Classic Jeep Cherokee Chief Kicks it Old School

Retro-style and off-road mods make this Cherokee Chief a stunner, battle scars and all. 

JK Forum has seen a lot of cool and custom Jeeps at this year’s SEMA. But this classic Jeep Cherokee Chief is an exceptional favorite. Named “Big Chief,” this Cherokee Chief delivers all the retro, square-bodied charm, complete with a generous amount of patina.

Big Chief has custom touches and modifications that enhance its performance, but don’t detract from the badass character. Created by Dr. Deathwobble, this rig is ready to go overlanding, off-roading, crawling, and is generally at home getting down and dirty.

The KC Daylights will take you back in time, as will the fuzzy dice hanging on the rear view mirror. The orange with black paint job is perfectly imperfect. It has patina and peeled paint, and it looks great. This is no garage queen, Big Chief is a rig with mileage; well-worn and utilized.

Mickey Thompson tires give it added grip for any off-road terrain. Other mods include adding a BDS suspension and custom sway bar.

Of course a 1970s rig has to kick out the jams. Big Chief has an MTX audio Terminator system that will make the ground and your booty shake.

A Freespirit FSR roof top tent was also added, giving you a place to hang your hat at the end of an off-roading day.

We know we have to be partial, but this throwback Cherokee Chief is easily one of the coolest Jeeps we’ve seen at SEMA.

Photos for JK Forum by Nolan Browning 

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S.J. Bryan

Longtime automotive journalist S.J. Bryan has been covering the automotive industry for over five years and is an editor with Ford Truck Enthusiasts and regular contributor to F-150 Online, Harley-Davidson Forums, and The Mustang Source, among other popular auto sites.

Bryan first discovered her passion for all things automotive while riding in her parent's 1968 Ford Mustang. The automotive expert cut her teeth growing up riding on Harleys, and her first car was a Chevy Nova. Despite her lead foot, Bryan has yet to receive a speeding ticket.

The award-winning former playwright was first published at age 18. She has worked extensively as a writer and editor for a number of lifestyle and pop culture publications. The diehard gearhead is a big fan of American muscle cars, sixth-gen Ford trucks, and Oxford commas.

S.J. can be reached at sherryjbry@gmail.com.