We Turned a Wood Paneled XJ into a 780+ HP Trackhawk Killer: FULL BUILD

We took an 1986 Jeep Wagoneer XJ and turned it into a TrackHawk knockoff called the TrashHawk. First, we swapped in a supercharged LS engine. This bad boy pumps 788 horsepower. We added a six-speed manual transmission for a fun ride. The rear got a Ford 8.8 axle swap. We lowered the Jeep and made it two-wheel drive. Big brake upgrades were a must for all that power. On the fuel system, we installed a dual fuel pump capable of handling 1,600 horsepower, more than enough for us.

Inside, the interior panels stayed mostly intact, thanks to some creative adjustments. The TrashHawk doesn't have all-wheel drive or fancy electronic aids, but it does have raw power and personality. It took some elbow grease, but the result is awesome. It's our vision of a TrackHawk, with a twist of our style.

PARTS USED IN THIS FULL BUILD

ARP
ARP Engine & Accessory Bolt Kit

Continental Tire
Extreme Contact Sport

Duralast
Duralast Battery, Battery Cables, Starter

EBC Brakes
USR Rotors & Yellow Stuff Brake Pads

FiTech
Ffitech Ultimate LS Standalone ECU Kit

FiTech
Go Fuel Dual Pump

Race Gas Fuel Concentrate

OEM Style Brake Components

Fuel Tank

Summit Racing
AC Delco Water Pump

Summit Racing
American Powertrain Hydramax Clutch Release Kit

Summit Racing
ATI Super Dampener Harmonic Balancer

Summit Racing
Centerforce Twin Disc Clutch Kit

Summit Racing
Cometic Intake Gaskets

Summit Racing
Earl's Performance Plumbing Adapters

Summit Racing
GM Accessory Kit

Summit Racing
M.O.R.E. Axle Swap Kit

Summit Racing
Magnuson Supercharger

Summit Racing
QuickTime Bellhousing

Summit Racing
Rock Jock Trac Bar

Summit Racing
Rubicon Express Suspension Leveling & Lift Kit

Summit Racing
SeaFoam Deep Creep Penetrating Oil

American Powertrain Systems
Magnum 6-Speed Transmission

ARP
ARP Wheel Studs

DBR High Performance
DBR High Performance

[GorillaCookies]

I bought a brand new XJ in 99 . I put 273, xxx miles on it in 16 years and it never left me stranded or stuck while I was doing it. I bought a new truck in 2015 and gave the XJ to a aunt who had fallen on difficult times and had no vehicle. She drove the Cherokee for another 8 years until her passing. The jeep had almost 350k original miles when she passed away. And the only thing that had been done was regular maintenance and normal wear parts replaced . Its now being used on my property as a utility vehicle but still runs good enough to pass emissions but the bushings and things like switches are failing more and more. Still has good working 4.0 straight 6, 5 speed transmission and 4x4 running gear .

[jakegorman]

You lost me when you made it two wheel drive.

[kboak]

Throw $10-15 grand into a $2000 Jeep without AWD=Pointless.

[mochahaze]

We are making a trackhawk... but not doing 2 of the 3 things that make it a trackhawk. I'm not even mad... just disappointed.

[gradn]

As someone who has autocrossed the heck out of a 2700# lowered 96 2dr 2wd 5-sp 4.6l stroker XJ w/lsd on 285 hoosiers, I enjoyed this build. To all those not familiar with these XJs, that 86 waggy came with a 2.8L carb'd chevy v6--the 4.0 i-6 didn't come until 87, so no qualms at all with an LS in there. I had flex form make me custom composite rear leaves and I also flipped the rear 8.25 w/ Eaton. I had Ironman 4x4 fab me a straight adjustable trackbar and ran his front control arms too. Addco sways front and rear l, shorter bikstiens, and that XJ was a handler. My current 99 2dr ax15 4wd has a 242tc with fulltime, but not the stroker yet.

[phantom]

I can just imagine this poor XJ screaming “MY 4WD!!! GIVE ME BACK MY 4WD!!!” like Rorschach screaming about wanting his “face” back in the “Watchmen” movie.

[GARNERS_GAMING]

As someone who drove one of these daily for 10 years, basically stock, all it ever needed was more power😂😂😂

[markdepriest]

Well at least they did a motor choice thats never been nobody ever.

[markmacdonald]

Pretty cool, but really should have clean hood to make it an ultimate sleeper.

[sidewayzmike]

I used to autocross with a dude that ran a xj 2 door, with 5sp and 2wd. Quick truck

[jasonbennett]

There are Jeep people and then there is everyone else!!!

[kevincrawford]

When did Weird Al start working on vehicles?

[jeremygraves]

What did everyone expect. It's literally a corporate channel that free sponsorsered parts dictate the build with minimum fabrication. Enjoy it for what it is. Ground breaking trend setting builds aren't limited to what can be named on the build. 13 minutes in and they have named 7 or 8 companies.

[mrchirp]

That front end and rear suspension was painful to watch

[caddy]

It handles like a sports car but has a death wobble. All they had to do was add the transfer case and trans from escalade and I'm talking about the 6spd auto just beefed up some and you truly have a knockoff Track Hawk that's way lighter than a TBss

[chriswilzon]

I've driven quite a few trackhawks.... When you line up to one you absolutely better be ready... 2wd? good luck.... 😂😂😂

[hardwurkindaddy]

Two wheel drive is where I leave the chat.

[ohvmaster]

Love the simplicity of this build. I believe jeep made a 2wd 2door version of this. Could have started there maybe? To all the haters, ls 2wd is perfect!!! I now want to build one for myself!!

[Steve-fxfb]

"This thing feels stable!"

Gripping the door handle for dear life. 😂

[andyg]

Got me all excited. Was hoping to see twin turbo's thrown on the old tractor-esque I6... it lost all cool factor once the LS went in.