Nitto’s 2016 JK Experience Alaska presented by Discount Tire was incredible. While the last frontier made for a larger-than-life backdrop, the focus of the trip would be the Jeeps and people in them.

The 14 Wranglers attending JKX Alaska would be filled with a mix of invited guest and sponsors. All of which were looking to test their JKs against some of the most unforgivable roads and trails on the planet. Here, we’re giving some background on each of the participants and how their Jeeps were built to handle this Experience.

Northridge 4×4

Looking for a good place to get a great deal on aftermarket Jeep parts? Well, look no further thanNorthridge 4×4. The retail outlet is known for stellar prices on extremely in-demand components. They are also stocked with actual off-road enthusiasts who work there, like Eric Johnson. While Johnson is a full-time employee with Northridge, that isn’t a company Jeep he’s thrashing on the trails. No, it’s actually his personal JK! He, along with professional videographer David Page, are excellent examples of two people who love their jobs. We’re looking forward to seeing the footage from the Northridge 4×4 crew later this year.

• Driver: Eric Johnson

• Co-driver: David Page

• Representing: Northridge 4×4

• Stomping grounds: Gig Harbor, Washington

• Model: 2014 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

• Engine: 3.6L

• Transmission: WA580

• Transfer case: NVG241

• Front axle: Dynatrac ProRock 44, ARB Air Locker, RCV Performance axleshafts, 4.88 gears

• Rear axle: Dana 44, 35-spline ARB Air Locker, Nitro chromoly axleshafts, 4.88 gears

• Suspension: AEV 4.5-in, JKS adjustable front track bar, EVO Mfg. Rock Star rear LCA skids, Hellwig HD sway bars, Bilstein shocks

• Tires: 37×12.50 M/T

• Wheels: 17×10 TrailReady beadlock

• Armor: AEV bumpers, LOD sliders, EVO Mfg. skidplates

• Misc: Poison Spyder Customs ‘cage, Synergy steering upgrade, KC Carbon POD HID lights, Warn Zeon winch, ARB cargo roller drawer system, ARB Fridge Freeze, AEV hood and snorkel, AEV 10-gal fuel caddy, Hi-Lift Jack, Fox ATS steering stabilizer, EBC brake pads, Hawk front brake rotors

Nitto Tire

As the title sponsor of JK Experience, Nitto Tire not only believes in the durability of its Grapplerfamily line, but the enthusiasts who put the tires to use. For the JKX Alaska trip, Nitto team driver and two-time King of the Hammers champion Loren Healy brought out his Family Dragon for the trip. His JK is fit with many of the same components that allow his Ultra4 racer to survive routine abuse.

• Driver: Loren Healy

• Co-driver: Chris Corbett, Gene Mooneyham

• Representing: Nitto Tire

• Stomping grounds: Farmington, New Mexico

• Model: 2013 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

• Engine: 3.6L

• Transmission: WA580

• Transfer case: Atlas II, 4.3:1 low range

• Front axle: Dynatrac ProRock 60, Spidertrax 300M axleshafts, ARB Air Locker, 5.43 gears

• Rear axle: Dynatrac ProRock 80, ARB Air Locker, 5.43 gears

• Suspension: EVO Mfg. Double Throwdown, EVO Lever rear, EVO high-clearance long arm, PAC sway bars

• Tires: 40×13.50R17 Nitto Trail Grappler

• Wheels: 17×9 KMC XD229 Machete Crawl beadlock

• Armor: EVO Mfg. bumpers, sliders, Rock Skins, and tire carrier

• Misc: sPOD, PSC Motorsports hydro-assist, Rigid Industries headlights and lightbars, DynoMax exhaust, J.E. Reel driveshafts, Warn PowerPlant

KMC Wheels

Spending serious time off-road can be hard on your Jeep’s wheels. Thankfully, KMC has developed a line of race-proven and battle-tested wheels for you to enjoy. KMC rep Russ Huff was piloting his personal JK on the trip, which had KMC’s all-new 17-inch Machete Crawl beadlocks. This cast-aluminum wheel is built with an assortment of off-road centric features. These include two valve stem locations, a thick beadlock ring with holes designed to let water and debris escape, and a 3.50 inches of backspacing.

• Driver: Russ Huff

• Co-driver: Brian Hogue

• Representing: KMC Wheels

• Stomping grounds: Fontana, California

• Model: 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon

• Engine: 3.6L

• Transmission: WA580

• Transfer case: NVG241OR

• Front axle: Dynatrac ProRock 60, ARB Air Locker, 5.38 gears

• Rear axle: Dynatrac ProRock 80, ARB Air Locker, 5.38 gears

• Suspension: EVO Mfg. Double Throwdown, EVO Lever rear, EVO high-clearance long arm, Currie Antirock rear

• Tires: 40×13.50R17 Nitto Trail Grappler

• Wheels: 17×9 KMC XD229 Machete Crawl beadlock

• Armor: EVO Mfg. sliders, front bumper, rear fascia, and tire carrier

• Misc: Rock Hard 4×4 ‘cage, PSC Motorsports hydro-assist, Truck-Lite LED headlights, Rigid aux. lighting, Warn 9.5cti winch, ARB Fridge Freezer 

EVO Manufacturing

JK Experience founder and EVO boss Mel Wade has spent some serious time in Alaska this year with his 2013 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon. After completing the Alcan 5000 earlier this year, he left his JK in Alaska so he could use it as a pre-run vehicle for JKX. To get the Jeep ready for the main event, he laced on a new set of Nitto’s 37×12.50R17 Ridge Grappler tires and KMC Machete Crawl beadlocks. The new treads and his EVO-built Jeep served him well throughout the week. His take on the new tires? By the end of the week, he stated he was extremely impressed both on-road and off. Noting that they were especially quiet and smooth on the rough Alaskan roads.

• Driver: Mel Wade

• Co-driver: Lisa Wade, Rick Péwé

• Representing: EVO Mfg.

• Stomping grounds: Long Beach, California

• Model: 2013 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon (10th Anniversary edition)

• Engine: 3.6L

• Transmission: WA580

• Transfer case: NVG241

• Front axle: Dynatrac ProRock 44, RCV axleshafts, ARB Air Locker, 5.38 gears

• Rear axle: Dana 44, stock E-Locker, 5.38 gears

• Suspension: EVO Mfg. bolt-on coilovers

• Tires: 37×12.50R17 Nitto Ridge Grappler

• Wheels: 17×9 KMC XD229 Machete Crawl beadlock

• Armor: EVO Mfg. sliders, skidplates, and bumpers

• Misc: Warn winch, Truck-Lite LED headlights, Rigid fog lights, MCE Fenders, custom aux. fuel tank, MasterCraft Safety seats, ARB cargo roller drawer system, ARB Fridge Freeze 

Dynatrac

For over 25 years, Dynatrac has built some of the toughest axles on the planet. With the company created out of a need for a more durable axle to survive larger tires and extreme off-road conditions, the premier axle company continues to evolve its brand and product line. For JKX Alaska, company founder Jim McGean took the wheel of Dynatrac’s 2013 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. Always looking to improve upon the legendary axle strength, Dynatrac equipped its JK with the all-new ProRock XD60 axles, which are the company’s lightest and strongest 60 offering to date. These ultra-high clearance bolt-in JK axle assemblies host the latest breakthroughs in axle-building technology. Some of the new XD features include 10.1-inch ring gears, larger carrier and pinion bearings (over a standard Dana 60), and industry exclusive 3.75-inch axletubes.

• Driver: Jim McGean

• Co-driver: Hal Grace, Lance Riddle

• Representing: Dynatrac

• Stomping grounds: Huntington Beach, California

• Model: 2013 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

• Engine: 3.6L

• Transmission: WA580

• Transfer case: NVG241

• Front axle: Dynatrac ProRock XD60, ARB Air Locker, 5.38 gears

• Rear axle: Dynatrac ProRock XD60, Auburn Gear Electric Ected MAX, 5.38 gears

• Suspension: EVO Mfg. Enforcer kit

• Tires: 39×13.50R17 M/T

• Wheels: 17-inch TrailReady beadlock

• Armor: EVO Mfg. front bumper, skidplates, and tire carrier, Mopar rock rails

• Misc: Mopar high-clearance fenders, Warn PowerPlant, Truck-Lite LED head- and taillights, PSC Motorsports hydro-assist, J.E. Reel driveshafts

Revolution Gear & Axle

You know you’re going to have a fun week when the driver of Revolution Gear’s JK shows up in a bear costume. Always up for a smile and a laugh, the crew from Revolution Gear & Axle made the most of their week in Alaska. Specializing in differential gears and chromoly axleshaft upgrades for a number of Jeeps and trucks, Revolution is becoming one of the go-to sources for aftermarket differential parts.

• Driver: Michael Nadel

• Co-driver: Richard Kolber

• Representing: Revolution Gear & Axle

• Stomping grounds: Toms River, New Jersey

• Model: 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

• Engine: 3.6L w/Edelbrock supercharger

• Transmission: Six-spd manual

• Transfer case: Atlas II, 5.0:1 low range

• Front axle: Dynatrac ProRock 60, ARB Air Locker, 5.38 gears

• Rear axle: Dynatrac ProRock 80, ARB Air Locker, 5.38 gears

• Suspension: Clayton 4.5-in long-arm, ORO SwayLoc front sway bar, Currie Antirock rear, JRI shocks

• Tires: 40×13.50R17 Nitto Trail Grappler

• Wheels: 17×10 B.A.D. Eklipse

• Armor: Rock-Slide Engineering front bumper, GenRight rear bumper, LOD sliders, Clayton skidplates

• Misc: Poison Spyder Customs ‘cage, PSC Motorsports hydro-assist, J.E. Reel driveshafts, Mac’s tool storage, ARB recovery gear

ARB

What if we told you that you had two weeks to buy a new Jeep, build it, and drive it to Alaska for a weeklong ‘wheeling trip? Sound crazy? Well, it’s just what ARB did. With the right parts in stock and a little luck on their side, the team at ARB’s Washington branch pulled it off. While ARB is well known for its nearly indestructible selectable Air Lockers, the company also offers bumpers, auxiliary lighting, and even storage solutions for Jeeps and many fullsize trucks. The company equipped its 2016 JK with the all-new 4-inch Old Man Emu lift with internal bypass shocks, which they were able to fine-tune for each of the many on- and off-road conditions Alaska threw at it.

• Driver: Scott Frary

• Co-driver: Steven Bisig

• Representing: ARB

• Stomping grounds: Auburn, Washington

• Model: 2016 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

• Engine: 3.6L

• Transmission: WA580

• Transfer case: NVG241

• Front axle: Dana Ultimate 60, ARB Air Locker, 4.88 gears

• Rear axle: Dana Ultimate 60, ARB Air Locker, 4.88 gears

• Suspension: Old Man Emu 4-in, OME BP-51 internal-bypass shocks

• Tires: 37×12.50R17 Nitto Trail Grappler

• Wheels: 17-in TrailReady HD beadlock

• Armor: ARB bumpers and sliders

• Misc: ARB AR21 Intensity LED lights, Warn Zeon winch, MCE fenders, ARB Fridge Freeze, ARB twin air compressor, AEV ProCal, Rhino-Rack, Hi-Lift Jack, ARB recovery gear, Tom Woods Custom Drive Shafts 

Tactical Off-Road

Every JKX at least one rig gets the highly coveted hard-luck award. This year, it went to Tactical Off-Road owner’s C.J. and Tawnie Breaux. While some of their Jeeps issues required creative fixes, at the end of the day, the two were able to complete the entire Experience from start to finish. Through it all, the Houston, Texas, husband and wife team kept a great attitude and enjoyed the trip. You can see more photos of their Jeep in action from the Texas Jeep Xperience held earlier this year.

• Driver: C.J. Breaux

• Co-driver: Tawnie Breaux

• Representing: Tactical Off-Road

• Stomping grounds: Houston, Texas

• Model: 2013 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

• Engine: 3.6L w/Magnuson supercharger

• Transmission: WA580

• Transfer case: NVG241OR

• Front axle: Dynatrac ProRock 60, ARB Air Locker, 5.38 gears

• Rear axle: Dynatrac ProRock 80, ARB Air Locker, 5.38 gears

• Suspension: EVO Mfg. Double Throwdown, EVO Lever rear, EVO high-clearance long arm, Currie Antirock

• Tires: 40×13.50R17 Nitto Trail Grappler

• Wheels: 17×9 ATX Slab beadlock

• Armor: EVO Mfg. bumpers, tire carrier, and sliders

• Misc: 1-in body lift, Poison Spyder Customs ‘cage, PSC Motorsports hydro-assist, J.W. Speaker headlights, Rigid lightbar and aux. lights, Corbeau Baja seats, sPOD, Lowrance GPS, ARB Fridge Freeze, Warn Zeon winch, Rack Works roof rack 

Jeepin’, Eh?

Chris Larsen is another veteran of the JK Experience and someone who’s spent plenty of time behind the wheel of his well-built JK. As the only Canadian in the group, he gifted the group with the occasional “eh” on the radio. Despite having the power-challenged 3.8L V-6, Larsen kept pace with the group all week.

• Driver: Chris Larsen

• Co-driver: Carl Pinamonti

• Representing: Invited guest

• Stomping grounds: Calgary, Alberta, Canada

• Model: 2010 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon

• Engine: 3.8L

• Transmission: 42RLE

• Transfer case: NVG241OR

• Front axle: Dynatrac ProRock 60, ARB Air Locker, RCV Performance axleshafts, 5.38 gears

• Rear axle: Dynatrac ProRock 60, ARB Air Locker, 5.38 gears

• Suspension: EVO Mfg. Double Throwdown, EVO Lever rear, EVO high-clearance long arm

• Tires: 40×13.50R17 Nitto Trail Grappler

• Wheels: 17×9 ATX Slab beadlock

• Armor: EVO Mfg. front bumper and tire carrier, LOD sliders

• Misc: Rock Hard 4×4 ‘cage, Truck-Lite LED headlights, Rigid aux. lights, MasterCraft Safety seats, Warn winch, Rampage soft top, Tuff security deck, ARB Fridge Freeze, J.E. Reel driveshafts

Smokin’ Dave’s BBQ

If you follow EVO founder Mel Wade on any of his social media accounts, you’ll know how much of a fan of BBQ he is (specifically beef ribs if any of you want to butter him up). With this being the case, it was only a matter of time before he found a BBQ joint that had an owner as enthusiastic about Jeeps as he was about ribs. Thus, we present to you JK Experience’s first BBQ sponsor, Smokin’ Dave’s BBQ. Some of you may recall, JKX actually stopped by one of Smokin’ Dave’s locations on last year’s West Coast JKX.

• Driver: David Oehlman

• Co-driver: Ben Cartwright

• Representing: Smokin’ Dave’s BBQ

• Stomping grounds: Lyons, Colorado

• Model: 2013 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

• Engine: 5.7L Hemi V-8

• Transmission: NSG370

• Transfer case: Atlas II, 4:1 low range

• Front axle: Dynatrac ProRock 60, ARB Air Locker, RCV Performance axleshafts, 5.13 gears

• Rear axle: Dynatrac ProRock 60, ARB Air Locker, 5.13 gears

• Suspension: EVO Mfg. Double Throwdown, EVO Lever rear, EVO high-clearance long arm, Currie Antirock sway bars

• Tires: 40×13.50R17 Nitto Mud Grappler

• Wheels: 17×9 ATX Slab beadlock

• Armor: EVO Mfg. front bumper, tire carrier, and sliders, TnT Guardian rear bumper

• Misc: Poison Spyder Customs ‘cage, PSC Motorsports hydro-assist steering, Rigid lights, Warn Zeon winch, Mac tool chest, ARB air compressor, AEV snorkel

Help Find This Jeep!

Oregon friends David Retzloff and Bobby Van Horn had the time of their lives in Alaska. With practically no problems out of his Jeep over the week, Retzloff couldn’t have asked for a better trip. Unfortunately, just a day into his drive home, his JK, along with his Ford Super Duty tow rig and trailer were stolen outside of Cache Creek, Canada. As of writing this, they have found his Super Duty, but the Jeep and trailer are still MIA. Hopefully, his JK will turn up soon.

• Driver: David Retzloff

• Co-driver: Bobby Van Horn

• Representing: Invited guest

• Stomping grounds: Hillsboro, Oregon

• Model: 2009 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

• Engine: 3.8L

• Transmission: Six-spd manual

• Transfer case: Atlas II, 5:1 low range

• Front axle: Dynatrac ProRock 60, ARB Air Locker, 5.38 gears

• Rear axle: Dynatrac ProRock 80, ARB Air Locker, 5.38 gears

• Suspension: EVO Mfg. bolt-on coilovers, EVO-Lever rear, Currie Antirock

• Tires: 40×13.50R17 Nitto Trail Grappler

• Wheels: 17×9 ATX Slab beadlock

• Armor: Olympic 4×4 front bumper, EVO Mfg. sliders and tire carrier

• Misc: Daystar 1-in body lift, Rock Hard 4×4 ‘cage, PSC Motorsports hydro-assist, Truck-Lite LED headlights, Warn Zeon 10-s winch, Rugged Ridge snorkel, ARB Fridge Freeze

The Great 8

There’s something about the look of a JK-8 conversion that we just can’t get enough of. While technically, not a factory two door, Wayne Judkins was the only conversion pickup on our trip. The unique styling and bulletproof running gear proved to be a solid combination all week long. His rig only makes us wish the long rumored Wrangler pickup would hurry up and become a reality.

• Driver: Wayne Judkins

• Co-driver: John E. Kobert

• Representing: Invited guest

• Stomping grounds: Eldridge, Iowa

• Model: 2010 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

• Engine: 3.8L

• Transmission: Six-spd manual

• Transfer case: RubiCrawler w/Atlas, 4.3:1 low range

• Front axle: Dynatrac ProRock 60, ARB Air Locker, 5.13 gears

• Rear axle: Dynatrac ProRock 80, ARB Air Locker, 5.13 gears

• Suspension: EVO Mfg. Double Throwdown, EVO Lever rear, EVO high-clearance long arm, Currie Antirock

• Tires: 40×13.50R17 Nitto Mud Grappler

• Wheels: 17×9 ATX Slab beadlock

• Armor: Poison Spyder Customs front bumper, EVO Mfg. Rock Skins and sliders

• Misc: Mopar JK-8 conversion, Warn winch, PSC Motorsports hydro-assist, Rock Hard 4×4 ‘cage, Corbeau seats, Warn winch

The Experienced Jeeper

As the only person to have attended every JK Experience to date, Randy Byers is no stranger to adventure. For those that follow the JKX series, you’re probably used to seeing the Euless, Texas, native behind the wheel of his silver Hemi-powered JK. While he still has that rig, he opted to bring out his slightly tamer JK for this high-mileage trip. As is always the case, Byers gets it done behind the wheel like a pro.

• Driver: Randy Byers

• Co-driver: Terry Byers

• Representing: The legacy of JKX!

• Stomping grounds: Euless, Texas

• Model: 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

• Engine: 3.6L

• Transmission: WA580

• Transfer case: Atlas II, 4.3:1 low range

• Front axle: Dynatrac ProRock 60, ARB Air Locker, 5.38 gears

• Rear axle: Dynatrac Trail Series 60, ARB Air Locker, 5.38 gears

• Suspension: EVO Mfg. Double Throwdown, EVO Lever rear, EVO high-clearance long arm, Currie Antirock rear

• Tires: 40×13.50R17 Nitto Trail Grappler

• Wheels: 17×9 ATX Slab beadlock

• Armor: EVO Mfg. front bumper, sliders, and tire carrier

• Misc: Poison Spyder Customs ‘cage, PSC Motorsports hydro-assist, Rigid aux. lights, Warn winch, ARB cargo roller drawer system, 18-gal aux fuel tank

The Roadster

Chris Durham has been in the off-road industry for decades. While his professional rockcrawling days are behind him, he still remains active in the off-road community. The South Carolina native drove his Jeep to Alaska and is driving it back. You read that correctly. He’s a madman for sure. It’s hard to call Durham’s rig a JK. In fact, Durham calls it the Roadster. It sits on a modified Jeep Wrangler TJ chassis and just about every inch of what was once a stock two-door JK body has been modified in one way or another. Its super low, incredibly stable, and a blast to watch on the trail with the talented ‘wheelman in the seat. Since Durham was technically on the trip to lend a helping hand as part of the EVO support crew, we’ll give his JK-ish rig a pass.

• Driver: Chris Durhan

• Co-driver: Kelly Carter

• Representing: EVO crew

• Stomping grounds: Pickens, South Carolina

• Model: 2010 Jeep Wrangler

• Engine: 5.9L Mopar V-8

• Transmission: 904

• Transfer case: Atlas II, 3.0:1 low range

• Front axle: High-pinion Dana 60, Dynatrac hubs, Detroit Locker, CTM U-joints, TEN chromoly axleshafts, 4.56 gears

• Rear axle: GM 14-bolt, shaved, Detroit Locker, 4.56 gears

• Suspension: Custom 3-link front w/track bar, 4-link rear, stock TJ coil springs w/ACOS adjustable mounts and bumpstops, Currie Antirock rear, Zone Off-Road shocks

• Tires: 38×13.50R17 M/T

• Wheels: 17×9 Walk Evans beadlock

• Armor: Modified EVO Mfg. skins, Savvy front bumper, Chris Durham Motorsports rear bumper

• Misc: Custom ‘cage, chopped doors, windshield, and custom soft top, Warn Zeon winch, Premier Power onboard welder, custom fuel tank and dash, MasterCraft Safety seats, Tom Woods Custom Drive Shafts

JK EXPERIENCE ALASKA MEGA GALLERY

Logging just under 2,000 miles, the 2016 Nitto JK Experience Alaska presented by Discount Tire covered the most ground in the history of JKX. Luckily, we were there to document all of it. While there’s still more detailed JK Experience articles to come, we decided to put together a gallery of some of our favorite snapshots of the trip.