A Phoenix Rising: Rebuilding Pete's V8 Jeep Wrangler JKU with Rebel Off Road

At Rebel Off Road, we are more than just a business; we're a family of off-road enthusiasts committed to our craft and the customers who share our passion. It's not just about vehicles to us—it's about the stories they tell, the challenges they overcome, and the adventures they embark upon. And in this blog post, we’re thrilled to share the inspiring story of Pete's Jeep Wrangler JKU build - a tale of resilience, innovation, and sheer passion for off-roading.

Pete, a fellow off-roading aficionado, approached us with a compelling project: rebuilding his beloved V8 Jeep Wrangler JKU that had been involved in an unfortunate accident. While the incident was unfourtuned, Pete's spirit remained undaunted. He wasn't ready to let go of his prized Jeep, and we were more than ready to assist in breathing new life into his off-road companion.

The project began with acquiring another black Jeep Wrangler JKU, a perfect canvas for our team of experts to work their magic. It was important to Pete that we retain as much of his original Jeep as possible. Thus, we meticulously salvaged all the parts that survived the accident and incorporated them into the new build.

However, this wasn't merely a restoration task; it was an opportunity to make enhancements. Safety was paramount to Pete, especially considering his recent accident. With that in mind, we implemented a number of upgrades to transform his JKU into a safer, more resilient rock crawler.

The first significant upgrade was the roll cage from GenRight Off Road. Known for their high-quality, durable off-road products, GenRight’s roll cage was an essential addition to bolster safety. Designed to withstand extreme conditions, it significantly enhances the structural integrity of the vehicle, offering an additional layer of protection for off-road escapades.

A rock crawler needs to be safe, yes, but also comfortable. For Pete's JKU, we chose seats from PRP. These aren’t your ordinary vehicle seats. PRP's custom seats provide superior comfort and support, perfect for long, arduous journeys over rugged terrain. Plus, they’re made with high-quality, durable materials to withstand wear and tear, ensuring they’ll serve Pete well for many adventures to come.

Aside from these major upgrades, we also installed a variety of other top-quality components to refine Pete's Wrangler JKU:

Taking the Lead: Currie Axles & Advance Adapters Atlas Transfer Case

Under the hood, the Extreme 60 front and rear E-lockers with a 5:38 gear ratio from Currie Axles enhance traction and control in challenging terrains. Complementing this is the Atlas 2 Speed Transfer Case (2012+ model, 3:8:1 gear ratio, 1350 yokes) from Advance Adapters. This duo ensures Pete's JKU can tackle any landscape with confidence and power.

Where Rubber Meets Rock: KMC Wheels & Nitto Trail Grappler

Pete's Wrangler JKU rides on 17" Grenade Crawl Beadlock wheels from KMC, fitted with 40x13.50x17 Nitto Trail Grappler tires. These robust wheels and tires offer superior grip and durability, vital for any rock crawler.

Swaying into Action: RockJock 4x4 Sway Bar Links

We added RockJock 4x4 Sway Bar Links to maintain stability during sharp turns and when traversing steep, uneven surfaces.

Putting the ‘Arm’ in Performance: TeraFlex Long Arm Upgrade

The Alpine IR Long Arm Upgrade from TeraFlex, along with Nemesis Long Arm Brackets, ensure enhanced off-road articulation and smoother rides over the roughest terrains.

Lighting the Way: GenRight Backup Lights

For low visibility conditions, we installed GenRight's backup lights, ensuring safe reversing even on the darkest trails.

Keeping it Cool: Rough Country Hood & Artec Front Inner Fender Liners

To enhance ventilation and engine cooling, we installed a Rough Country Hood and Artec Front Inner Fender Liners.

Lock and Load: DV8 Rocklaw Hood Latches & GenRight JK Tire Carrier

To ensure everything stays in place during rocky rides, we installed DV8 Rocklaw Hood Latches and a GenRight JK Tire Carrier.

Storing More: GenRight Basket & Rhino Rack JK Backbone

For additional storage capacity, we added a GenRight Basket and a Rhino Rack JK Backbone, giving Pete more room for his off-roading gear.

Going the Distance: Full Throttle Battery & Mopar Brake Booster

To ensure Pete's JKU goes the distance, we installed a Full Throttle Battery for superior endurance and a Mopar Brake Booster for enhanced braking power.

Paving the Way: GenRight Front Bumper

Finally, leading the charge is a Low Pro Front Bumper from GenRight, providing rugged protection and a menacing aesthetic.

In the face of adversity, Pete did not see the end of an era but rather, an opportunity for reinvention. This spirit aligned with the core values at Rebel Off Road. We believe in embracing challenges, innovating relentlessly, and creating exceptional off-road experiences.

The result? Pete's reborn Jeep Wrangler JKU is an off-roading monster nicknamed RE-PETE. This beast not only has the power to conquer the roughest terrains, but also boasts top-tier safety features and the comfort of a daily driver.

As we watch Pete set off on his new adventures, there’s a sense of pride in what we've accomplished together. We've built not just an off-roader, but a testament to our dedication, passion, and love for the craft. Each drive Pete takes is not just a journey across diverse landscapes, but a validation of our mission - to make every off-road dream a reality.

At Rebel Off Road, we don't just build vehicles - we create companions for your adventures. We share in your off-roading passion and are dedicated to creating machines that enhance your experience, maximize safety, and truly reflect your individual personality.

Pete’s V8 Jeep Wrangler JKU stands as an inspiring example of this. His journey has been a remarkable one, and we're honored to have been part of it. Here’s to many more miles, Pete. May your adventures be as relentless as your spirit.

Thank you for being part of our community. If you, like Pete, have a dream off-road build in mind, reach out to us. We'd be thrilled to help you bring it to life. Because at Rebel Off Road, we believe in the power of dreams, and the vehicles that carry us on their pursuit.

Remember - in every journey that awaits, we are with you, ride by ride, mile by mile, adventure by adventure. 

View more photos from Petes build below!