This Jeep has been modified to conquer any off-road situation, but it looks so good that it almost seems like a sin to get it dirty.
In stock form, the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Recon is one awesome machine, offering the best off-roading ability of any stock vehicle sold in the U.S. However, there is always room for improvement, and the aftermarket is ripe with upgrades for the most Trail Rated Wrangler.
JK-Forum member “dougrobling” built up his JK Wrangler Rubicon Recon to be an unstoppable force off-road, but he did so in a way that also created a show-quality Jeep. Here is a quick look at the upgrades made to this gorgeous JK.
Suspension Modifications
The most significant area of improvements for any off-road vehicle is the suspension setup and the OP put great care into upgrading those components of his Wrangler Rubicon Recon. He started with a Synergy Long-Arm kit that lifted the Jeep close to four inches, adding Fox shocks, a Fox steering damper and Dynatrac ball joints. These suspension upgrades made plenty of room for the Method 105 beadlock wheels wrapped in Cooper STT Pro 37×13.50R17 tries.
Performance Modifications
Next, the OP looked to improve the acceleration, braking and longevity of his Wrangler Rubicon Recon, starting with 4.88 differential gears. To try to prevent his Jeep from breaking axles with the steeper gears and huge tires, Adam’s driveshafts were installed and to help get the high-riding Wrangler slowed down in any condition, the owner added a Teraflex big brake package.
Exterior Modifications
Finally, the OP dressed up the outside of his Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Recon, starting with a set of Poison Spyder aluminum fenders, making plenty of room for the added suspension travel and the big tires. He also added Genright aluminum bumpers, Poison Spyder rock rails, a Warn winch, a Teraflex spare tire carrier and a Bestop summer top.
Also, this Jeep has an aftermarket back-up camera system that works with the Sony Apple Car-Play receiver in the dash.
In short, it is amazing how a long-arm suspension setup, big tires and some unique body bits transform a Wrangler into an eye-catching off-roading machine and this project thread illustrates that very well.
"Before I was old enough to walk, my dad was taking me to various types of racing events, from local drag racing to the Daytona 500," says Patrick Rall, a lifetime automotive expert, diehard Dodge fan, and respected auto journalist for over 10 years. "He owned a repair shop and had a variety of performance cars when I was young, but by the time I was 16, he was ready to build me my first drag car – a 1983 Dodge Mirada that ran low 12s. I spent 10 years traveling around the country, racing with my dad by my side. While we live in different areas of the country, my dad still drag races at 80 years old in the car that he built when I was 16 while I race other vehicles, including my 2017 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat and my 1972 Dodge Demon 340.
"Although I went to college for accounting, my time in my dad’s shop growing up allowed me the knowledge to spend time working as a mechanic before getting my accounting degree, at which point I worked in the office of a dealership group. While I was working in the accounting world, I continued racing and taking pictures of cars at the track. Over time, I began showing off those pictures online and that led to my writing.
"Ten years ago, I left the accounting world to become a full-time automotive writer and I am living proof that if you love what you do, you will never “work” a day in your life," adds Rall, who has clocked in time as an auto mechanic, longtime drag racer and now automotive journalist who contributes to nearly a dozen popular auto websites dedicated to fellow enthusiasts.
"I love covering the automotive industry and everything involved with the job. I was fortunate to turn my love of the automotive world into a hobby that led to an exciting career, with my past of working as a mechanic and as an accountant in the automotive world provides me with a unique perspective of the industry.
"My experience drag racing for more than 20 years coupled with a newfound interest in road racing over the past decade allows me to push performance cars to their limit, while my role as a horse stable manager gives me vast experience towing and hauling with all of the newest trucks on the market today.
