Is there any practical reason why building a
steam-powered Jeep Wrangler Unlimited makes sense? No. But, that hasn’t stopped
Haux Designs in Pennsylvania from creating what is surely one of the most
heavily-modified and impressive Wrangler’s anywhere.
Beneath the hood, the Jeep is home to a 100ci V4
trunk-piston, poppet-valve uniflow steam engine from the 1960’s. It only
produces between 130 hp and 140 hp, but churns out a remarkable 2,500 lb-ft of
torque.
Despite this atmospheric peak torque figure, the
Wrangler’s standard 6-speed manual has been retained but now only has a single
high forward, one low forward, and one reverse gear. Not the most practical
setup then.
While the front of the off-roader may seem
relatively benign, the rear is a different story. Out back sits a 55-gallon
water tank, a huge boiler, and a 16-gallon kerosene fuel cell. This has
necessitated the installation of a third axle and two additional wheels. All
told, the Steam-powered hulk is 51-inches longer than standard.
Sitting beneath the elongated bodywork are stock
Jeep brakes, BDS coils and Fox shocks at the front, a modified Toyota steering
box and 3.73 gears. At the rear, the suspension system is largely the same but
there are Reel driveshafts, an Auburn Gear Max Lock locker and a TeraFlex D60
axle.
Inside, Haux Design’s Wrangler is a mix between a
typical off-roader and a steam train. Found within are former water well pump
handles as steam control and shifters, a 1800s locomotive steam gauge, a
bespoke steering wheel, and a Kicker stereo.
