Twin-Turbo “Chief” Cherokee Set to Shake Up Mecum Harrisburg

There’s no shortage of wild custom Jeep® builds out there, but every now and then, one comes along that completely redefines expectations. Nicknamed “Chief”, this one-of-a-kind 1975 Jeep Cherokee is far from your typical off-road crawler or trail-happy classic. Built by the talented team at Weaver Customs in West Jordan, Utah, this full-size SUV is a purpose-built street machine—and it’s rolling across the auction block at Mecum Harrisburg 2025 on Friday, July 25th.

Let’s get one thing clear—this isn’t your grandpa’s Wagoneer. The Chief was designed to turn heads and burn rubber, not climb rocks. It first made its presence known during Hot Rod Magazine’s Power Tour 2021, where it proved it could handle long road trips without breaking a sweat. Then it showed up again at SEMA, parked at the POR-15 booth, where it pulled in big crowds thanks to its aggressive stance, custom bodywork, and that unmistakable deep rumble under the hood.

Speaking of the engine, Weaver Customs didn’t go with the obvious HELLCAT swap. Instead, they opted for a twin-turbo 6.0-liter LS V8, using a pair of T4 turbos and a Holley Terminator X to manage it all. The engine is hooked to a 4L80E automatic transmission, which is known for being tough as nails, whether you’re cruising the boulevard or lighting up the drag strip. The setup even includes Flowmaster mufflers with exhaust dumps to really let the V8 sing.

To give the Chief that killer stance and better street manners, the front end was swapped with the frame clip from a late-model Ford Crown Vic, beefed up with Fat Man Fabrications control arms, power steering, and disc brakes. Out back, it’s got a tried-and-true Ford 9-inch rear end, a custom 4-link suspension, and Ridetech adjustable coil-overs all around. The ride is smooth, the handling is tight, and the road presence is unmistakable.

Visually, the Chief retains the Cherokee’s rugged vibe, but the front clip was swapped with a bold, custom-metal version from a 1968 Jeep Gladiator (J-Series) pickup. That required some serious sheet metal work to blend the fenders and hood, and the result is absolutely striking. The bumpers were removed in favor of custom molded pans, a one-off front splitter, and 18-gauge steel side skirts that give it a low-slung, show-car look. The body was sprayed in Axalta Pepper Grey and topped with POR-15 matte clear for a stealthy finish.

To finish off the exterior, a staggered set of Detroit Steel Mack wheels (20-inch x 8-inch up front, 20-inch x 9-inch out back) were painted in matte black and wrapped in Nitto NT555 G2 tires (235/35ZR20 front, 315/35ZR20 rear) to plant all that power to the pavement.

Inside, it’s just as custom as the outside. The front seats are ProCar buckets, reworked for comfort and support, while the rear bench comes from an old Jeep CJ. Weaver Customs also built a one-off center console, custom door panels, and a trick subwoofer box out back, all wrapped in rich leather by MCM Interiors and Seams Impossible. The audio system? A top-tier Pioneer setup, perfect for blasting tunes as you cruise to your next show—or the finish line.

The Chief is more than just a show truck. It’s a tribute to creativity, muscle, and what happens when builders throw out the rulebook. If you’re heading to Mecum Harrisburg 2025, don’t miss your chance to see this beast in person—or take it home.