It's rare to find a hardcore ZJ that's not the equivalent of a disco ball on wheels. So when we came across this zebra-striped wonder, it was worth a second look.

RAGS TO ROCK CRAWLER: The Zebra Jeep proves there is life after the bone yard for a Jeep.

John Mesko's creation was born from a wrecked 1998 Grand Cherokee Limited that was left to the bone yard after being rolled over in an accident. The lid and fenders were smashed. But, after three new fenders, two doors, a roof, days of dreaming, a lot of cash and even more hard work, Mesko made himself a monster. It now serves as an expedition vehicle and a farm tractor. The list of upgrades is enough to make us salivate - especially if you're a farmer. Check out the Mile Marker Hydraulic system that is plumbed clear to the rear, where it has the ability to operate a rear winch as well as farm equipment. Check out the photos below and follow along with the entire project.

Building the Zebra Jeep
	HACKED AND SHOT: Just before the Zebra Jeep earned its namesake stripes, the fenders were hacked, allowing a lot of room for a huge tire and wheel combo. Just as it sits after the hack job, 35-inch tires fit with ease. Keep in mind, it still has its stock suspension at this point.
HIGH AND TIGHT HARDWARE: The low-hanging stock bumpers were removed to allow for the custom rock crawling bumpers. Up front, even with the Ramsey Winch, the Zebra Jeep still has nearly 60 degrees of approach angle.
ROCKER PROTECTION: Cutouts were made within the stock rocker panels to allow two-inch square tubing to be used so that the Zebra Jeep doesn't loose precious ground clearance. Just take a look at the photo on the left to see how snug they fit.
FOMOCO FOUNDATION: After laying down 200 bucks for the front and 250 for the rear, the reverse-cut Dana 44 up front and Dana 60 in the rear were swiped from a 1978 Ford F-250. The axles were 11 inches wider than a stock Cherokee in the front. And because the axles on the donor vehicle were two inches narrower in the rear, the Dana 60 was only nine inches over a stock ZJ in the rear. The wider axles make for greater stability on the trail. ON THE PERCH: The lower spring perches and upper control arms were zapped to the axles. Mesko notes that welding the truss to the cast iron differential required a great skill and a nickel welding rod. The unibody frame rails were reinforced with 3x4-inch angle iron. THE GUTS: Within the pumpkin are a set of Detroit Lockers mated to 5.13 gears.
WHEELBASE: The upper spring perch in the rear was moved back 3.5 inches in order to center the tires in the hacked wheel wells. In addition to moving the front axle forward 1.5 inches, this gave Zebra Jeep a wheelbase of around 112 inches. SPRINGS: In addition to the onslaught of Skyjacker Rock Ready hardware, which includes 8-inch springs up front, the Zebra Jeep makes use of a Rusty's Off-Road prototype 10-inch coil springs. SWAY BAR AND SWAY BAR: Keeping the suspension under control are Pro Comp Adjustable MX6 Shocks. Of special note are the sway bar disconnects, which are created and connected by air chucks.
PINION ANGLES: On the axles, the pinion angle was tilted upward to allow for better clearance. Power is transferred to the axles via High Angle Driveline driveshafts. BRACKETS: The control arm bracketry was modified to make for a slick surface below the axle, leaving nothing to hang-up or drag on the rocks. STEERING: The steering uses an AGR Rock Ram steering cylinder mounted high and out of the way. The tie rod is also mounted up high to keep with the overall clearance of the all components.
GOT TRAVEL GET CHICKS?: He claims Zebra Jeep is a chick magnet, but before that could be said, big travel was achieved. On a 20 degree ramp Zebra Jeep earns a 1070. On a 30 degree ramp, it earns an amazing 700. Now, if a babe magnet is what you end up with, don't forget to bring the step-stool.

Suspension

Wheels & Tires

Steering

Drivetrain

Protection

• Victor Tire Plug Repair Kit
  
• Coleman Powermate Emergency Jump-Start System
• On Board Liquid CO2 System with Campbell Hausfeld 280 ft/lb air wrench and air chuck

Recovery Systems

Navigational Equipment

Communications Equipment

Safety Equipment