Building up a Jeep can be one of the most exciting and rewarding experiences for off-road enthusiasts. Whether you are a seasoned adventurer or just starting, understanding how to enhance your Jeep's capabilities is essential for enjoying your off-road journeys. In this guide, we will explore the fundamental steps to build up your Jeep, focusing on protection, functionality, and performance.
Getting Started: The Basics of Jeep Build-Up
Before diving into modifications, it’s crucial to ask yourself some questions. Where do you start? What do you want to achieve with your Jeep? This journey begins with a clear understanding of your needs and a plan to achieve them. Starting with a new Jeep JL Wrangler 4xe, we will outline what we believe will provide the most value and enjoyment at a reasonable cost.
We recommend starting with a platform that emphasizes necessary protection while adding off-road capabilities that can be built upon in the future. This approach allows you to learn about off-roading while building your vehicle over time.
Understanding Your Jeep's Capabilities
Initially, we CTI'd (Custom Test Index) the stock Jeep Wrangler 4xe to assess its maximum flex and identify any limitations in up and down travel. The test revealed a score of 640, which is a solid start. However, as we continue to build this Jeep, we aim to increase that score significantly.
It's important to note that while a stock Jeep is capable, it may not withstand the rigorous challenges of trails like the Rubicon without sustaining damage. Many enthusiasts rush to upgrade their tires and lift kits, but it's essential to focus on protection first.
Protecting Your Investment: The Importance of Skid Plates
One of the first upgrades we recommend is installing skid plates. These plates are vital for safeguarding your Jeep's vulnerable underbelly against off-road hazards. Our Metal Cloak Under Cloak System protects critical components like the oil pan, motor, transmission, transfer case, exhaust, gas tank, and even the battery of the 4xe.
The front and rear differentials are particularly susceptible to damage and should be protected as well. Installing a front differential cover and glide skid kit, along with a rear differential cover and skid plate, will create a smooth surface that helps the Jeep glide over obstacles without sustaining damage.
Enhancing Side Protection
Once the underside is protected, it's time to focus on the sides of the Jeep. Adding side protection is crucial, especially when tackling rocky terrain. We recommend the Metal Cloak Overland rocker base with flip steps. This upgrade helps protect the lower edge and door area of your Jeep from damage while providing a sturdy step for easy access.
Improving Tire Clearance with Tube Fenders
Next, consider upgrading your Jeep's fenders. Replacing the stock plastic fenders with strong, solid tube fenders not only protects your rig but also provides additional tire clearance. After testing with the new fenders, we achieved a score of 690 on the CTI trailer, an increase of 50 points just by upgrading the fenders.
Upgrading Bumpers for Enhanced Performance
Front and rear bumpers are essential for off-roading, especially when navigating rugged terrain. Metal Cloak's frame-built bumpers replace the weak factory plastic bumpers with robust 3/16 steel plate, providing the necessary strength when off-roading. These bumpers can be customized to include winches and recovery points, making them versatile for various situations.
Our bumpers also feature crafted end caps with built-in approach angles, allowing you to slide up or off obstacles easily. The rear bumpers offer increased departure clearance and additional protection for factory features, including tow hitches.
Testing Your Build: Taking the Jeep Off-Road
Now that your Jeep is protected and upgraded, it’s time to take it out for some real-world testing. With the new skid plates and bumpers in place, you can navigate obstacles with confidence. During our test run, we found that many challenges were easily manageable, thanks to the upgrades.
However, we also encountered some extreme areas that tested the limits of our build. This indicates that there’s still more work to be done, and we will continue to enhance our Jeep in future installments of this series.
Conclusion: Building a Jeep is an Ongoing Journey
Building up your Jeep is not just about making it look good; it’s about creating a reliable and capable vehicle that meets your off-road needs. By starting with the right protection and making thoughtful upgrades, you can enjoy a safer and more enjoyable off-roading experience.
As we progress in this build series, we will share more tips and modifications to enhance your Jeep further. Stay tuned for part two, where we will continue to explore additional upgrades and improvements!
