Mopar Introduces the 2011 Jeep Wrangler Pork Chop

As Mopar is getting ready for the 45th Annual Moab Easter Jeep Safari (April 16-24), the company has prepared six new customized vehicles for the event. One of them is the Pork Chop, a project that started life as a new 2011 Jeep Wrangler Sport, and went through weight savings of more than 850 lbs. (386 kg).

The team behind the project began with removal of a long list of items, including doors, top, tailgate, bumpers, carpet and sway bars. Body modifications began with removing the rear tailgate hinges and latches and creating a custom surround. The inner fender panels were reshaped and the taillamps relocated closer together.

In addition, a custom roll cage was crafted and the windshield height was reduced two inches. Hanson Bumpers provided a set of unique aluminum bumpers and QMC contributed their prototype aluminum/carbon fiber hood, held in place with Drake aluminum hood latches.

Mopar added an aluminum cold-air intake kit, lightweight fender-flares, slush mats and mirror re-location brackets.

The interior was updated with bright red lightweight Sparco 'Chrono Road' reclining bucket seats. Gale Banks added a unique set of long tube headers and dual-exhaust with an integrated H-pipe to replace the stock system. Further weight savings was recognized courtesy of a Gen-Right-fabricated, prototype rear-mounted 20-gallon fuel tank and aluminum skid plate.

A smaller evaporation canister for the emissions system was borrowed from a 2012 Fiat 500. The massive weight savings actually lifted the suspension, which includes Bilstein 2-inch shocks with reservoirs and TeraFlex air bumps at all four corners. Dynatrac Axles designed lightweight ProRock 44 front & rear axles fitted with 4.88 gears, ARB air lockers and prototype aluminum differential covers. The axles are located with unique aluminum control arms provided by Full Traction.