Landrunner Jeep Conversion

The versatility and performance of the Landrunner makes us wonder if Jeep might want to consider going to a similar version of this body configuration just for practicality's sake. Actually, the Landrunner has not gone unnoticed by Chrysler's corporate brass. The Landrunner won the Design Excellence Award from Chrysler at the 2001 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Chrysler has also approved conversion companies to supply Jeep dealerships, so you can order a full-on off-road package on a new Jeep Wrangler, and have it financed.


For those who already own a '97 or newer TJ Wrangler, the conversion companies (there are several throughout the U.S.) can modify your vehicle for you. The leaf-spring CJ models ('87 to '95) can also be fitted with the Landrunner package, but the job is a bit more involved.

Conversion Steps
To perform the Landrunner transplant, which actually includes about 50 or more components, the conversion shop first removes the fenders, hood, grille and bumpers. A radiator core support must then be added, along with a new front bumper with the hinges for the hood (since it tilts forward). The side- and rear-fender sections go on next, which are integrated into single units for each side. Then the hood brackets must be installed, and the hood test-fitted and aligned. After fitment, all of the fiberglass pieces are then removed for painting. Incidentally, the fiberglass hood has an inner liner for stiffness, and the side steps are a composite sandwich of fiberglass and plywood to add strength and stiffness.


There's even more to the Landrunner than the body conversion. The optional roof rack is one of the most substantial setups we've seen, and markedly adds to the versatility of the vehicle. In addition to greatly increasing luggage capacity, it's also ideal for hauling a kayak, serving as a shooting (gun or camera) platform, or carrying a camper top. The "rhino rack" is claimed to have at least a 700-pound capacity, and to stiffen the chassis as well. The rack also has enough clearance to allow the hardtop to be fitted underneath as well as for the windshield to be folded down.


The roof rack is available separately, as are a number of the accessories shown on the Landrunner conversion. The 8,000-pound-capacity winch, brush guards, nerf bars, and light bar are all available for stock-body Wranglers. Trouble is, adding those pieces all at once can put a serious bite on your cash flow. Since this off-road-ready rig may be ordered as a dealer option in some cases, you may be able to finance the entire rig. Given the low interest rates these days, that's a really attractive option. Pricing details are still being hammered out, but you can probably upgrade your Jeep for $8,000 to $10,000 depending on how many accessories you add.