NEW Wrangler models always equals EXCITEMENT!

Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock, the new JL Wrangler is here and the excitement is huge, with manufacturers scrambler to design and build all kinds of cool parts. As always, Northridge4x4 is leading the chase to get these JL parts on our shelves and in our warehouses. So of course we placed an order for a bright red Rubicon model as soon as pre-ordering was open (back in Oct 2017).

We took delivery of our Firecracker Red 2018 JLU Wrangler Rubicon in February and have been enjoying it ever since. The new JLUs are absolutely amazing, the engineers at Jeep really hit the ball out of the park with this newest rendition of the Wrangler.

The 8 speed transmission is probably the biggest highlight out of all the new upgrades in the JL. Smooth shifting and gears for days, this transmission almost makes axle gear changes a non-necessity.

Another highlight is the new AdvanTEK Dana 44 axles. With larger diameter and thicker wall tubes and thicker wall brackets, the new axle housing look to be a giant upgraded over the bend-prone JK D44s.

With the Rubicon model having a 4:1 low range in the transfer case and front and rear lockers, we know that this rig is very capable out of the box, now let’s just see how much more capable we can make this rig.

And the build starts!

Ya Gotta’ lift it first – EVO Mfg:

Our first mod was the EVO Mfg. 2.5″ boost kit Stage I with Extensions.

Then ya gotta get some tread under it – Milestar Patagonia:

Next up was a set of 37″ x 12.50″ x 17″ Patagonia M/Ts on KMC RG series Beadlocks:

37×12.5×17 Milestar Patagonia M/T tires

KMC KM236 series Beadlocks

Makin’ a JL rumble with Magnaflow:

The OE exhaust was just a bit too quiet for the JL’s new aggressive look, so it was time to add an aftermarket exhaust for a better sound and a little more ground clearance: Magnaflow Rock Crawler Series Catback exhaust system Install write-up coming soon….

Being able to recover our JLUR was next on the list – WARN:

With the 2018 Moab Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, UT, looming before us, we received one of the first WARN winch plates for the OE steel bumper group winch capable front bumpers:

WARN winch plate for OE Rubicon bumper

WARN Zeon 10-S winch

Maximus3 aluminum fairlead – red

Factor 55 Flatlink E – grey 

Smoothing Out the Ride with Falcon shocks:

TeraFlex sneaked out a pre-release set of their new Falcon JL shocks for us to try. WOW! What a difference a set of high performance shocks make!: TeraFlex Falcon Series 2 smooth body shocks

 Upgrading your Wrangler JL Exhaust Protecting the rockers with LoD sliders!

Though the Rubicon model does come with a set of rock rails from the get-go. We wanted something that stuck out from the body a few more inches and offered a little more protection. LoD was our choice, good quality product, built in the USA and with a price that won’t give you sticker shock. LoD Signature Series Frame Mounted Rocksliders.

MOPAR Sill Guards:

Sometimes it’s the little things that count and though the Mopar sill guards are small, they are worth their weight in gold when it comes to keep your door sills from getting scratched up. Mopar JL Sill Guards.

LoD Spare Tire Riser:

Got 37″s and your spare doesn’t fit? The Spare Tire Riser Kit from LoD relocates the OE spare tire carrier up and out just enough to fit that spare 37″ on the tailgate. LoD Spare Tire Riser Kit

Getting a little Belly Protection:

This what our OE skid plate looked like after 2018 Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, UT:

Here’s what it looked like after Artec:

Constructed from 1/4″ 6061 High-Strength aluminum plate, the full meal deal Artec Aluminum Bellypan kit only weighs 10lbs more than the stock thin sheetmetal splash pan and cross bars. Sure is one sexy piece of armor! Artec Aluminum Bellypan Skid Plate Kit.

Breathing Easy!

The help our 3.6 V-6 breathe a little easier, we installed an Injen Cold Air Intake kit w/ Super Nano Filter PM# PFF5005WB.

Unleash Extra Power!

OK, you won’t actually add power, but it sure feels like you did! The drive-by-wire function of newer Jeeps (2007+) sends electrical signals to the computer to accelerate your brick. Unfortunately that comes at a cost of pedal lag or pedal delay. You mash the pedal and eventually you’ll start accelerating. The Pedal Commander install in minutes right inline with your accelerator pedal and is very adjustable. From a factory setting all the way up to Sport +, the pedal now becomes very sensitive and if you stomp on it, things happen a lot faster than what you are used to. Pedal Commander for JK (2007-2018) PN# PC31