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2012 Jeep J12: Retro Wrangler pickup concept

The Jeep J-12 concept was, in essence, an extended version of Mopar’s JK-8 pickup conversion kit for the Wrangler. The Wrangler Unlimited’s frame was extended by 18 inches, so the spare tire could be moved under the bed, and making the cargo box six feet long; a custom hood and front fender set was added to resemble Jeep Gladiator trucks.

Off-road muscle came with a Mopar three-inch suspension lift kit, and Teraflex sway bars controlling ARB air-locker equipped Dynatrac D-44 and D-60 axle assemblies. Traction is handled through classic 36-inch tires mounted on 16-inch steel wheels.

The carpet was replaced by a rugged truck bed liner, and the bucket seats were changed into a modern version of a bench seat, trimmed in white and plaid. Further highlights include a Mopar fuel-filler door, Mopar slush mats, Tom Woods custom driveshafts, and the inevitable Katzkin seat trim.



Engineer Bob Sheaves noted two issues that would have to be resolved for street-legal production: the absence of front side marker lamps and not having suitable head restraints.

The compass shifter ball was Mark Allen’s idea — he noted that every vintage Jeep had a compass, so they cut the plastic shift ball and installed it there.

Concept cars • 2012 Jeep Moab concepts • Jeep FC • Trailhawk • Apache • J12 • Traildozer • 2012 Jeep Moab Concepts

Concept cars are often made so a car’s feel can be evaluated, problems can be foreseen, and reactions of the public can be judged. Some concepts test specific ideas, colors, controls, or materials — either subtle or out of proportion, to hide what’s being tested. Some are created to help designers think “out of the box.” The Challenger, Prowler, PT Cruiser, and Viper were all tested as production-based concepts dressed up to hide the production intent.

Concept cars • popular: Firepower • Tomahawk • ME412 • Mighty FC • Gladiator