Is This A Hood From The New Wrangler?

Image provided by Redrockjk via JL Wrangler Forums.

Whenever a new model Wrangler comes out, the Jeep community is always clamoring for more information on the new vehicle. Will it be good enough? Will it get watered down? Speculation for the 2018 Jeep JL Wrangler is spiking.

The new vehicle will likely be unveiled sometime in 2017 as a 2018 model. Reports through sources close to the vehicle development have confirmed various things such as it will keep the straight axle front drive, will not be all aluminum and will no longer have a folding windshield. Many believe the windshield and grille will be raked back for better aerodynamics, and it is also believed that the hood will get stretched possibly because of the new-to-Wrangler diesel engine option. One Jeeper got an interesting surprise when he ordered a replacement hood for his 2014 Wrangler.

Image provided by Redrockjk via JL Wrangler Forums.

The user is known as “Redrockjk” on JLWranglerForums.com posted up pictures of the hood he received for his vehicle. It is roughly two inches longer than the stock JK hood. “There are no VIN stickers or Mopar stamped part numbers on this hood (which is not the norm for Jeep/Mopar),” Redrockjk explains. “The place I purchased from is near Chelsea proving grounds and the guy there thinks there might have been a mix-up.”

The Chelsea proving grounds is a Chrysler owned area of land that covers 3,850 acres near Chelsea, Michigan. The grounds are used for vehicle testing with an assortment of smooth roughs, rough roads, and harsh terrain so the manufacturer can test out their new equipment away from the public eye. Redrockjk was told by the gentleman at the recycling yard that they receive vehicles to part out from Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA). Seems one that was supposed to be crushed got parted out, at least partially, instead.

Redrockjk installed the hood onto his vehicle and discovered the differences. It appears most everything is close, just too long. He had wanted to keep the unit but was, unfortunately, unable to, due to financial reasons. Check out the original thread on JLWranglerForums.com for more.