PIAA's Extremely Jamboree-able Jeep.
When an enthusiast decides to invest in a build, many find themselves working towards a similar goal. “I wanted to have the most unique show car/truck on the lot,” or “I only used custom parts for my build” are quotes often seen in this line of work. Chris Olander, on the other hand, had a different goal in mind when building his 2015 Jeep JK Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited.
“Overall I wanted to build a vehicle that anyone else could build,” says Olander. “Being in the accessory business, I often see really fantastic show vehicles, but they are built with one-off or fully custom parts. While that makes a great show car, it sometimes doesn’t translate well into what most people can build.”
To push his ideal, Olander couldn’t have picked a better platform to build upon. The current generation of Jeep Wrangler boasts the reliability of being a great all around vehicle, as well as one of the largest aftermarket catalogs around. With seemingly endless choices, it’s easy to build something crazy, or something clean and simple.
Keeping his build simple doesn’t mean it’s not without superior equipment, far from it. His front axles are paired up with a Dynatrac ProRock 44 diff and some heavy duty ball joints, complemented by G2 4.88 gears on the front and rear. Metal Cloak took care of his entire suspension, which includes a 3.5-inch lift kit and ARB long travel shocks. The Wrangler itself is rolling on Method 105 beadlock wheels and capable Falken Wild Peak tires.
“I have been very happy with the Metal Cloak Game Changer suspension system and Overline fenders,” says Olander. “These two items give the Jeep the great ride necessary for long distance driving and the suspension travel needed for technical off-roading.”
“The Falken Wild Peak tires combined with the Method beadlock wheels also contribute to great on-road manners and off-road capability with a quiet ride and the ability to run very low air pressure when on the trail,” he continues.
Stay tuned for the full story, or pick up the issue on newsstands in December - PASMAG Tuning Essentials: Trucks, 3rd Edition, also available online at www.pasmag.com/backissues.