Rough and Ready Sahara is our Ride of the Month
Wrangler Saharas aren’t most folks’ first choice when it comes to a serious 4×4 build. Maybe they should be.
For far too long, Wrangler Saharas have been the butt of jokes in our community. For whatever reason, there are folks in the hobby who take great pleasure in tearing down fellow “Jeepers” for not being hardcore enough.
It’s true that the Sahara model may not be as hardcore as something like a Rubicon, but they’re still Wranglers, after all. As our JK Forum Ride of the Month proves, it doesn’t take much to transform a Sahara into a mean 4×4 that can wheel in style.
This gorgeous green 2008 Sahara has been owned by Texan nthinuf since new, and over the years he’s slowly transformed it into an impressive off-road machine. Tire sizes and lift heights have gradually increased over the years, and now he’s got one hell of a rig.
Currently, the Sahara rides on a set of 37″ Cooper STT Pros, with a 3.5″ MetalCloak lift kit. Long ago, the stock Dana 30 front axle gave up the ghost, making way for a much beefier PR44. Driveshafts have also been upgraded to beefy Ten Factory units. Lastly, air lockers are installed at either end.
An aftermarket front bumper with removable end caps makes clearance for the big tires and conveniently houses a well-worn Warn winch. That bumper also houses a set of Hella 500s that nthinhuf notes he found on clearance at Wal-Mart of all places. Out back, you’ll find an Olympic rear frame cover making space for the tires on that end.
The Sahara gets used for its intended purpose quite often. It’s currently on its fifth or sixth set of stock fender flares, which get torn up by trees and rocks.
While some may see a Wrangler Sahara as an unconventional choice for a serious off-road build, we think that nthinhuf is one smart dude. During the week he’s got all of the luxury accommodations you could ask for, and on the weekend, the doors and top come off while he wheels in more comfort than most.
Photos: JK Forum
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