the vehicle.
The rear axle is a ProRock 60-based Mopar/Dynatrac/AIM portal axle assembly. It has been f
Up front is a Mopar/Dynatrac/AxleTech International Motorsports (AIM) ProRock 44-based portal axle assembly and it is fitted with an ARB Air Locker, 4.10:1 ratio gears, and dual Wilwood brake calipers at each wheel. When factored with the 1.5:1 gear reduction of the portal ends the axle has a 6:15:1 final drive ratio. The suspension utilizes King remote-reservoir coilover shocks, JK-application standard-length Teraflex control arms and forged dual-rate S/T sway bar. Steering modifications include a Wrangler right-hand-drive steering box rotated 180 degrees and reattached to the steering shaft with a Wizard Fabrication Steer Clear offset steering coupler. It’s also worth noting that the Wrangler brake master cylinder/booster assembly was rotated 180 degrees and positioned under the floor of the truck.
Up front is a Mopar/Dynatrac/AxleTech International Motorsports (AIM) ProRock 44-based por

Formidable Foursome 2012 Jeep Mighty Fc Concept Front Shot

The Details
General
Owner/Hometown: Chrysler LLC/Auburn Hills, Michigan
Vehicle/Model: 2012 Jeep Mighty FC concept
Estimated value: N/A
Engine
Type: Chrysler 3.6L V-6
Aspiration: Fuel injection
Output, hp/torque (estimated): 285/260
Drivetrain
Transmission: Chrysler W5A580 5-spd auto
Transfer case: NV241OR
Suspension
Front: King remote-reservoir coilover shocks, Teraflex control arms and Teraflex S/T sway bar
Rear: King remote-reservoir coilover shocks, Teraflex control arms
Axles/Differentials
Front: Mopar/Dynatrac/AIM ProRock 44-based portal axle/ARB Air Locker
Rear: Mopar/Dynatrac/AIM ProRock 60-based portal axle/ARB Air Locker
Ring and pinion: 4.10:1 (portal gear reduction of 1.5:1 for a final drive ratio of 6.15:1)
Wheels/Tires
Wheels: 17x9.5 Hutchinson Rock Monster beadlock
Tires: 39x13.50R17LT BFGoodrich Krawler T/A KX

Who knew a four-door anything could look this good? The rig sports EVO MFG bumpers, Mopar flat fender flares, a Truck Master hood, Warn 9.5xp winch, Mopar rock rails, Mopar half-door kit, and 7-inch Truck-Lite forward-facing lights. A set of 17X8.5 Walker Evans beadlock wheels are surrounded by 39x13.50R17 BFGoodrich Krawler T/A KX tires. Custom striping in Mopar Blue rounds out the exterior mods.

Who knew a four-door anything could look this good? The rig sports EVO MFG bumpers, Mopar

Apache
Go fast, or go slow, it does both
This ’12 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, known as Apache, is notable for several reasons, including the juicy fact that it shows off the new Mopar 6.4L Hemi conversion kit specifically for the Jeep Wrangler. And by the time you read this, you’ll be able to purchase the conversion kit. It will mate the Hemi to the W5A580 five-speed automatic transmission. There is currently no Mopar kit in development to mate the Hemi to a manual transmission, but that could change if consumer interest is there. But of course there’s more to the Apache than just a snarling engine.

There’s something comforting about seeing a 392ci Hemi engine under the hood of a Wrangler. With 470hp and 470 lb-ft of torque on tap it has plenty of oomph to handle even the toughest situations. It’s mated to a W5A580 five-speed automatic transmission.
There’s something comforting about seeing a 392ci Hemi engine under the hood of a Wrangler
The inside of the Apache is just as sexy as the outside, and it carries over the black and Mopar Blue color theme from the exterior. Interior mods include custom Katzkin seat covers, a locking console box, and Mopar branding.
The inside of the Apache is just as sexy as the outside, and it carries over the black and
The Apache’s front suspension is comprised of a flexy 4.5-inch Synergy Suspension long-arm kit. It’s also equipped with long-travel Fox remote-reservoir shocks and steering stabilizer. The axle is a Dynatrac ProRock 60 that has been fitted with an ARB Air Locker and 5.13:1 ratio cogs.
The Apache’s front suspension is comprised of a flexy 4.5-inch Synergy Suspension long-arm

Formidable Foursome Dynatrac Prorock 60 Rear Axle

A flexy 4.5-inch Synergy Suspension long-arm suspension system also resides in the rear of the rig, and like the front it’s fitted with long-travel Fox remote-reservoir shocks. In this photo you can also see the Atlas 4.3:1 two-speed transfer case that feeds the custom Tom Wood’s driveshafts.

A flexy 4.5-inch Synergy Suspension long-arm suspension system also resides in the rear of

The Details
General
Owner/Hometown: Chrysler LLC/Auburn Hills, Michigan
Vehicle/Model: 2012 Jeep Wrangler Apache
Estimated value: N/A
ENGINE
Type: Chrysler 6.4L Hemi V-8
Aspiration: Fuel injection
Output, hp/torque (estimated): 470/470
DRIVETRAIN
Transmission: Chrysler W5A580 5-spd auto
Transfer case: Atlas 4.3:1 2-spd
SUSPENSION
Front: 4.5-inch Synergy Suspension long-arm, Fox remote-reservoir shocks
Rear: 4.5-inch Synergy Suspension long-arm, Fox remote-reservoir shocks
AXLES/DIFFERENTIALS
Front: Dynatrac ProRock 60/ARB Air Locker
Rear: Dynatrac ProRock 60/ARB Air Locker
Ring and pinion: 5.13:1
WHEELS/TIRES
Wheels: 17x8.5 Walker Evans beadlock
Tires: 39x13.50R17 BFGoodrich Krawler T/A KX

Formidable Foursome 2012 Jeep Trailblazer Concept Wheeling

Traildozer sports a number of American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) exterior products, including Premium Front Bumper, Heat Reduction hood, rear bumper/tire carrier, and rear corner guards. Other exterior mods include a pair of forward-facing IPF 900 off-road lights, a Warn 9.5cti winch, rear-facing IPF backup light, Bestop Trektop, and Mopar half door kit. The rig rolls on 37x12.50R17LT Mickey Thompson Baja MTZ tires mounted on 8.5-inch-wide AEV Pintler wheels. Inside, the seats have been recovered with prototype AEV F-1 leather seating and there are a set of Mopar slush mats.

Traildozer sports a number of American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) exterior products, includ

Traildozer
Powerful, nimble, and did we mention powerful?
What you’re looking at is the very first ’12 Wrangler to be converted to Hemi power. This Jeep also has a story, as it was the only Dozer Yellow Jeep at the media reveal on the Rubicon last summer, which made it a photo target. Not much has changed in that regard. What has changed is that the UnderGround crew worked its magic on the rig and it now sports a 470hp powerplant and a slew of cool mods. Oh, and now it looks even more like a piece of muscular construction equipment.

A Wrangler Rubicon-spec Dana 44 front axle with electric locking differential resides up front. The trail-ready suspension consists of a 3.5-inch-lift AEV DualSport RS kit and a pair of Bilstein 5160 remote-reservoir shocks.
A Wrangler Rubicon-spec Dana 44 front axle with electric locking differential resides up f
The standard-issue NV241OR Rock-Trac transfer case splits power to the factory driveshafts.
The standard-issue NV241OR Rock-Trac transfer case splits power to the factory driveshafts
Like the front, out back is a Rubicon-spec Dana 44 axle with electronic-locking differential. Also like the front, an AEV 3.5-inch-lift DualSport RS suspension was installed along with a set of Bilstein 5160 remote-reservoir shocks.
Like the front, out back is a Rubicon-spec Dana 44 axle with electronic-locking differenti

What you’re looking at is an AEV-installed, SRT-sourced, 6.4L Hemi V-8 that cranks out 470 horsepower. So not only does Traildozer resemble a piece of construction equipment, it has the muscle to back it up. And for those of you who like to row through the gears, you’ll be happy to know that the engine is mated to a Getrag 238 six-speed manual transmission.

What you’re looking at is an AEV-installed, SRT-sourced, 6.4L Hemi V-8 that cranks out 470

The Details
General
Owner/Hometown: Chrysler LLC/Auburn Hills, Michigan
Vehicle/Model: 2012 Jeep Traildozer concept
Estimated value: N/A
Engine
Type: Chrysler 6.4L Hemi V-8
Aspiration: Fuel injection
Output, hp/torque (estimated): 470/470
Drivetrain
Transmission: Getrag 238 6-spd manual
Transfer case: NV241OR
Suspension
Front: 3.5-inch AEV DualSport RS, Bilstein 5160 remote-reservoir shocks
Rear: 3.5-inch AEV DualSport RS, Bilstein 5160 remote-reservoir shocks
Axles/Differentials
Front: Rubicon Dana 44/Tru-Lok
Rear: Rubicon Dana 44/Tru-Lok
Ring and pinion: 4.10:1
Wheels/Tires
Wheels: 17x8.5 AEV Pintler
Tires: 37x12.50R17LT Mickey Thompson Baja MTZ