Smyth Performance Ends Production of Jeep WJ Truck Conversion Kit

If you’ve ever dreamed of turning your old Jeep Grand Cherokee (WJ) into a head-turning pickup, you probably already know about the Smyth Performance Ute kit. Built for the 1999 to 2004 Grand Cherokee platform, this do-it-yourself truck bed conversion kit has gained a cult following over the years — and now, it’s heading off into the sunset.

Smyth Performance recently announced it will be discontinuing its WJ truck kit, with final orders expected to fill the November to December production slots. After that, it’s game over for new builds.

So why cut such a beloved product? According to Smyth, it comes down to focus. They’re turning attention toward newer kits and platforms. That doesn’t mean the WJ Ute didn’t have a solid run — in fact, it’s one of their most unique conversions.

And let’s be honest, there’s a lot to love about the Jeep WJ. Built from 1999 to 2004, Jeep cranked out over a million of these SUVs in the U.S. alone. That means cheap, reliable donor vehicles are everywhere. Whether you’re grabbing one with the bulletproof 4.0-liter (242 cubic-inch) AMC I6 or the powerful tough 4.7-liter (287 cubic-inch) PowerTech V8, you’re working with a rock-solid base.

What really made the WJ stand out for this kind of project was its rugged design. It’s the last Grand Cherokee with solid axles front and rear — a favorite among Jeep purists. Add in the ride comfort and off-road chops, and it’s easy to see why it was chosen over other models.

The Smyth kit itself turned the WJ’s unibody into a rock-solid Ute with reinforced aluminum bed sides, a braced subfloor, and a stout B-pillar plate to hold everything together. The finished bed measures 5.5 feet long and 5 feet wide, giving you real-deal hauling capability with Jeep style.

The transformation from family SUV to badass utility truck never gets old. People notice these things — they’re rare, aggressive-looking, and built to last. With Gladiators starting around $39,000 for a stripped out model, this was a budget-friendly way to roll a Jeep truck with serious street and trail presence.

As with all Smyth kits, most of what you need to build your WJ Ute came in the box — from the aluminum panels to the tailgate and fasteners. All you had to do was bring your wrenching skills and a donor Jeep.

If you’ve been on the fence about building one, now’s the time. Head to smythkitcars.com/jeep-ute and lock in your kit before August 1st. After that, the WJ Ute will be a thing of the past — but the ones on the road will keep turning heads for years to come.