Wrestling your way through or over different hurdles just to get to far-off places, where you can enjoy the breathtaking views and momentarily forget about your problems is a must.
The Land Cruiser Riders have given their side. So, the time has come for our next adventurers to show you how they do overlanding, the Wrangler way.
KALEB (@4XTRAIL)
Encountering rocky trails and piles of snow is inevitable but if you find yourself stuck often in these grounds, then Kaleb’s 2014 Jeep Wrangler JKU Sport has a special trick under its sleeve err… on its wheels.
One of its Jeep Wrangler mods include the Nitro Gear and Axle’s Helical Rear Differential Locker which functions as a normal open differential locker on smooth roads, but evenly distributes power on both front and rear wheels in off-road conditions. This results in a carefully reduced speed to prevent getting stuck.
However, Kaleb mentions he had a hard time installing 8 control arms to get the important parts of his Jeep properly aligned. He learned from this mistake and later on asked the help of a professional when he switched to TeraFlex Alpine IR Arms. The point is, don’t waste time on something that’s not doable alone.
“The hardest part of overlanding for me is probably setting realistic trip goals during busier seasons of life, family, work, and other commitments! Making the most of the time we’ve been given and doing it with family and friends is difficult but rewarding.” –Kaleb
Tips from an Overlander at Heart
Wrangler Modifications Summary
Suspension, Wheels, Tires & Brakes
- 5 JKS Coils
- 4-6” TeraFlex 9550 Shocks
- 3” Bump Stop Extensions (Front: Rubicon Express Rear: TeraFlex/Custom)
- Metalcloak DuroSpring Bump Stops
- SS Brake Line Extensions (Front: Teraflex Rear: Evo Manufacturing)
- JKS Quicker Disconnects Front Sway Bar Links
- TeraFlex Extended Rear Sway Bar Links
- Synergy Manufacturing Coil Perch Levelers (Rear)
- CavFab 1-ton Tie Rod and Drag Link
- TeraFlex 9550 Steering Stabilizer
- JKS HD Front Track Bar
- TeraFlex Rear Track Bar Relocation Bracket
- TeraFlex Alpine IR Control Arms (8)
- Artec Apex Front Axle Truss
- Synergy Manufacturing Upper and Lower C Gussets
- TeraFlex HD Ball Joints
- Custom Differential Breather Extensions (Front/Rear)
- Adams 1310 Extreme Duty Driveshafts (Front/Rear)
- Ten Factory Chromoly Axle Shafts (Front)
- Ten Factory Outer Axle Tube Seals (Front)
- Nitro Gear & Axle 4:88 Gear Set (Front/Rear)
- Nitro Gear & Axle Helical Driven Differential (Rear)
- RockTrix RT111 17×9 Wheels
- TeraFlex 1.25” Wheel Adaptors
- 5 17 Yokohama Geolander G003 M/T Tire
- Beefed Up Brakes “Trail Rated” HD Brake Pads
Armor, Recovery & Mounting Solutions
- Rugged Ridge HD Stubby Bumper (Front)
- Warn VR-10S Winch and Hawse Fairlead
- IPSCO Flat D Shackle
- Rear Bumper Delete
- Smittybilt Pivot HD Tire Carrier
- Custom Trimmed Factory Fender Flares
- Rugged Ridge HD Hood Latches
- Pixel Decals Custom 4XTRAIL Decals
- Window Tint
- Smittybilt Oil Pan/Belly Skid Plate
- Factory Jeep Rubicon Rock Sliders
- RockHard 4×4 Front and Rear Differential Helmets
- Custom Front Lower Control Arm Skids
Camping & Overland Equipment: Lighting & Electrical
- Highbeam Offroad Drifter LED Headlights
- Highbeam Offroad Eclipse LED Fog Lights
- Liteway Amber LED Front Turn Signals
- AuxBeam Amber Pods
- Xsprite LED Tail Lights
- AuxBeam 8 Switch Pod
Miscellaneous
- Yaesu 857d Hard Mounted HAM Radio w/Long Range Antenna and Rear Gate Mount
- Yaesu FT60 Handheld HAM Radio on Jeep Unique Mount
- 67 Designs Multi-mount
- GPCA Folding Metal Hand Grabs
- OEDRO Grab Bars
- Factory All-weather Floor and Cargo Mats
- Custom Bedlined Interior Hardtop
- Custom Rear Gate Folding Table
- Rear Seat Recline Kit
- Smittybilt 5.6CFM Compressor Hardwired and Custom Mounted in Rear Cubby
Social Media Handles & Contact
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/4XTRAIL/about
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/4xtrail/
EUGEN SCHLEDEWITZ (@GO4X4MEDIA)
Maximizing your rig’s available space matters because it lets you bring both essential stuff and those which may eventually come in handy. For this reason, you can easily learn a thing or two from Eugen’s 2011 Wrangler JK.
This Jeep Wrangler overland build is equipped with Emuwing’s Gullwing Windows that lets you get rid of the typical window setup to give you more access to your vehicle’s cargo area. This way, you no longer need to squeeze through the narrow window space just to get your valuables.
Ironically, Eugen admits that the gullwing windows are also one of the most difficult modifications he has made because getting them removed can be tough, especially if you don’t have the right tools. Another thing would be the front axle replacement, but it won’t be much of a bother once you let the experts handle the task.
“If you go overlanding over a longer period, it’s probably the constant setting up and packing of the camping gear. My Jeep is better setup for short-term camping. I would build it differently for long overlanding trips.” –Eugen
Tips from an Overlander at Heart
Wrangler Modifications Summary
Suspension, Wheels, Tires & Brakes
- 3-inch lift
- 37-inch BFGoodrich KM2
- American Racing Wheels (Discontinued)
Armor, Recovery & Mounting Solutions
- AEV Front and Rear Bumper
- GenRight Tyre Carrier
- Rhino-Rack Backbone Roof Rack
Camping & Overland Equipment: Lighting & Electrical
- Hardkorr LED lighting
- W. Speaker Headlights and Fog Lights
- Emuwing Gullwings Window Replacement with Molle Setup
Miscellaneous
- Anything additional not included above (which includes some interior accessories)
Social Media Handles & Contact
YouTube: https://youtube.com/go4x4media
Instagram: https://instagram.com/go4x4media
TikTok: tiktok.com/@go4x4
BILL (@CODDIWOMPLE_OVERLAND)
If your inner beast is always longing to come out to defy others’ expectations of what your Jeep can and can’t do, then just take your cue from Bill’s 2011 Jeep Wrangler JKU.
Truly, big things come in small packages since this rig has its greatest secret weapon – the Aussie Rear Differential Locker by Torq-Masters. This kind of locker is almost similar to the helical rear differential locker and helps your vehicle easily react to uneven terrains and prevent getting stuck in the process.
But if there’s one thing that has been a challenge for Bill, that’ll be the storage management. Because a lot of stuff started piling up, he and his partner decided to create a floor plate system with drawers to accommodate additional items. Many things keep on adding that they eventually bought a Gladiator as a second pet.
“For us, it is time management. Since we both still work full-time jobs, it is difficult to balance travel and work schedules.” –Bill
Tips from an Overlander at Heart
Wrangler Modifications Summary
Suspension, Wheels, Tires & Brakes
- Dana 44 Front and Rear Axles with 5.13 Gear
- Clayton Off Road Suspensions Overland Plus 3.5 Lift
- Bilstein 5100 Shocks
- Aussie Locker Rear Locker
- Cooper STT Pro 37×13.50r17 Tires
- Mickey Thompson Classic II Wheels
Armor, Recovery & Mounting Solutions
- DV8 Bumpers
- Metalcloak Rock Sliders
- Smittybilt 10,500 X20 Winch
Camping & Overland Equipment: Lighting & Electrical
- Overland Vehicle Systems Nomadic 3 Tent with Annex
- Overland Vehicle Systems Nomadic 270 Awning with Walls
- Overland Vehicle Systems Refrigerator Slide with Alpocool 53qt. Refrigerator.
- Overland Vehicle Systems Rear Drawer System
- DIY Floor System
- XG Cargo Wall
- Outback Rear Door Table
- Auxbeam Light Bar and Ditch Lights
- TrailRax Fuel and Water Storage System
Miscellaneous
- Vector OffRoad Dash Bar
- AnyTone Mobile ham/GMRS Radio
- SpotX Persol Location Device
Social Media Handles & Contact
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CoddiwompleOverland/about
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coddiwomple_overland/
Website: https://www.coddiwomple-overland.com/
LUCAS KRAFT (@KRAFT_OFFROAD)
If the combination of work and play is what keeps you going, why not turn your Jeep into a hybrid vehicle just like what Lucas did to his 2002 Jeep Wrangler TJ Sport?
This big baby dons a unique frontal physique of the classic Jeep with its back part screaming the functionality of a pickup truck. The amazing thing about it is the fact that the conversion was made by Lucas and his dad in their garage. Because of this, they can conveniently satisfy their hearts’ desires – whether they’re up for some 4x4ing or just chill out and go camping! Oh man, could we request for some mods as well?
On the other hand, making it dual purpose is a no-easy task because the dynamic duo needs to cut the hardtop in half to create a single cab. The key was to really stick to a concrete plan where in the end, they even fiberglassed the two halves and smoothened them out to produce that polished factory look.
“I think the hardest part about being an overlander is perfecting your setup. I am always chasing that next item whether it’s a container for food storage or better tires. I feel as though an overland setup is never perfect but is always going to be detailed in as best as possible, while looking for the next great thing!” –Lucas
Tips from an Overlander at Heart
Wrangler Modifications Summary
Suspension, Wheels, Tires & Brakes
- Long-arm Suspension by Clayton Off Road (with a Rear, Triangulated 4-link and “Stock” Radius Arm Setup in Front)
- Springs by Rock Krawler 4.5in Triple Rate
- Shocks by Fox 2.0 Reservoir
- Wheels by AEV Pintlers 17×9
- Tires are 37×12.5×17 from Toyo Open Country R/T
- Brakes Stock from Jeep 2016 JK
- Rubicon Dana 44s swapped into Jeep’s Front and Rear
Armor, Recovery & Mounting Solutions
- Front bumper and steering box skid plate are from Barnes 4wd
- Factor55 recovery hook
- Rough Country 9.5k-lb Winch
- Rear Bumper and Spare Tire Carrier by Hyline Off-Road
- Bed rack by Barnes 4WD (Adjusted to fit)
Camping & Overland Equipment: Lighting & Electrical
- Sold CVT RTT and looking for next RTT
- KC Hilites Lighting
- 50-inch Gravity Pro 6 Light Bar Uptop
- 2 KC Single-flex LEDs (A Pillars)
- 2KC Single-flex LEDs (Front Bumper)
- Single-battery by XS Power
Miscellaneous
- Jeep is proudly custom built by the family.
- In the process of being painted.
Social Media Handles & Contact
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/KraftOffRoad/about
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kraft_offroad/
CONCLUSION
Doing Wrangler modifications is all about striking a balance between what you need and what you want. But determining so would be difficult, if you don’t expose yourself out there using only what you currently have. Remember, experience is still the best teacher. Let us know your thoughts by commenting below.
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