2016 DirtRoadTrip Jeep Refresh

It’s been a little over a year and a half since we added out 2014 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon to the DirtRoadTrip fleet, and since then we’ve completed a fair amount of modifications.

If you’re not already familiar with our Jeep, you can find the original build and plans here.

Currently the JK is equipped with the following:

• AEV Front and Rear Bumpers
• AEV 3.5 SC Suspension
• FOX Remote Reservoir Internal Bypass Shocks
• 35″ x 12.5″ BFG KM2’s on FN 5-Star Wheels
• AEV Spare Tire Carrier
• AEV Fuel Caddy
• Cobra 75 WX ST CB
• 2 DieHard Platinum Group 34 Marine Batteries
• Custom Bussman Fuse Box
• National Luna Dual Battery Monitor
• National Luna Weekender 50
• Adventure Trailers Combo Slide
• Adventure Trailers Stage 1 Storage
• Custom 3M Vinyl Wrap

As anyone who owns a truck knows, you’re never really done modifying your rig. After driving the Jeep over 30,000 miles in the past year and a half, I’ve reached a point where I know what works for me, and what doesn’t. So for 2016, I’ve decided to do a refresh and go forward with the replacement of some modifications, and of course, the addition of a few new ones.

A big change is the removal of my GOBI roof rack which will be replaced with a FrontRunner Slimline II. There’s multiple reasons for the change, but the main two were weight and design. I also finally decided to put a winch on the truck, and while I’ve only gotten stuck once (thanks Mark), it’s cheap insurance. You’ll also notice I went with a Superwinch unit, I thought it would be a good comparison to the Warn’s we’ve always run in the past and I can always use new content.

One of the biggest ongoing issues I’ve had with the JK is the AEV rear springs are just not designed to handle an “expedition” load. Mine have sagged since day 1 so I decided to get the OME 4″ heavy springs to permanently get rid of this problem. While on the topic of ARB gear, I also decided to also throw on a set of 9.5″ Intensities because I don’t want to be like every other jeep bro with a light bar I like how they mount to the bumper and I’m a big fan of their design.

Finally, getting in and out of the jeep can sometimes be a challenge, and I’ve gotten numerous complaints from passengers about the lack of grab handles. Since I wanted to maintain a factory appearance and keep my wife happy, I decided to order a set of Synergy Manufacturing grab handles.

Updates for 2016:

• ARB Old Man Emu 4″ Heavy Springs
• Superwinch Talon 9.5i SR
• FrontRunner Slimline II Roof Rack
• ARB Intensity 9.5″ Driving Lights
• Synergy Manufacturing Grab Handles

As I write this, the JK is already in the care of Vince and Nate down at Forge Specialties. We’re hoping to have the truck back before the new year so we can beat the hell out of thoroughly test the new modifications and equipment. Keep and eye out for all of the reviews to come, and feel free to let us know if you have any questions about the gear we’ve been running on the rig for the past year and a half.