Homegrown Jeeps Built For Wheeling - Jeep Shots

The Standards

 Anthony Standard’s wife Maria was not only nice enough to buy him a subscription to Jp, but she also sent us this submission of his ’99 Cherokee Sport. Under the hood, you’ll find dual Optima batteries, a Spectre cold-air intake, 24-pound injectors, 62mm bored throttle body, and Brown Dog motor mounts. To give the Forest Pearl Green XJ better legs for traversing the Colorado backwoods, a 61⁄2-inch long-arm suspension was installed. Custom bumpers add protection, while a set of chromoly front axleshafts and 8.8-inch rear axle increase confidence on the trail. To spin the 33-inch BFG KM2s, Yukon 4.56 axle gears were installed. 

Metric Mike

The ’12 Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon you see here belongs to Mike Rydl. The JK is equipped with a 3-inch Synergy Mfg. suspension lift and Fox shocks. The 10,000-pound winch is nestled in an ARB front bumper, while a LoD rear bumper carries the spare and accessories out back. Ace Engineering fenders, skidplates, and AEV Pintler rims with 33-inch-tall tires finish out the list of mods. Rydl states that he has over 120,000 kilometers on the JK with lots off-road time and it has never let him down. 

Out of the Pen

Brian Woolever started modifying his ’93 Cherokee in 1999 and has continued to tweak the platform over the years. The Johnston, Pennsylvania, native’s XJ is powered by the stock H.O. 4.0L engine, which is backed by the AW4 automatic transmission. An NV241 Rock-Trac transfer case was transplanted from a Rubicon Wrangler and has ‘shafts Tom Wood’s Custom Drive Shafts attached at the outputs. Up front, a high-pinion Dana 30 axle is stuffed with an Aussie Locker, while a Ford 9-inch rests outback with a Trac-Lok differential. The custom suspension is said to be around 8 inches of total lift. This is more than enough to easily clear the 36-inch bias-ply IROK tires.

Willys Restorations

The ’48 Willys CJ-2A (green) and ’48 CJ-3A belong to Glade Meredith of Show Low, Arizona. Meredith states that both Willys were restored from the ground up. This included a complete rebuild of all of the drivetrain components, as well as extensive body and frame work. The result is two immaculate rigs that look just as they did when they were new.

Army Jeeper

Duane Shaw got his wheeling bug when he was stationed in Kitzingen, Germany, over two decades ago. After returning to the States, he bought a Jeep and has been part of the off-road community ever since. Now retired from the US Army, Shaw started olskool4x4.com, an online community of wheelers that invites soldiers from Fort Bliss to go wheeling once a month. To lead the pack, Shaw uses his ’85 CJ-7. The Jeep is powered by a 4.2L inline-six engine that now runs a 4.0L head. Behind the 252ci engine is a T-5 manual transmission and Dana 300 T-case, which was upgraded with a LoMax 4:1 conversion kit. The fully locked Dana 30 front and Dana 44 rear keep things going on the trail, along with the help of 4.88 differential gears. Making room for the 35x12.50R15 Goodyear MT/R tires is a 41⁄2-inch Rubicon Express suspension lift.

Sell to Buy

Marty Keylon states that he sold his ’93 Wrangler for this ’89 YJ you see here. Gone is the original inline-six engine and in its place is a smog-legal 5.7L TBI Chevy V-8. A Howell wiring harness allows the Jeep to communicate easily, while a Griffin aluminum radiator gets help from an electric fan to keep everything cool. Other under-hood goodies include a K&N air filter and Optima RedTop battery. The 700R4 transmission is fit with a remote cooler and Hurst shifter. Behind the automatic is a twin-stick Dana 300 T-case, which feeds Dana 44 axles. Along with 4.56 gears, both axles received chromoly axleshafts and ARB Air Lockers. The custom spring-over suspension uses Rancho springs and shocks, and easily clears the 37-inch Toyo Open Country M/Ts. On-board air, a Bestop soft top, custom ’cage and rocker guards, and a Warn winch are also part of the long list of modifications.

Simple White

Ben Graham didn’t give us a lot of info on his ’03 TJ, but from the photo of the clean Wrangler, we can sum up a few parts. Protection goodies from Warn were fit up front and bolted to the rockers, while an ARB diff cover takes place of the stock cover. A long-arm suspension uses Bilstein shocks and offer ample room for the BFG KM2 tires.

Unlimited Land

Jeffery Kirland’s ’07 Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon is loaded with parts to help him and his son explore the great outdoors. To turn up the power on the 3.8L engine, an Airaid intake was added, along with Screamin Demon plug wires, and a TrailDash tuner from Superchips. To handle the increased ponies more reliably, the automatic transmission was upgraded by ATS. In front of the NV241OR transfer case is an Advance Adapters RubiCrawler for even more gear reduction. The Dana 44 axles received bracing, chromoly axleshafts, and 5.38 gears. To help the JK move more effortlessly on the trail, a MetalCloak 21⁄2-inch suspension system was installed. Goodyear MT/Rs of the 35-inch variety put traction to the ground, while an assortment of armor from Poison Spyder Customs, Smittybilt, and Rock Hard 4x4 work to keep the four doors intact.

Full Frontal

Timothy J. Fruitman of Chandler, Arizona, had this photo snapped by Michael McMillen on his way down one of our favorite Moab, Utah, trails, Hell’s Revenge. The ’11 Wrangler Rubicon boasts a 31⁄2-inch American Expedition Vehicles suspension lift and 37-inch BFG Krawler tires. A GenRight front bumper holds a Superwinch Rock 98, and addditional armor from TnT Customs and Asfir 4x4 protect the JK above and below. Inside, MasterCraft Safety seats keep occupants snuggly in place. Additional axle upgrades include Yukon 5.38 differential gears and some hardware from Poly Performance.

Can ’Con

Brad Hoeg, and his ’08 Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon, hails from Amherst, Nova Scotia, Canada. Purchased new, the Jeep is running a 21⁄2-inch Old Man Emu suspension, along with 1-inch coil spacers. It currently has 35x12.50R15 Cooper mud-terrain tires and is equipped with an assortment of skidplates from front to back. Rugged Ridge bumpers add protection, while a 10,000-pound Superwinch gives him pulling power in case he gets stuck. Hoeg states that one of the best parts about owning the Jeep is all of the close friends he’s made.

Source: http://www.fourwheeler.com/news/1508-homegrown-jeeps-built-for-wheeling-jeep-shots/

Land Rover to Resurrect SVX Line for Extreme Off-Roaders

 Just as Land Rover prepares to introduce a next-generation Defender, the automaker may also resurrect the SVX label on the vehicle, according to a recent report from CAR Magazine.

In fact, the automaker's Special Vehicle Operations department is plotting a slew of SVX-labeled models for customers looking for more extreme off-road capability. It's not clear yet which vehicles will receive the special treatment, but the Defender is the most obvious choice. The SVX label, after all, was last seen on the Defender in the 2000s.

An SVX line would complement a number of other special "flavors" birthed by Jaguar Land Rover's customization division. We've already seen the SVR line work its magic on the automaker's more road-going vehicles like the Range Rover Sport, and a Jaguar F-Type SVR is also in the pipeline. Meanwhile, the luxury-focused SVAutobiography series brings some extra luxury to the lineup. The most recent 2016 Range Rover SVAutobiography commands as much as $200,000 USD thanks to its 22-inch wheels and a number of opulent details inside the cabin.

 Adding an off-road SVX line could bring Land Rover closer to its roots, enhancing the brand's street cred and possibly setting it up for a return to hardcore off-road competition in events like the Dakar rally. It's highly likely that these extreme vehicles will offer more power than the brand's standard 4x4s.

 Source: http://www.motortrend.ca/en/news/1507-report-land-rover-to-resurrect-svx-line-for-extreme-off-roaders/

Project Trail Force Jeep Wrangler goes to SEMA, then to a lucky winner

Extreme Terrain is an aftermarket parts company focused on the Jeep Wrangler. Partly just because it's a really cool thing to do, and probably having something to do with Jeep's upcoming 75th anniversary, Extreme Terrain found some dance partners to help work up a special 2015 Wrangler Rubicon that it will show off at the Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival in Butler, PA, then at SEMA in November, where it will be given away. 

Extreme worked with Barricade Off-Road and Kevin Tetz from the Spike show Trucks! to build the Wrangler it calls Project Trail Force. There is more than $24,000 worth of aftermarket gear on it, starting with the Ripp centrifugal supercharger that pumps an additional 140 horsepower into the 3.6-liter V6. It's got a 3.5-inch lift kit from Rock Krawler, Dana 44 axles strung between 37-inch BFG tires, Barricade bumpers, a 9,500-pound winch, fender flares, rock sliders, a 50-inch LED light bar above the windshield, LED spotlights on the A-pillars, and seven-inch KC Hilites headlights. Rugged Ridge worked over the inside with upgrades like all-terrain floor and cargo liners, plus seat covers, and a new navigation system with a back-up camera. 

If you want to win it, you can enter the contest at Extreme Terrain once every week until Oct. 23. The winner gets flown to SEMA to have Kevin Tetz hand the keys over. If you just want to see it, you can head to PA for that heritage festival. The Project Trail Force will also lead a Jeep parade that could set a Guinness World Record. The press release below has a lot more info on the build. Good luck.

EXTREMETERRAIN AND BARRICADE OFF-ROAD TO UNVEIL THEIR FULLY-BUILT 2015 JEEP WRANGLER AT BANTAM JEEP FESTIVAL

ExtremeTerrain.com and Barricade Off-Road teamed up to build a $73,000+ 2015 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon to be given away to a lucky winner at the 2015 SEMA Show

• Giveaway Link: http://www.extremeterrain.com/jeep-wrangler-project-trailforce-giveaway.html
• Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jsO6fxVq6kI

MALVERN, Pa. (June 12, 2015) – ExtremeTerrain, a leader in providing aftermarket Jeep Wrangler parts, along with rugged, enthusiast-driven Jeep Wrangler aftermarket armor and accessories manufacturer Barricade Off-Road, today unveiled a fully-built 2015 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon dubbed Project Trail Force at the Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival in Butler, PA.

Today's reveal comes 4 months ahead of the annual Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas, NV where this custom-built Wrangler will be given away. The SEMA Show is a yearly showcase of customized vehicles that represents the pinnacle of aftermarket automotive design and innovation, the perfect venue for Project Trail Force. Fans can enter to win this Jeep once per week until October 23rd at ExtremeTerrain.com.

The driving force behind Project Trail Force is a centrifugal Ripp Supercharger, adding over 140 horsepower to the otherwise factory 3.6L V6. Featuring some of the toughest and most advanced aftermarket Wrangler parts available, Project Trail Force sits 3.5" higher than stock thanks to Rock Krawler's long-arm lift kit utilizing coil-overs to help give it the needed clearance for obstacles. Rounding out the look as well as the off-road performance are 37" tires and Mammoth Boulder Wheels to conquer any trail.

The exterior of Project Trail Force boasts a trail-ready upgrade of Barricade Front Bumper, Rear Bumper with Tire Carrier, Fender Flares and Rock Sliders, giving this Rubicon the additional clearance it needs to flex the larger 37" tires. Prepped for late-night wheeling, this 2015 Wrangler features a full Raxiom Lighting upgrade including two 2.5" LED spotlights, two 3" square LED off-road lights and a 50" double row LED light bar. In case that isn't enough lighting to turn night into day, Project Trail Force is equipped with KC Hilites 7" LED headlights.

On the inside, this 2015 Wrangler is hooked up by Rugged Ridge with a pair of their Grab Handles, All Terrain Floor Liners, Cargo Liner and Seat Covers. Finally, the interior is finished with a Raxiom OE-Style Navigation including Bluetooth and Back-up Camera to help you find the trail.

Project Trail Force features over $24,000 worth of aftermarket parts including:
• Suspension: The 3.5" Rock Krawler lift kit installed incudes long arms and coil overs to give this Jeep great on-road handling and off-road performance.
• Armor: The Barricade bumpers on this Jeep give improved approach and departure angles, as well as body protection on the trail. The Barricade Rock Sliders protect the rocker guards from rocks and stumps off-road, and their metal fender flares provide additional clearance for big tires.
• Lighting: Raxiom Lighting took care of adding bumper mounted lights, A-pillar lights, and a 50" light bar that will turn the darkest trail into day.
• Interior: The interior of the Jeep is decked out in Rugged Ridge grab handles, seat covers and floor mats to add convenience and protection.
• Engine: Ripp's centrifugal supercharger system takes care of adding more power to this Jeep. For on-road or off-road driving the additional power allows this Jeep to outperform the rest.

ExtremeTerrain's Kevin Tetz, former host of "Trucks!" on the Spike Network, played an integral role in the Project Trail Force Build. Kevin worked to install a lot of the parts and commented on the build saying, "The winner of Project Trail Force is going to get an awesome rig that has stood up to all the punishment we've thrown at it. It has proven itself on and off the trail. We built this Jeep from the tires up and it's ready for anything!" – Kevin Tetz

Project Trail Force is being unveiled at the Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival located in Butler, PA, where it will represent 2015 and lead the Guiness Book of World Records attempt at the largest Jeep Parade. Butler was the birthplace of the Jeep in 1940 and this year is the celebration of the 75th anniversary of the Jeep, making it the perfect event to unveil Project Trail Force and kick off the giveaway!

Starting today and through October 23, 2015, fans can enter online up to once a week to win Project Trail Force. ExtremeTerrain will be flying the winner to the 2015 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, NV to claim their prize. Kevin Tetz will be on-hand to deliver the keys to the lucky winner. Must be 18 years or older to enter and a resident of the United States. For more information about the sweepstakes, please visit: http://www.extremeterrain.com/jeep-wrangler-project-trailforce-giveaway.html.

Project Trail Force Build List
Wheels, Tires & Lift:
• Rock Krawler 3.5 in. X Factor Coil Over Long Arm System w/ Shocks (07-15 Wrangler JK 4 Door)
• Mammoth Type 88 Black Wheel - 17x9 (07-15 Wrangler JK)
• BF Goodrich Mud Terrain T/A KM2 37X12.50R17 (87-15 Wrangler YJ, TJ & JK)
• Rugged Ridge Driveshaft Front CV (07-15 Wrangler JK 4 Door)
• Rugged Ridge Exhaust Spacer Kit w/ 2.5 - Inch + Lift (12 - 15 Wrangler JK)
• G2 Dana 44 Front Master Install Kit (07-15 Wrangler JK Rubicon)
• G2 Dana 44 Rear Master Install Kit (07-15 Wrangler JK Rubicon)
• G2 Rear Dana 44 Ring & Pinion Gear Set, 5.13 (07-15 Wrangler JK)
• G2 Front Dana 44 Ring & Pinion Gear Set, 5.13 Reverse (07-15 Wrangler JK Rubicon)

Body Armor:
• Barricade Trail Force HD Front Bumper (07-15 Wrangler JK)
• Barricade Trail Force HD Rear Bumper w/ Tire Carrier (07-15 Wrangler JK)
• Barricade Rock Sliders (07-15 Wrangler JK 4 Door)
• Barricade Tubular Front Fender - Pair (07-15 Wrangler JK)
• Barricade Tubular Rear Fender - Pair (07-15 Wrangler JK)

Lighting & Accessories:
• RIPP Supercharger Kit Intercooled (2015 Wrangler JK)
• Raxiom OE – Style Navigation w/ Bluetooth & Back-up Camera (07-15 Wrangler JK)
• Raxiom 50 in. Double Row LED Light Bar (87-15 Wrangler YJ, TJ & JK)
• Raxiom 3 in. Square LED Light (87-15 Wrangler YJ, TJ & JK)
• Raxiom 2.5 in. Square Single LED Light (87-15 Wrangler YJ, TJ & JK)
• KC Hilites LED Headlight 7 in. Pair (07-15 Wrangler JK)
• Lifetime LED 50 in. Light Mount (07-15 Wrangler JK)
• Barricade Windshield Mounted Light Brackets – Textured Black (07-15 Wrangler JK)
• Barricade Mirror Relocation Kit – Textured Black (07-15 Wrangler JK)
• Barricade Wrap Around Net – Three Piece (07-15 Wrangler 4 Door)
• Barricade FullShade Top (07-15 Wrangler JK 4-Door)
• Off Road Only Lite Spot Chassis Rock Lights Kit (87-15 Wrangler YJ, TJ, & JK)
• Barricade 9500lb Winch w/Synthetic Rope & Wireless Control (87-15 Wrangler YJ, TJ, JK)

About ExtremeTerrain
ExtremeTerrain.com is a leader in providing enthusiasts with aftermarket Jeep Wrangler parts. Located just outside Philadelphia, PA, ExtremeTerrain is dedicated to providing Jeep Wrangler owners with the best parts at the best prices while also ensuring the conservation and protection of off-road trails. Visit http://www.extremeterrain.com.

About Barricade Off-Road
Barricade Off-Road has continuously innovated and redefined what enthusiasts expect in off-road worthy parts. Covering JK, TJ and YJ Jeeps, Barricade Off-Road creates the highest-quality parts that are rigorously tested to provide rugged and dependable performance in any situation. For more information, visit http://www.barricadeoffroad.com.

Link Source: http://www.autoblog.com/2015/07/01/project-trail-force-jeep-wrangler-goes-sema/

Land Rover Defender Rugby Trophy Truck Looks Like the Popemobile, Could Be Driven to Hell and Back

For the 2015 Rugby World Cup Trophy Tour—no, not the Cup itself—the Webb Ellis trophy awarded to the tournament’s winner will be taken on a 100-day tour of the U.K. and Scotland. Given that self-driving rugby trophies are still in development, the Webb Ellis cup will chaperoned throughout the British Isles via the ultra-bad-ass-looking Land Rover Defender you see here. Designed by Land Rover’s Special Vehicle Operations team, the trophy-deliverance machine boasts a glassed-in display case, as well as a bunch of other cool, albeit pointless, add-ons.

We’ll start with Special Vehicle Operation’s modifications that actually pertain to the transport of the Webb Ellis trophy. Starting with a Defender 110 wagon, the team fitted what is more or less a trophy cabinet to the SUV’s rear, complete with anti-glare security glass, climate controls, special lighting, and a 40-inch TV that will portray historic rugby moments. Seeing as how this Land Rover will play rugby ambassador during the tour, the interior has been fitted with special Windsor leather seats with gold stitching and contrasting blue piping; the headrests wear embroidered Rugby World Cup logos.

 And now for the not-so-trophy-tastic stuff: The specially outfitted Defender has an “expedition” roof rack, a front winch, aluminum sump skid plate, side steps, and a snorkel intake. Uh, the trophy is merely touring England and Ireland, not the Sahara, right? No matter, the off-road gear looks rad, and the Defender’s 2.2-liter diesel and six-speed manual combo has us positively drooling. Perhaps even more interesting than Land Rover’s pseudo-Popemobile rolling trophy case is the way the SUV made its debut: It was floated 25 miles down the Thames River in a 26-foot-tall inflatable rugby ball. Because rugby!

News Source: http://blog.caranddriver.com/land-rover-defender-rugby-trophy-truck-looks-like-the-popemobile-could-be-driven-to-hell-and-back/

Ford Raptor vs Jeep Wrangler Rubicon: Ultimate Off-Road Mashup

What is the best off-road vehicle in the land? TFLtruck wanted to put our long term Ford Raptor against another off-road machine – the 2015 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Hard Rock. How does each handle a steep, muddy, and washed-out Rocky Mountain trail?  

Both of these vehicles have the ground clearance, approach/departure angles, and the tires to tackle the job. However, the Wrangler Rubicon has the ultimate hardware with locking front and rear differentials, disconnecting sway bar, rock sliders, and mud-terrain tires.

No matter, the SVT Raptor also has many of the goodies that make it one of the best off-road pickup trucks. If this truck has a disadvantage on the mountain trail, then it is its size. The Raptor is a foot wider than the Wrangler and four feet longer, since it is the crew cab version.

Check out this fun TFLtruck off-road video as the Ford Raptor takes on the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Hard Rock.

News Source: http://www.tfltruck.com/2015/05/ford-raptor-vs-jeep-wrangler-rubicon-ultimate-off-road-mashup-video/

Rugged Ridge Announces New Exo-Top for 2007-2015 Jeep Wrangler

Rugged Ridge is proud to release their innovative new Exo-Top for 2007-2015 Jeep Wranglers. This great new product combines the convenience of a soft top with the utility of a roof rack. Check it out.  

Official Release:

Rugged Ridge® today introduced its all-new Exo-Top soft top and roof rack for 2007-2015 Jeep Wrangler JK. The Exo-Top is an innovative, industry-first design that combines the joy of top-down driving with the utility of a roof rack, taking convenience, function and style to new levels by enabling Jeep owners to conveniently lower, raise or remove the Jeep’s soft top with ease without having to unload any gear or cargo from the roof rack. 

Available now for four door JK Wranglers, and in summer 2015 for two door models, the Rugged Ridge Exo-Top features a patent-pending design that is a direct bolt-on application with no drilling required for installation. 

By combining the convenience of a soft top with the utility of a roof rack, the Exo-Top allows owners to experience a Jeep to its full potential for camping, off-roading, or as part of any outdoor lifestyle. The Exo-Top features an innovative Sun Slider® retractable function, which allows the top to slide back with the release of just two clips, creating an open-top experience for owners without the hassle of getting out of the driver’s seat. 

Integrated into the 300-lb. capacity roof rack is an advanced externally suspended soft top design that fastens using a series of Velcro straps along the perimeter bars of the roof rack. The pulling force applied by the Velcro helps to tighten and shape the soft top, and completely eliminates the need to unload any gear or cargo from the roof rack in order to conveniently lower, raise or remove the Jeep’s soft top. 

The Exo-Top is also compatible with most standard rack attachments and accessories in the industry, enabling Jeep owners to utilize the Exo-Top to safely haul any type of gear or equipment for outdoor adventures, including bicycles, skis, snowboards and kayaks. 

“What’s great about the Exo-Top is the freedom and versatility it gives Jeep owners,” said Patrick Bennett, Product Development Manager at Omix-ADA. “By combining the soft top and roof rack, the Exo-Top allows Wrangler owners to spend more time enjoying their Jeep in any setting rather deal with a cumbersome soft top and roof rack that were never designed to work together.” 

The Rugged Ridge Exo-Top is available online now for four door JK Wrangler applications at an MSRP of $1,732.99, and will be available for two door JK Wrangler models in summer 2015 at an MSRP of $1,599.99.

Features:

• Convenient soft top

• Rugged roof rack

• Velcro straps

• No drilling required

• Sun Slider retractable function

News Source: http://www.offroadxtreme.com/news/new-products/rugged-ridge-announces-new-exo-top-for-2007-2015-jeep-wrangler/

Hear the Lamentations of the Boulders: Land Rover Prepping Burly SVX Off-Road Models

We’ll start with an apology to any fans of two-door Subarus who have found this page via a wayward Google search. Because the SVX that brings us here isn’t the compellingly bizarre Giugiaro-designed 1990s coupe—one of the biggest automotive flops of the past 25 years—but rather Land Rover’s plans to use the acronym for some butched-up off-road models.  

As with most of the interesting stuff happening at Jaguar Land Rover, this is the work of the company’s newly formed Special Vehicle Operations division. And, yes, it involves more acronyms. In a recent interview, SVO boss John Edwards told us that it plans to launch SVX models to provide “added capability” alongside the performance-orientated SVR and luxurious SVAutobiography versions the division is also charged with creating. 

But while we’ll see SVR and—we believe—SVAutobiography versions of both Jaguar and Land Rover products, SVX will be exclusive to Land Rover. There are no more details to go on at the moment, but we’re told to look at events like the Camel Trophy and Dakar Rally to see the inspiration for the new direction, which will combined increased performance with radically improved off-road performance. So something like a Bowler Wildcat then? Or a Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG 6×6? “It could be either of those things, it could be both,” said Edwards, enigmatically. “This is the third side of the product triangle, and one that we think has got huge potential.”We don’t yet have any timelines, or even hints about which of the company’s products will get the SVX treatment first, although the next Land Rover Defender is probably the most obvious candidate. Edwards did admit that, having seen both SVAutobiography and SVR models, it would be logical for us to expect to see an SVX “relatively soon.” So this is good news for people who think Land Rovers have gone a bit soft since they started putting carpets in them.

News Source: http://blog.caranddriver.com/hear-the-lamentations-of-the-boulders-land-rover-prepping-burly-svx-off-road-models/