Jeep’s new Low Down concept is rolling on 42-inch tires and no suspension lift. How is that possible? Well, the key is some creative bodywork to make clearance for the big meats. But there’s more to the Jeep Low Down concept. Lots more. Including a 475-horsepower 392 V8 and a pair of Dana 60s with 5.38s.
Remember The Lower Forty Concept From 15 Years Ago?
You’ll recall that Jeep created something similar to Low Down 15 years ago. Jeep called it the Lower Forty concept, and the company unveiled it at the 43rd Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah. Lower Forty fit 40-inch-diameter Mickey Thompson Baja Claw tires while retaining a low center of gravity. The two-door Lower Forty retained the stock suspension but underwent some body mods to fit the big 40s. Also underneath: A Dynatrac-beefed Dana 60 rear axle and Dana 44 front axle. Both axles were ARB-locked with 5.38 gears. Under its hood, Lower Forty sported a massaged 5.7-liter Hemi engine that kicked out an estimated 400 horsepower. That power ran through a Getrag 238 six-speed manual gearbox. Jeep’s new Low Down concept builds on the success and popularity of Lower Forty.
42-Inch Tires And A Lot Of “Clearance Adjustments”
The Low Down concept takes the Lower Forty big-tire-no-lift idea and bumps it up a few notches. Low Down is based on a Wrangler Rubicon 392 model, and it retains the stock Wrangler Rubicon 392 suspension. It fits massive 42-inch BFGoodrich Krawler T/A KX tires onto beadlock wheels. Custom high-clearance carbon fender flares house this combo. So how did Jeep get the big 42s to fit under the Wrangler? Well, the answer is “clearance adjustments.” Translated, that means a significant amount of fender and body trimming was employed. In fact, engineers enlarged the rear fenders to a degree that required relocating the fuel filler to the cargo area of the Jeep. Additionally, they discarded the stock Dana 44 axles with 4.10 gears to handle the big meats. In their place, a pair of Dana 60 axles is fitted with 5.38 gears.
Shortened Bumpers, Custom Bodywork, Radio-Delete, And More
Low Down maintains a low center of gravity. Also, by increasing the tire diameter and shortening the front and rear bumpers, Jeep achieved significant improvements in ground clearance, breakover, and approach and departure angles. The body of Low Down is painted in deep Poison Apple Red. To streamline the concept’s appearance, Jeep removed the rear door handles and equipped it with a custom carbon hood featuring a see-through Power Dome. The latter is a “celebration of the Hemi,” according to Jeep. Because of the significant body mods, the factory fuel filler location was eliminated. It is replaced by a race-style fuel filler added to the cargo area of the Jeep. Furthermore, inside there are custom black leather seats with cloth inserts, Rhino-lined floors, and a custom radio-delete instrument panel. Adding to the ambiance, a purpose-built, red-tinted bikini top illuminates the interior compartment with a warm red glow.
Bottom Line
We were some of the many off roaders that were blown away by Lower Forty 15 years ago. We think Low Down is a fine follow-up. It has a potent powerplant, stout axles, exceptional stability via the low center of gravity, a great tire size, and a savage stance. Will Low Down be a topic of conversation 15 years from now? We think so. What do you think?
