How to Drift a Jeep Grand Cherokee 75th Anniversary: A Complete Guide

Suppose you’re a car enthusiast who enjoys the thrill of drifting. In that case, drifting is reserved for lightweight sports cars or performance vehicles. But what if I told you that the Jeep Grand Cherokee 75th Anniversary edition, a rugged, off-road powerhouse, could also hold its own on the drift scene? Yes, that’s right! While drifting in a Jeep might not be the first thing that comes to mind, with the proper technique and a good understanding of the vehicle’s characteristics, you can master the art of drifting in this unique SUV. So, let’s dive into everything you need to know to pull off a successful drift in your Grand Cherokee 75th Anniversary.

1. Understanding Your Jeep Grand Cherokee 75th Anniversary

Before we start spinning those tires, it’s essential to understand the beast you’re working with. The Grand Cherokee 75th Anniversary edition combines luxury, off-road prowess, and solid power, making it an interesting choice for drifting.

This model features a 3.6-liter V6 engine, offering 295 horsepower, paired with a smooth 8-speed automatic transmission. It’s also equipped with a four-wheel-drive system, which gives you traction where needed but makes drifting a bit more challenging, as 4WD systems generally resist the slip required for classic drifting. However, with proper control and technique, pulling off some exhilarating slides is possible.

2. Preparing Your Jeep for Drifting

Before attempting drifting manoeuvres, ensure your Jeep is in good condition and ready for action. Here’s a quick checklist:

• Tires: Drifting wears down tires fast, so ensure you have good-quality tires with proper tread. You’ll want rear tires that aren’t too new, as they must break loose easily during a drift. If you’re on a track, using a set of tires explicitly meant for drifting is even better.

• Brakes: Make sure your brake system is in top condition. Drifting often involves sudden brake inputs, and you’ll need responsive brakes to help you initiate and control drifts.

• Suspension: A well-maintained suspension will ensure stability when you’re pushing the limits of your vehicle. Consider upgrading your suspension for better handling.

• Traction Control: Turn off traction control (or any stability control features) for drifting. These systems are designed to keep the vehicle stable, and when they’re on, they’ll interfere with your drifting attempts.

• Safety Gear: While drifting, things can get unpredictable. A helmet, racing gloves, and even a harness (if you’re getting serious) can make the experience much safer.

3. Choosing the Right Location

Drifting is an extreme driving technique, and practising in the right environment is essential. Never attempt to drift on public roads or in unsafe areas. Your best bet is to find a closed course, a race track, or a legal drift event where the conditions are controlled, and you’re safe to push your Jeep to the limit.

4. Mastering the Basics of Drifting

Now that your Grand Cherokee is ready to go let’s discuss how to drift. There are several key techniques to master, and each has its nuances. For a 4WD SUV like the Grand Cherokee, you’ll focus on a few specific drifting methods to get the best results.

A. Handbrake Drifting (E-Brake Drift)

Handbrake drifting is one of the most common techniques for initiating a drift, especially in heavier vehicles or those with all-wheel drive, like the Grand Cherokee.

1. Approach a Corner: Start by entering a corner at moderate speed. You don’t need to go full throttle yet, but you want to generate enough momentum for the car to slide.

2. Pull the Handbrake: As you approach the turn, pull the handbrake briefly. This will lock the rear wheels and send the vehicle’s rear end into a slide.

3. Countersteering: As the back of your Jeep slides out, turn the steering wheel in the opposite direction of the drift (countersteering). The goal is to balance the steering to maintain the drift.

4. Throttle Control: Now, apply the throttle gently to maintain the drift. Too much throttle, and you risk spinning out; too little, and you’ll lose the drift entirely. Find that sweet spot where the car slides but stays under control.

5. Exit the Drift: To exit the drift, release the handbrake and gently steer the vehicle back into a straight line. Ease off the throttle and let the Jeep regain traction.

B. Power Over Drifting

Power over drifting relies on the engine’s natural torque to break the rear wheels free. This method can be more complicated in a vehicle like the Grand Cherokee due to its 4WD setup. Still, with enough practice, it’s doable.

1. Approach the Corner: Take the corner at moderate speed and maintain a steady throttle.
2. Throttle Input: As you turn, apply more throttle. The power from the engine will start to push the rear wheels into a slide.
3. Countersteering: As the rear of your Grand Cherokee kicks out, steer in the opposite direction to maintain the drift.
4. Throttle Control: Keep a consistent throttle to control the angle of the drift. You’ll need to feather the throttle to maintain the rear-wheel slide while preventing the front wheels from losing grip.

C. Drift Entry with a “Clutch Kick”

A clutch kick is a technique where you press the clutch pedal in mid-corner to momentarily disconnect the engine’s power from the wheels. This causes a sudden power surge to the rear wheels, which can initiate a drift.

1. Approach the Corner: Come into the turn with a decent speed.
2. Clutch Kick: Quickly push in the clutch while maintaining the throttle, then release it quickly. This causes a shock to the rear wheels, making them break loose and initiating the drift.
3. Countersteering and Throttle Control: As with other techniques, countersteer and apply throttle as needed to maintain the drift.

5. Advanced Drifting Techniques for the Grand Cherokee

Once you’ve got the basics down, you can start experimenting with more advanced drifting techniques, such as:

• Scandinavian Flick: A high-speed technique where you steer the vehicle away from the corner and then quickly flick it back toward the turn to induce a slide.
• Braking Drift: In this technique, you apply the brakes while turning, which helps unsettle the rear end and initiate the drift. It’s a bit trickier but can be highly effective for longer drifts.
• Left-Foot Braking: Using your left foot to apply the brake while simultaneously pressing the throttle, you can manipulate the vehicle’s balance, helping it slide while maintaining power.

6. Mastering Vehicle Control

As you continue drifting, you’ll realize that control is key. A Jeep Grand Cherokee, heavier than most cars traditionally used for drifting, requires a much finer touch on the throttle, steering, and brakes.

• Smooth Inputs: Keep your inputs smooth and gradual. Jerky movements can cause you to lose control, especially in a 4WD vehicle like the Grand Cherokee.
• Weight Transfer: Understanding how weight shifts during a drift is crucial. A proper drift depends on transferring the weight from the front to the rear tires, so using the brakes, throttle, and steering in the correct sequence is critical.

7. Know When to Stop

Drifting can be fun, but it’s also tough on your vehicle. Excessive drifting, especially in a heavy SUV, can wear out parts quickly and potentially damage your Jeep. Constantly monitor your tyres, brakes, and overall vehicle condition. Never push it beyond what you’re comfortable with.

Final Thoughts

Drifting a Jeep Grand Cherokee 75th Anniversary is not for the faint of heart. Still, with the proper techniques and preparation, it can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Start slow, practice the basics, and work your way up to advanced techniques. Most importantly, always prioritize safety—yours and others around you. Drifting in a Jeep may be unconventional, but with enough skill and determination, it can be a thrilling, unique experience!