Drifting is an exhilarating driving technique that allows you to maintain control of your vehicle while pushing it to its limits. It's a skill that requires practice, patience, and precision, and it’s often associated with sports cars. However, you may be surprised to learn that even an iconic SUV like the Jeep Grand Cherokee 75th Anniversary can be used for drifting with the right knowledge and technique.
In this article, we will explore how to drift a Jeep Grand Cherokee 75th Anniversary like a pro, breaking down the steps, tips, and techniques to master the art of drifting with this rugged yet powerful vehicle.
What Makes the Jeep Grand Cherokee 75th Anniversary Stand Out When It Comes to Drifting?
Before we look into how to drift with this SUV, we need to understand what sets the Jeep Grand Cherokee 75th Anniversary apart. This model was made in limited quantities to celebrate 75 years of the company Jeep and features an extreme off-road package while still having the style and performance to match.
Let's take a close look at some factors that set the Jeep Grand Cherokee 75th Anniversary apart in drifting.
4WD capability: The drifting power comes from the controlled sliding during corners aided by the Grand Cherokees’ 4WD system and 4WD system off-road performance. This power may come in handy while drifting as well, especially with the right technique.
V8 engine power: The power from the 5.7-liter V8 engine can maintain momentum during the drifting action. While it is demanding to steer and control, it is better than a sports car, but offers a different experience altogether.
Suspension system: Compared to the ordinary model of the Grand Cherokee, the suspension system on the 75th Anniversary edition has been tuned for both off-road performance. This might prove beneficial in keeping the Jeep stable while drifting.
We have now established the reasons behind the uniqueness of the Jeep Grand Cherokee 75th Anniversary ninja star drifting mode. Let us see how it is performed.
A Comprehensive Guide on How to Drift a Jeep Grand Cherokee 75th Anniversary
1. Locate the Ideal Setting
Drifting is not an activity you just jump straight into. Choosing a proper setting to drift is a non-negotiable requirement and it is arguably fundamental for any person who wishes to engage in drifting as drift activities require ample space free from most obstructions. Make use of closed racetracks, parking lots that are not in use or any unobstructed sections of the road where drifting can be done safely.
2. Understand the Power and Handling of the Jeep
Drifting with a jeep grand Cherokee 75th anniversary comes with a marked degree of difficulty considering the great weight of the jeep. Like every other drifting activity, you need to get relaxed with the handling and power of the car and in this case, practice using the brake and throttle and get the response of the jeep. Understand the smoothness of the steering and the feedback you get from the jeep and this will help you understand the limits of the car and what to expect when trying to haul the vehicle in a drift.
3. Entering the Drift: Starting the slide
To start a drift in the Jeep Grand Cherokee 75th Anniversary, the proper technique is referred to as the “handbrake turn” or “e-brake drift.” Pulling a drift like this can be done in multiple cars, not just sports cars. Here’s how to do it:
Accelerate: Get up to a speed of about 30 to 40 mph. You should be accelerating into a wide turn.
Clutch and Brake: For a proper setup, press the clutch and brake slowly. Such action shifts weight to the front of the wheel, giving you much control over the rear.
Pull the Handbrake: At the apex of the corner, pull the handbrake to lock the rear wheels. This will allow the back of the Jeep to swing out while the front keeps pulling the car forward.
Throttle Control: Don’t apply your brakes completely. When the Jeep starts to slide, start applying throttle. Doing so should keep the car from exceeding the angle of skid and help you gain control on the slide.
4. Counter Steering in a Drift
To maintain a drift while driving a Jeep Grand Cherokee 75th Anniversary, counter-steering must be initiated after the drift has been led. To avoid losing control, push the steering wheel in the opposite direction of the drift.
Modifications should be small. A steady steering wheel should be held while making minute changes to keep the drift smooth. This also protects the Jeep from spinning out due to overcorrection.
Throttle Modification: In order to maintain a slide, throttle must be applied at all times. If the foot is too far off the pedal, then the drift will be lost once the Jeep picks up traction. Conversely, too much power on the pedal can push the vehicle into a spin.
5. Beneficially End the Drift
Gaining control requires a smooth transition from a drift into standard driving. To exit a drift, the throttle will begin to need to be gradually loosened while the steering direction also changes. The aim is to ensure the vehicle doesn’t overly correct, lose grip, or spin out.
How to Drift a Jeep Grand Cherokee 75th Anniversary: Tips and Tricks
Drifting isn’t an activity that one picks up in the blink of an eye. As with other skills, mastering drifting requires commitment, persistence, and lots of practice. Therefore, before one begins drifting, it's important to practice in a safe environment. The benefit of practice is that it gives you the needed exposure to get accustomed to how the jeep handles.
Don’t Get Carried Away with the E-Brake: If used correctly, the handbrake can be helpful during drifting. However, if the handbrake is used too aggressively, there’s a risk of losing control when coming out of the drift. Remember to use all controls slowly and gradually.
Understand Your Vehicle's Limitation: The Jeep Grand Cherokee 75th Anniversary is a stylish SUV, but remember it is still an SUV. This means there’s only so much nimbleness one can expect from it. It isn’t difficult to drift the jeep, but it can be dangerous on tighter or higher speed corners, especially if the jeep is pushed too hard. Staying within a safe range of motion can easily solve that issue.
Have the Right Kind of Tires: The type of tires you use will also affect your ability to drift. For example, tires with less grip are preferred for drifting because they are easier to initiate a drift, even though the risk of losing control may increase. If you want to improve your drifting, have tires that suit your drifting needs.
Conclusion
The process of drifting a Jeep Grand Cherokee 75th Anniversary is an unparalleled and exciting task. The V8 engine, solid 4WD, and brutal build aid in enhancing the drifting experience despite it being different from lighter vehicles that are sportier. By employing the right methods and practicing in a controlled environment, people can effortlessly drift like a maestro in the Jeep Grand Cherokee 75th Anniversary.
