It’s hard to find something more American than a Jeep Wrangler->ke425 and FCA’->ke5312s Hellcat Hemi V-8. Combining them together just might be the most patriotic and macho thing ever done. Adding on a tandem axle setup beneath a cargo bed – now that’s just mind-blowing.

That’s just what Wild Boar Off Road did with this 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited and the heart of a crashed 2015 Dodge Challenger. The transplant may have cost the life of one car, but it has given new thunder to this custom creation. This Hellcat engine swap is a first for the Wrangler JK, so Wild Boar contacted the guys at Dakota Customs who not only fabricated the engine mounts, but also reworked the 6.2-liter supercharged V-8’s ECU specifically for the Jeep, along with bulletproofing the JK’s five-speed automatic transmission to handle the Hemi’s 650 pound-feet of torque.

Not only was the drivetrain and running gear upgraded, the body received an immense amount of attention, getting a conversion that resembles the Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG 6x6. Even the Jeep->ke40’s roof rack has similar-looking support beams in the rear.

Best of all, Wild Boar is taking orders. Yep, supply the right amount of cash, and the California-based upfitter will create a custom JK to your specifications. There’s no telling how much a build like this cost, but it seems completely plausible it exceeds $100,000. There’s plenty more information, though, so keep reading for the full scoop.

Continue reading to learn more about the Jeep JK Wrangler By Dakota Customs.

Exterior

This particular Jeep Wrangler has undergone some heavy modifications that affect every body panel. Up front, a custom bumper with LED off-road lights, an electric winch, and recovery hooks protects the grille. The grille itself get the “hawkeye” treatment with the popular aftermarket add-on. The hood is a custom-built JK hood that features the Challenger’s three-scoop center section for heat reduction. A set of flat fenders replaces the drab stock plastic fenders. Heavy-duty rock sliders protect the rocker seals while an overhead cargo rack gives ample room for storage.

Around back, a custom cargo bed rides atop the JK’s extended frame. A tonneau cover keeps contents in the bed safe from mud and sticky hands. Flat fenders are found over the rear tandem axles, custom fitted together from four separate fenders.

A set of six Toyo Open Country M/T tires sized at 35 inches wrap around Fuel’s “Lethal” wheels sized in 17x9. The mud tires provide excellent grip on both pavement and in deep mud thanks to siping on the tread and deep lugs that extend onto the sidewall.

Interior

The Jeep’s interior didn’t get ignored, but rather was treated to some upgraded bucket seats with quilted leather, black bolsters, grey centers, and red accents. The custom Hell Hog logo is found on the seatback and the floor mats for that extra touch. The roof is covered in sound absorbing carpet, as well. Other than that, the interior is mostly stock, including the center console, dashboard, and infotainment system.

Drivetrain

Of course, the big news is the supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi V-8 under the JK’s hood. In its factory configuration, the V-8 pumps out 707 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque at the flywheel, though with an aftermarket air intake and ECU tune, more power is a possibility. The engine is mated to the Wrangler’s stock W5A580 five-speed automatic transmission, though it has been heavily upgraded to handle the extra power. The upgrade includes stronger clutch packs and baskets, along with firmer shifts thanks to a trans valve change.

Behind the transmission is the JK’s bone-stock transfer case. It’s here that things seem a bit sketchy – tying to send 650 pound-feet of torque through a stock T-case while powering an extra axle. It sounds like a recipe for mechanical carnage, though Wild Boar probably has plans to eventually upgrade the hardware. Also not upgraded is the JK’s stock Dana 30 front axle and rear Dana 44s. The Dana 44s are typically tough, but the front Dana 30 won’t live long with 35-inch tires and Hellcat power.

And on that rear axle set-up, Wild Boar uses a Ford nine-inch, twin-screw through-shaft axle in the middle position to allow for six-wheel drive. Yes, both rear axles receive power, just like any military 6x6.

Suspension wise, the Jeep’s stock springs were kept to preserve its ride, though a full set of King 2.0 adjustable-compression shock absorbers help smooth out harsher bumps. The shocks, along with the 35-inch-tall tires, give the Jeep an overall two inches of lift over stock.

Prices

Of course, none of this is cheap. The JK Unlimited donor vehicle itself would average between $25,000 and $30,000, depending on condition. We’ve seen the Hellcat engine going for more than $15,000 on several websites. Then tack on the extra axle, custom bodywork, interior upgrades, and labor for everything. We’d venture to guess this rig costs roughly $100,000.

Competition

Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG 6x6

Mercedes might be known for making silky smooth luxury sedans, but it also produces the rough-and-tumble G-Wagen. A recent variation to the G-Wagen includes the mighty G63 AMG 6x6, a three-axled beast with a twin-turbocharged V-8 with 544 horsepower and 560 pound-feet of torque. Custom suspension parts, a cargo bed, and Mercedes quality throughout make the G63 6x6 something of a novelty that can traverse nearly any terrain on Earth.

Read our full review here.

Conclusion

The Jeep Wrangler Hell Hog is one hell of a vehicle. It combines the go-anywhere attitude of a Wrangler with the outrageous power from the Hellcat Hemi V-8. Add that with the third axle and mud terrain tires, and this beast should be unstoppable – or that is until its transfer case or front axle gives way. Besides those two weak points, the Hell Hog is a fantastic build. We look forward to seeing more Hellcat-powered Jeep vehicles in the future from shops like Wild Boar and Dakota Customs.