We caught wind of the first annual North American JK Experience only weeks before it began in December. It ran from Texas to California and hit some cool trails and sights along the way. We sped out to meet the JK train in Yuma, Arizona, and followed it back into California through the Glamis dunes, Brawley, Palm Springs, Yucca Valley, and ultimately Johnson Valley, where the event ended. You have to man-up and drive your Jeep the whole way on this event; there are no trailers or tow rigs allowed and some of the trails require serious dedication, meaning body damage was very likely. Here are the four Jeeps that made the entire trip. For more info on this year's North American JK Experience, go to jk-experince.com.
Mel's Mangled Unlimited
Hard Facts
Owner: Mel Wade
Hometown: Long Beach, California
Wheeling Experience: 25 years
Favorite Wheeling Spots: Moab and Rubicon Trail
Vehicle: '07 Wrangler Unlimited
Engine: Stock 3.8L V-6
Transmission: Stock automatic
Transfer Case: Stak three-speed Monster Box
Front Suspension: Evo Double Throwdown
Rear Suspension: Evo Lever Double Throwdown
Axles: Dynatrac ProRock 60 (front and rear)
Ring and Pinion: 5.38:1
Differentials: ARB Air Locker (front and rear)
Wheels: Walker Evans 17x8 beadlocks
Tires: 40x13.50R17 Nitto Mud Grappler
Estimated Value: $50,000
Typical Fuel Economy: 10 mpg
Other Stuff: Wild Boar Fastback top, Off Road Evolution EVO bumpers, rockers, armor, and spare tire carrier, Warn Endurance winch, Lightforce HID lights, and Mastercraft seats
Favorite Mod: Coilovers
Least Favorite Mod: Delta headlights
If I Built It Again: "I would swap a V-8 in right away."
Randy's Orvit
Hard Facts
Owner: Andy Brown
Hometown: San Diego, California
Vehicle: '09 Wrangler
Engine: RIPP-supercharged 3.8L V-6
Transmission: Stock automatic
Transfer Case: Stock NV241
Front Suspension: Teraflex long-arm with Off Road Evolution/King coilovers and air bumps
Rear Suspension: Teraflex long-arm with Off Road Evolution Evo Lever
Axles: Solid Dana 60 (front and rear)
Ring and Pinion: 5.13
Differentials: Detroit Locker (front and rear)
Wheels: KMC 17x8 beadlocks
Tires: 37x12.50R17 Goodyear MT/R
Typical Fuel Economy: 13-14 mpg
Other Stuff: PSC ram assist, Off Road Evolution tube fenders and rockers and Rock Hard sport cage
Estimated Value: $55,000
Favorite Mod: Front coilovers and Evo Lever rear suspension
Least Favorite Mod: Full-time lockers
If I Built It Again: "I'd start with a wrecked one and throw a Hemi at it."