It is finally done... for this phase anyway. 2017 JKU.

[USStrongman]

I had started down the rabbit hole with my 2016 Oscar Mike JKU. Bumpers, interior bits, etc, but nothing too big. My son was driving it, a woman ran a red light and totaled it. He walked away without a scratch, insurance paid up, wife found a new JKU. She wanted a color that popped, not a typical monochrome color I would choose. She liked the Gecko Green from a previous year but it was not available in 2017. She found a Chief Blue in Winter Edition and we had it shipped. She graciously allowed me my hobby and the build began.

The day it shipped from Dallas in March 2017. AEV bumpers, heated steering, mirrors, seats, block heater, and a bunch of other stuff to denote it a special edition.


Along the way I ordered something or made something only to find out, nah, that sucks. Move on to the next idea. But this... this makes me happy. Rides well, looks great, chicks dig it (kidding honey) and it is uber functional. Function before form was the moto going in. Below is a partial list of all of the crap we add to make it function the way we intend and to look like it was done properly.

Drivetrain
Optima Yellow Top
MOPAR Engine Block Heater
AEV Snorkel, AEV Pre Filter, K&N Airbox Filter
iCar ODB II Bluetooth Scanner
JScan ODBII Software License

Interior
AEV Floor Mats, Headrest Covers
Carolina Metal Masters Grab Handles
Bulletproof Carbon Fiber Phone and Tablet Mounts
LG ThinQ 40 and Samsung Tab 3 (GAIA GPS)
Hot Heads Full Headliner Kit
MORE Dead Pedal
Smittybilt MOLE Tailgate System
SPOD 4 Switch

Exterior
AEV Front Bumper, Non-Winch Cover Plate, JKU Front Skid Plate
MOPAR Mud Flaps
Custom CNC Billet Light Bracket
KC Pro 6 Sport Gravity LED Driving Lights
MOPAR LED Headlight and Fog Lights
JW Speaker LED Tail Lights
AEV Rear Bumper, Splash Guards and 5g Water Storage
Smittybilt Atlas Door Mount Steps
EAG Step Rails
EAG 79" Roof Rack w/ Custom Air Deflector Rear Platform and Light Mounts
MOPAR JLU Hood Latches

Suspension
AEV 2.5" DS Lift Kit with Bilstein 5100 Series Shocks
Bilstein 5100 Steering Stabilizer and JKS Flip Kit
AEV Helwig Adjustable Rear Trac Bar
AEV Dana 44 Differential Covers
AEV Rear Differential Skid Plate
AEV Salta Rims
Kenda Klever KR601 35/10.5/17 R/T
MOPAR TPMS

And today it looks like this. Pretty much done for now. Sometime after the holidays I will work on building out a removable Goosegear style deck system over the rear seats, under body lights, building a media rail system and a GMSR radio. Lastly, ordering an offroad trailer for our Texas to Alaska 2021 trip. But as they say, is it ever really done?

 

[D'Cable_Guy]

Great lookin build. I love the color scheme! I'll say after living in Alaska for a few years, you probably won't need the engine block heater unless it gets below 10°f but it's good to have it and not need it than need it and not have it. Pro tip though, in that kind of temps, gas lighters don't work. Get you a plasma lighter. ;)

 

[USStrongman]

Excellent Pro Tip. I worked in Kuparuk, AK many many years and remember that with the guys who smoked. Can't remember how they remedied the situation. Don't think plasma lighters were a thing in the late 80's!

 

[jeepers29]

Good looking rig. I had to lol when you said it was done for now, as we all know they are never done.

 

[USStrongman]

Trust me... new parts arrived this morning. I am going to "try" to wait until after the holidays to do any more. Trips to Denver this weekend, Ouray next month> New Orleans next month, Taos for Thanksgiving. F Corona. We are living our lives.

 

[Shamu]

Trust me... new parts arrived this morning. I am going to "try" to wait until after the holidays to do any more. Trips to Denver this weekend, Ouray next month> New Orleans next month, Taos for Thanksgiving. F Corona. We are living our lives.