Jeep WK2 ULTIMATE UPGRADE - Turn Your Jeep Grand Cherokee Into A BEAST With These Mods- 2018 Limited

Watch as I turn this Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited into an OFFROAD BEAST.
I started with an ordinary stock WK2 that I was not too happy with.
I purchased a WK2 Limited 3LTR turbo Diesel in 2019, I have not been too happy with its rigid off-road performance or clearances. After a few trips away I made the decision to spend HUNDREDS of hours researching, comparing products, looking through reviews, making hundreds of phone calls and not sleeping at night, in order to build my dream Jeep.
During the build I encountered many issues as you do. From brake caliper clearance for the set of 18" wheels from the standard 20" rims it had.
I had bolt not lining up on the Hidden winch mount,
Hunting down Fairleads to fit but in the end needed to trim the bottom section of the Facia for fitment.
Rooftop Tent Video here
➡️ • Rooftop Tent [FELDON S...
➡️ Chief Products used: bit.ly/3bytPns
➡️ East Coast Performance Dyno tune: bit.ly/2POMFOB
➡️ Exhaust Upgrade: bit.ly/2PSpIKy
➡️ Old Man Emu Shocks: bit.ly/3rDZ4mr
➡️ King springs: bit.ly/2POMFOB
➡️ Rear Light Decals: bit.ly/38tLivi
➡️ Feldon shelter roof top tent: bit.ly/3bzFX7r
➡️ Wheels purchased through: bit.ly/3vemelK
➡️ Black rhino wheels: www.blackrhinowheels.com/off-...
➡️ Tires purchased through: bit.ly/3rybCvI
➡️ Falken AT tires used: bit.ly/3l2dx9u
➡️ Runva 11xp winch: bit.ly/3vbDb01
➡️ GME UHF radio: bit.ly/2OkZ6kU
If I have helped you make a decision on your build or you've found my video helpful, please leave a like and a comment.
Don't forget to share it around. This is my first video and it took me probably a little long to create, so it would be nice to have some good feedback.
Keep your eyes peeled for more videos of future upgrades and Off-road videos.

[@TheMarcosdeo]

Thats awesome. Im getting a 2018 tomorrow. Cant wait to do it up.

[@olaf19k65]

Nice video mate, greetings from Poland

[@ahickman59]

Hi, great video, thanks for sharing, we’ve had some great off-road experiences in our wk2 including most of the iconic desert tracks with very few problems other than a broken sway bar link. Might have to go the Roofrack upgrade next, it would be nice to put an extra spare up there.

[@barmansbestie]

Hi, your welcome. The build was such a big process that I felt it might be good to help others with ideas of what they might like. I appreciate your feedback. Drop a link in the comments here of your build if you decide to film it. 👍🏻

[@9adriano21]

Awesome build!

[@frosto125]

Great job man. Really helps inspire me to get some similar work done. Thanks for the video and info. Greetings from Texas.😎

[@barmansbestie]

I realy appreciate your comment mate. Thank you very much! This is exactly what I set out to do for people. Provide info and inspire! Also, I can not wait for covid to calm down so I can get over to there for a trip around the states. Texas is defenatly on the trip planner

[@LoneWolfWithin]

I'm hoping to do something similar to my 2021 Grand Cherokee. Thanks for the ideas!

[@Arbyofuchprawnage]

That looks really good, one of the cleaner builds but so functional.

[@barmansbestie]

Thanks mate! I wanted to keep thinks clean and simple and build only what I needed it for. The kids are hassling me to do a new video so I might do that shortly! Thanks for the comment mate

[@desertmaverick7567]

It took me just over and hour and I really don't know what I'm doing....Hey, we've all been there the first time we attempt to do an upgrade ourselves. But we all finally do figure it out as you did. Way cool bro! Now you have a "BAD ASS JEEP"! Safe Wheeling....

[@maddoxcaiden3510]

dunno if you guys cares but if you're stoned like me during the covid times you can watch all of the latest series on InstaFlixxer. Have been binge watching with my girlfriend during the lockdown :)

[@brianryder9516]

@Maddox Caiden Yup, have been watching on InstaFlixxer for months myself =)

[@lazib008el5]

Looks really good!! i ended up going with Offroad Animal to spruce up my WK2.

[@camaroboi13]

I can’t wait till some of these mods become affordable. Too many companies out there making way too much money on their products.

[@barmansbestie]

Your dead right mate! It was a difficult decision doing these upgrades. But I was about to sell up and go for a ranger before this decision. Would have cost me more money going for a Raptor. And ford ranger rapters don't have all the comforts we all love in our WK2'S

[@jbwalker841]

As a business owner, I can tell you that most of these companies arent making "way too much money on their products". They charge a price that makes it worth it for them to keep making them. It's not like they mass produce thousands of parts. Just be happy they exist because someday they wont any more. It's a sad reality.

[@Spankowitz]

Thank god a mod instruction by someone that over 20 f’n years old!

[@Connor_Dempsey]

Looks great. You should also black out the chrome like on the high altitude package.

[@JustAnotherReviewwithAlek]

This is the perfect video on what I want to do to my WK2… what wheels and tyres did you get and did you get standard sizes? How did you go putting on the roof racks? Any issues? Good video

[@Blitz0203]

Wow! Awesome job! Huge difference! I'm curious, the side step you added - where did you get those from? I have a 2018 Trackhawk, and would love to add those to my ride. Haven't doing anything here in the states I would be happy with ... But what you added REALLY ROCKS!

[@Rando31able]

Nice wk2!

[@tracymartin2501]

very nice mate

[@SquatSimp]

Beautiful build! You really did transform the look and feel of the vehicle. How much roughly did all of the mods cost you?

[@LTUSATV]

Check out the lifted WK2 Grand Cherokee's I've modified (lifted). Yours looks great!

[@jaydave8106]

shes a beauty

[@theliub]

Hey mate. Awesome journey. I was wondering about the wind deflector you made up for the RTT - did you find it made much of a difference? I also have the Chief racks and occasionally have the rtt up there and the noise is terrible at 90+. It’s better without the supplied air dam but trying to find a better solution

[@gerhardschemel3565]

Was hoping to see some lighting like a light bar or spots. I have all kinds of LED’s inside and out with few dozen switches to control them

[@Mr718kidd]

Looks good. 👍🏽

[@barmansbestie]

Thanks mate. Shes come up a real treat!

[@SandroBlador]

Looks neat mate! Doing that to my WK2 (moved from Audi Q7 to Jeep). If you still got her: what's the fuel consumption now with the AT tires and the tuning?

[@PaulyV56]

Jacinda allowed this to happen. Nice.

[@LTZ_Z71]

Perfectly executed in my book. Would you mind sharing the wheel and tire specs? Size and offset for the wheels and the tire specs?

[@barmansbestie]

Check out my other video. Covers everything.

[@Angstvormirr]

Niice, is this the 2018 trailhawk v6 diesel?

[@Jeff_Vdr]

Hi good job !

[@feresearchit5473]

now i know how you destroy the middle diff......thats how you do it!!!...yeah!!

[@r1chyc]

Nice work. Exactly what I would like to do when we buy our new WK2. Can I ask what size tyres are on your rig. Again great work

[@barmansbestie]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/o5KUYYqXbJmohpo

[@naterivera]

Beatiful Beast! Just enough, but and not over the top. What size tires are you running?

[@barmansbestie]

Cheers mate, all explained in other video. 😁

[@Terrioizer]

You just add shocks and springs? How are your CV axle/joint holding up?

[@KBZ47]

I'm planning on getting one 2016 Summit Diesel....What miles you on and have you had any mechanical problems?

[@vernonbennettiii3646]

NIce video! You packed in a lot in a short period of time. Does your Limited WK2 have Quadra-Drive II or Quadra-Trac II? Back when I bought my 2015 WK2 Overland Diesel (in USA, and had it built for me at the factory to get what I wanted), I had to get Quadra-Lift in order to get the Quadra-Drive II. I have since added many Chief Products upgrades same as you (plus transmission protector plate) and Mopar Rock Sliders, but I use a Yakima Roof Crossbar system for up on top so that I can load and unload my large canoe by myself, which I use for hunting and fishing in Northern Michigan (Great Lakes region of North America). If yours has Quadra-Trac II, then is it possible/practical to install a Quadra-Drive II system/rear LSD (which acts as a locker in 4x4 low range offroad Mud or Rock setting)? With so many computer controls on WK2, I would be concerned about compatibility with the rest of the systems if attempt to "add" rear LSD/Quadra-Drive II. I have a friend who is looking to buy a used WK2, and I have told him to shop for one with Quadra-Drive II, if he wants to get back to (and from) where I am able to go. My plan is to replace my Quadralift suspension after it goes out when repairs to it approach replacement cost of an Old Man Emu lifted suspension system (form Rocky Road Outfitters).

[@barmansbestie]

Gday mate, no my Limited doesn't have this Quadra-drive or lift system. Don't think I'll go down that path to be honest. Thanks for the comments and questions. Good luck out there mate 😁👍🏻

[@Nilocsemliw]

Did your WK2 have the off-road adventure package II with the ELSD and Skid plates? It doesn’t look like it since there isn’t a trail rated badge. Where did you find skid plates? Were you able to find lockers that worked with it? Here in the USA we don’t have any company’s that focus on WK2s like chief products. Super jealous of your options.

[@barmansbestie]

Nk mate, no offroad package with my WK2. was a 'Limited' badge. As far as I was aware, Chief is all manufactured in the states and shipped here to Australia, maybe im wrong. But yes, Chief has underbody protection for the WK2. Good luck mate.

[@russellwyborn3667]

Hi love the vid, I have a 2013 limited looking to do same how did you get around self leveling rear springs, do you find permanent lift better than air lift as in overland.

[@barmansbestie]

Thanks for your comment mate. I went perminent lift as the air suspension was just was too much money mate. I spoke with my local suspension Guru's and we spoke about towing, loading and no weight options. They were very professional and installed everything I needed to the use of my beast. Honestly, if your willing to pay the extra to do Air Sus on a vehicle of that year I think you might end up regretting it. However- that's only my opinion. Everyone has different ideas. You defenatly need to get clearance if your looking at tackling rocks, hills or climbs. Our units just arnt ready for that. Good luck mate! It's a fun build. I kind of wish I could do it all again! Might have to go get another car and do it all again.

[@gettingtheretravel]

Niiicceee!!. I've also got a 2018 Limited that I will be starting to "beast" up later this year. Couple of questions, did you just have the TPMS senders switched over to the new tyres or not running them anymore? Any issues with the radar? I'm looking at the Offroad Animal Predator bar but the radar is my one concern.

[@barmansbestie]

Gday mate, yeah you'll have fun with the build man I promise. I had the TPMS switched over to the new wheels. So the stock rims now have nothing in them. There was no issues with the radar. Chiefe have tealy sorted their stuff out with all that.

[@gettingtheretravel]

@@barmansbestie Thanks for that. I had only been looking at the ORA stuff but I like the look of the Chief lower guard. I like the fact that you can put the lower facia back on with the Chief lower guard but it seems most people don't, is it just a choice of looks or another issue?

[@BeenIndependent]

How much did it cost you altogether for all the upgrades

[@frankcurulli1244]

Looks good! You didn't say what engine us fitted: V6 or V8 petrol or V6 diesel?? What is the standard kW and torque rating of your engine so we can compare before/after. I'm not convinced pulling a fuse for the front diff to run on a dyno is an acceptable solution. The transfer case is still in operation. Disconnecting and removing the front driveshaft is a better method. What size/height are the new tyres? Do they rub at full lock? Thanks 🙂

[@bad-so5fy]

The diesel is a 184 kw and 570 newton metres of talk is the standard.

[@joedonaghue2952]

I'm curious to know what was the total costs and mods to achieve 909.1nm out of it ?

[@maycefi]

doze cherokees are awesome

[@86cucv]

Awesome build! My favorite part are the taillights, what did you do to get that look?

[@barmansbestie]

Go onto Crux motors website mate. They are super easy to put on and make so must difference to the look. Those big red tail lights were never my favourite.

[@86cucv]

Awesome, I'll check them out. Cheers!

[@michaelhorn4540]

Nice

[@ahalam100]

Hey mate, just how is the noise level in the chief roof rack, i saw one of your photo where you have front wind breaker installed. Im about to order Safari addition and would like to know if they are not terrible noise wise. Your rig looks awesome.

[@seandonaldson8810]

Did you end up getting the Chief rack? Noise levels?

[@jansenimre]

Awesome build. Which wrap color did you get for the tail light? Matte or satin black?

[@barmansbestie]

Hey mate. I went with matte. Went on super easy.

[@sergioslv3648]

How do u feel it with the lift kit ?

[@robdengil]

Nice work. Was there a weight saving in changing the exhaust? Do you have the pre-tune power figures? How many ks were on it prior to the tune? Would be great to have a follow-up video of how it's performing now.

[@barmansbestie]

Gday Robdengil. Yes I do have the pre-tune figures. Currently working on something with ECPT. See what I can come up with for you. Im sure there was a weight saving on the exhaust but I'd doubt the jeep would have even noticed much to be honest.

[@stevenromero4422]

Nice selections and upgrades. I would have went with the V8 instead because of all the extra weight you added.

[@eric4847]

Do you realize the eco diesel has more torque then the v8 model even only having 240 horses and with his tune it pushed his jeep up over 600 lb ft of torque from the 440 it has from the factory. I know I love my 2018 trailhawk eco diesel

[@ahmadalmojel5774]

Good job 👍🏼, why you didn’t upgrade UCA’s ?

[@barmansbestie]

Uca's?

[@Ridenouj]

What tires are those?

[@zaccorpseman7366]

Good tips! I have a 2011 Overland and is planning to save up for some mods to put on her

[@barmansbestie]

Honestly mate the mods cost me a bunch. But everytime I walk to my car I fall in love with the look, everytime I take it offraod I fall in love with the way it holds itself and just ploughs through everything I point its nose at.

[@zaccorpseman7366]

@@barmansbestie You are absolutely correct, sir! Screwing with vehicles in general isn't exactly a cheap hobby, haha... But as long as you know that your money was well spent, it's all gotta be worth it by the end of the day! It's never too late to have some fun, life is good.

[@rodneyhelsel3428]

hey mate i didnt see the link for that roof platform of the rock sliders, can you help a lad out?

[@barmansbestie]

No dramas mate. Its the first link. Under Chiefe Priducts.

[@jcmac7709]

Ballpark cost bud? Looks great. I’ve got an 18’ as well but it’s just the Laredo model. Hoping I can do similar🤞🏽

[@barmansbestie]

Gday champ! Not much change after 15k unfortunatly. Bloody expensive to get off road mate. Your Larado is still super capable mate, I just wanted to make sure I'd have no issues alone on the path untrodden. Seriously so happy too, I was in a realy sticky situation on the beach alone at 7am an no other drivers with the tide coming in. My upgrades made east work of what normaly would have been a bad situation.

[@jcmac7709]

@@barmansbestie Lol, well at least 15k later it looks great right? Over the past 20yrs I’ve redone five CJ-7’s and one Wrangler but as I got older I decided a little less bounce on my kidneys would be nice. We’re liking the GC so much though that we bought out the 18’ and leased my wife a new one with the Altitude package. Living in snow country the heated EVERYTHING should be a bonus. I’m chomping at the bit to do some of your upgrades. Was the tuner and exhaust noticeable for the expense? Just curious as sometimes add ons aren’t always worth the cost as I’m sure you’re aware lol.

[@barmansbestie]

@@jcmac7709 yeah mate, not only looks great but performs so well! Honestly, if I could have done anything different it would be the exahst. The note it gives out is nice, but not realy all that 'growly' like I was after. Did not notice much of a performance enhancement after it either. But in saying that, I got the Dino tune done the very next day so didn't realy get much time to test it properly. The drive home after the Dino tune however was awesome! So much torque and the power is ridiculous! 909nm is just nutts and I love it so much. The 15k I spent made sence to me. If I sold the stock GC and wanted a ranger raptor I would have had to fork out 20k just for a stock raptor or 15k for a stock Toyota hilux. I decided I love what the GC offers and to instead just mod it up.

[@joshuawkramer8508]

​@@barmansbestie I have a '15 Summit 4x4 EcoDiesel. Your camping setup at 8:25 is golden, BRAVO!

[@dustinwatkins-vj1sx]

What’s NM?

[@Jpulido91]

what does it mean by "wk2"?

[@tjbt0706]

How capable are they on ozzie beach/sand driving? Considering of getting one soon

[@barmansbestie]

Gday mate. I've had this unit on all sorts of sand here in Oz. Rutted soft sand, hard sand, and everything I between. Usualy I air down to 18psi if it's on the softer side. I got to a section of sand once where it was visibly realy realy soft and it was a steep uphill climb to get to camp. I was not sure that I would make it at all but kept the tires at 18psi. It honestly surprised me mate. No issues at all. I think the real test would be towing at Inskip.

[@tjbt0706]

@@barmansbestie Good to see you putting your wk2 to work! Can’t wait to see some wheeling action mate! 🤙

[@MEOxley23]

So using this roof rack, can you add more than 68Kg to your roof? I assume not, but not sure. Thanks.

[@barmansbestie]

I can guarantee you that you can with this platform mate. Check out my other video on the RTT I put up there. It's been up on the rack now for neirly 12 months. No issues.

[@marvin2820]

@@barmansbestie love your video. Where did you get your roof rack?

[@barmansbestie]

Chief products in Brisbane mate.

[@simonnicholson4033]

Did that tyre and wheel upgrade rub before doing the lift kit?

[@barmansbestie]

It was super close and for the most part had to nurse it a tiny bit. But after the lift it's been all good.

[@carlosvargasmunoz1626]

4x4 to 4x2? How

[@nicolaswalton9453]

Damn, that’s almost 700ft lbs of torque to the wheels. Now I’m kind of upset I went with the 5.7 haha

[@barmansbestie]

This unit pins ya. Not many can beat me off the lights.

[@kmajestic123]

Great video!! What do you recommend first, a lift or tires upgrade? Looking to upgrade my tires first but I’m a little worried about clearance issues.

[@barmansbestie]

Thank you so much. Im filming today covering off on that exact question as I've had a lot of people ask me. Keep an eye out for that video😁 if you subscribe it'll pop right up when it's done.

[@camaroboi13]

Lifts are cheap, go that route first to avoid rubbing issues

[@kmajestic123]

@@camaroboi13 thanks probably going to just go with rough country

[@EyZfrUp62002]

How tf did you get 900 NM !?!?

[@prestonbonner2456]

909nm = 670 lb ft torque 😲😲

[@marvin2820]

👌 👏

[@Uneventfulclimax]

I just bought a 2021 Trailhawk. No need to do that much more to it

[@andrewniglio7089]

Want to do all the same stuff man. I have a 2017 wk2 trail hawk!

[@barmansbestie]

Your bank account will hate you but your life will be so much better mate. 👍🏻

[@andrewniglio7089]

@@barmansbestie looks like chief is out of a few stuff! Might get it slowly. Definitely looking at the bull bar, how do you like yours?

[@barmansbestie]

They are super popular and are constantly working on re stocking. I had to wait 2 months for the roof platform to come. But it was so worth the wait. I opted for a the nudge bar mate. I wasn't a massive fan of the look of the bull bars that were available to me, however - I know Chiefe are developing a nice looking bull bar. So ill be watching out for that one.

[@Kermit_Savage]

🥵🔥

[@darrenmclean4656]

What''s the specs on your wheels and tyres

[@barmansbestie]

G'day Darren They are Wheels - Black Rhino 18"X8" Tires - 265/60 x 18 - Falken AT3W

[@darrenmclean4656]

@@barmansbestie offset?

[@nathanyost1837]

@@barmansbestie Those are the stock size for the Trailhawk. Just curious, why you didn't go a little bigger after the lift kit was installed? I'm early in the process of building up my '18 Upland and wondered what your thoughts on that are. Great video and thanks!

[@barmansbestie]

Darren, mate I've had a quick look for the details but I'll have to get back to you on that. Call the guys at "the wheel deal" if your in Australia. Ask for Trent and he'll do you a good price.

[@barmansbestie]

I appreciate that Nathan. I made plenty of calls regarding wheel size. It realy came down to my own personel preference with the look. I wanted a safer footprint on the sand. It would have been fine on the stock 20's, but I wanted that invincible feeling you know? Hahahah. Im pretty happy with it too as it seems to be a nice fit in the wheel wells. Any bigger and I'd be nervous or just feel like I need to nurse it on rock climbs. Also, saving dollars hahhah. I appreciate your support and comments mate. All the best on your build!

[@cbonz7734]

Wheels and tire sizes??

[@barmansbestie]

Check out my other video. Covers everything.

[@cbonz7734]

@@barmansbestie Hmmm, which video?

[@barmansbestie]

It will say, wheels tires and suspension

[@barmansbestie]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/o5KUYYqXbJmohpo

[@markdotcomau]

909nm....I'm sorry what, that can't be right?

[@805gregg]

Everything is good until you add the top heavy tent

[@westcoastaerialimagery4690]

jesus did they want it any looser on the dyno or what haha be dubious of any numbers they throw your way

[@choccom2085]

Sorry 900nm and 168kw does not add up and the Nm is not real, the 8 speed is only limited to 700nm. Only the track hawk or rolls has a box that can handle 900nm. The tune on these which is fairly standard is around 215kw and 650nm, still a great result and gobs of nm below 2000rpm but it ain’t putting out 900. The car looks great should have put a bigger intercooler on while the front was off !

[@barmansbestie]

Well, Dino says it all. Reports are documented.

[@user-cj7dv2kc6d]

Great. Minus the very annoying soundtrack.

[@timothypowell5446]

Dude the music sucks and is loud

[@barmansbestie]

Yeah I've had to overlay youtubes own music because if copywrite claims on the original music. I had it faded and it used to be amazing. I'm so bumbed they put claims in on it.

[@travisprice5708]

Waste of money

[@Ninjah013]

What was the total cost? Commenting before finishing video so sorry if it's addressed already lol