Jeep Fan’s Dream: Vigilante Cherokee S77

Restoring classic SUVs isn’t anything new—we’ve seen countless vintage Land Rovers, Ford Broncos, and even Dodge Power Wagons brought back to life, often with eye-watering price tags. But fully revived Jeep Cherokee and Wagoneer builds are far rarer. One reason is simple: sourcing parts for classic Jeeps can be a challenge, especially when it comes to body panels and trim. That’s where Vigilante 4x4 steps in.

Founded by Jeep enthusiasts Daniel van Doveren and his wife Rachel, Vigilante 4x4 focuses on building high-end restomods of full-size Jeeps. Their philosophy is straightforward: every part is either replaced with new original stock, recreated from scratch, or meticulously restored—if that’s even possible. One of their standout builds is a fully reimagined 1977 Cherokee. While it looks like a museum piece, it’s essentially a modern SUV underneath. The donor vehicle was stripped down to the last bolt and rebuilt from the ground up.

The original factory frame used in classic Jeeps was never designed to handle modern power or oversized tires. After decades of use, finding a rust-free, structurally sound original chassis is nearly impossible. Vigilante solves this by building an entirely new frame. The process starts with 3D scanning original J2000, Wagoneer, and Cherokee Chief models, followed by CAD design and prototype development. The result is a significantly stronger, powder-coated chassis paired with a modern suspension setup.

Gone are the old-school leaf springs—replaced by a long-travel multi-link suspension system front and rear. The setup includes 2-inch Fox Racing shocks paired with Eibach springs, along with 2-inch hydraulic bump stops for better compression control.

Despite all the upgrades, the Cherokee S77 stays true to its roots as a powerful off-road machine. Power is routed through an Atlas II dual-range transfer case from Advance Adapters, offering a low-range ratio of 3.45:1. A Dana 44 front axle and heavy-duty Dana 60 rear axle handle the load, both equipped with limited-slip differentials and locking capability. The SUV rides on 285/70 R17 BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires—complete with classic white-letter sidewalls.

Back in 1977, buyers could choose between a 4.2-liter inline-six or V8 engines displacing 5.9 or 6.6 liters, with the latter producing just 280 horsepower. Vigilante dramatically raises the bar by installing a modern 6.4-liter HEMI V8 (392 cubic inches), delivering 485 horsepower and 475 lb-ft of torque. The engine meets strict emissions standards, including those in California.

It’s paired with a GM 4L80E four-speed automatic transmission built by Bowler Performance, capable of handling up to 800 lb-ft of torque. For purists, a six-speed Tremec manual transmission is also available.

Inside, the goal was to preserve the vintage look while subtly integrating modern comfort. The cabin closely mirrors the original 1977 design but adds features like power windows up front (while keeping manual cranks in the rear) and upgraded climate control using a modern system from Vintage Air.

3D printing technology helped recreate factory-style air vents, while the original HVAC controls were modernized internally without altering their classic appearance. The same approach was taken with the instrument cluster and audio system, which now includes Bluetooth functionality hidden behind retro-style knobs.

Attention to detail is where Vigilante truly stands out. The side mirrors may look factory-original, but they’re actually newly crafted from polished aluminum with improved aerodynamics to stay cleaner. Each mirror even features a tiny engraved puma—the company’s logo. Window cranks mimic the original design despite operating modern mechanisms, and the interior fan switch has been upgraded to a smooth slider control.

The cabin is finished in slate gray with understated elegance, featuring embossed leather seats and door panels crafted by Moore & Giles, one of America’s oldest leather companies. Three-point seat belts are one of the few obvious modern safety upgrades.

The exterior is painted in deep Midnight Blue, with accent stripes now finished in Glacier White paint instead of vinyl, including a contrasting white roof.

Turn the key, and the V8 comes to life with a deep, satisfying rumble. Step on the throttle, and the SUV squats slightly before launching forward with authority. The transmission shifts quickly and confidently, while steering feel is vastly improved over the original 1970s setup. Six-piston Baer brakes bring the heavy SUV to a halt with ease.

On the road, the Fox shocks and modern suspension deliver a smooth, composed ride, soaking up bumps effortlessly. Off-road, the Cherokee feels right at home, tackling rough terrain with confidence. Front and rear sway bars help keep body roll in check, even on twisty sections that would challenge lesser SUVs.

Every Vigilante build is custom-made for its owner, and that level of craftsmanship comes at a price. Starting at around $295,000, these builds can easily climb to $330,000 depending on options. While that kind of money opens the door to luxury brands, true Jeep enthusiasts know there’s nothing quite like a classic Cherokee or Wagoneer done right.

Just be prepared to wait—building one of these bespoke machines typically takes anywhere from 18 to 36 months.