The SRT8 Grand Cherokee has a six-speed automatic with an all-wheel-drive transfer case that just wouldn't do in this application. After all, a Super Sahara has to be super not only on the pavement, but off the pavement too. A 545RFE five-speed automatic used in the Hemi-equipped Dodge trucks bolts right up, as does the stock transfer case to the back of the transmission. Burnsville reprogrammed the computer to operate the 545RFE, and it works just as if it were still in its original Dodge-truck home. Tom Wood built two of his custom CV driveshafts, and they do a great job getting the 6.1's power to the frontend and rearend.
School's still out on whether the OE JK steering box and pump can hold up to the rigors of hard off-roading. Burnsville didn't take a chance and installed a brand-new steering gearbox and power-steering pump from PSC. The PSC system is set up to run a hydraulic ram assist, but Dan couldn't figure out how to plumb the ram into the box with the Hemi in the way, so just the box and pump were installed. There have been no problems with this installation, and the steering works very well.
A Mopar Performance long-arm suspension by Rubicon Express was installed, and it works very well. The only change made to the suspension was powdercoating the arms black and the addition of Walker Evans adjustable reservoir shocks at each corner. With 14 compression levels, the Walker Evans shocks can be dialed in to perform well whatever situation the Super Sahara may run into. We've found the rebound damping is perfect for the JK. The 4.5-inch Rubicon coil springs allow the use of 37-inch tires.
Burnsville covered the seats with top-grain leather. Why leather? Because it works so well on cows - that's why. | 
A Mopar Accessories tire-carrier rear bumper carries the big spares. Burnsville modified the outside corners, cleaning them up nicely. | 
The Rubicon Express long radius arms are beefy, simple, and clean. |
BFGoodrich 37x12.50R18LT KM2 Mud-Terrains are mounted on factory Sahara wheels that OMF Performance beadlocked and powdercoated black. These are installed when more highway and all-around use is anticipated. The new BFGs work well in all environments and are fairly lightweight too. Their light weight doesn't mean they're wimpy though. | 
A 545RFE five-speed automatic transmission from a 3/4-ton Dodge Ram sits behind the 6.1 Hemi, and the stock transfer case bolts right up to the tranny. Tom Wood's Custom Driveshafts supplied the front and rear double-Cardan driveshafts, replacing the Rzeppa joint prop shafts that came from the factory. | 
The ShrockWorks stubby front bumper allows the Warn PowerPlant winch to sit between the framerails. The PowerPlant is not only a powerful winch, but a powerful air compressor too. A Master-Pull Superline XD rope has an abrasion-resistant cover the whole length of the line. KC HiLiTES SlimLite fog lights replace the factory fogs and light up the trail very well. |