We just finished up another nice JK!
The ultimate family urban assault vehicle!
Posted: April 15, 2016
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This Jeep started as a 2017 Wrangler Unlimited Sport model. We knew we were going to set it up with one ton axles, so there was no need to start from a Rubicon model. Here are some of the changes that make it even more capable that a stock Rubicon model:
First, the stock transfer case was removed. A brand new Rubicon model transfer case with a 4:1 gear ratio was installed. This gives the Jeep a very low crawl ratio when you are in low range. It also keeps all stock shifters and transfer case mounting points. At the same time, the computer was re-programmed to make up for the lower gear ratio in low range with an AEV pro-cal module.
The axles are Dana Spicer Ultimate 60’s front and rear. The front axle is a high pinion Dana 60, and the rear axle is a Low pinion full floating Dana 60. These axles came directly from Dana Spicer. The ultimate 60’s have much larger brakes than most other aftermarket 1 ton axles. They also have front axle shafts with 1550 u-joints and the lug pattern is 8 on 6.5, just like most full size Chevy and Dodge trucks. These axles have heavy duty differential covers, a 5.38 gear ratio, and Electric lockers. The Front axle also has a heavy duty WFO Concepts tie-rod. To finish off the axle install, a larger brake booster and master cylinder was installed to ensure the best braking possible, along with 1350 CV front and rear driveshafts.
To compliment the axles, a Synergy 4.5” long-arm suspension kit was professionally installed on the Jeep. All existing brackets were cleanly cut off and removed. The kit comes with all new heavy duty links and progressive rate coils.
For the ultimate ride quality, Fox 2.0, remote reservoir, Compression dampening, adjustable shocks were added to the long arm kit. With the adjustability, the Jeep can be tuned with a quick turn of a knob to give you the performance and ride quality you are looking for.
In order to make Jeep stand out, Beadlock wheels and 40” tires were a must. It has 40”x13.50x17” Nitto Trail Grappler tires on 17” Method true beadlock wheels.
Of course, it’s not always easy to steer 40” tires on the trail. A full PSC hydro assist steering kit was added under the hood, and on the axle. This kit replaces the power steering pump with an aftermarket high volume pump, remote reservoir and cooler. It also replaces the standard steering stabilizer with a hydraulic assist ram that is mounted down on the Dana 60 front axle.
In order to allow the 40” tires to clear the body with only a 4.5” lift, Poison Spyder aluminum front and rear tube fenders were powder coated black and installed. Both the front and rear fenders were custom trimmed and fitted, in order to allow the 40” tires to clear at full flex. PSC’s new big shaft, big bore steering box was also installed with the hydro assist kit. There is NO Chance of breaking the shaft in this steering box!
For the front bumper, a stubby Poison Spyder front bumper was powder coated black and installed. This shorty front bumper allows room for the 40” tires to turn all the way without rubbing. The bumper holds the factory fog lights, and houses a Warn VR-10,000lb winch.
The rear bumper is the Rock Brawler II bumper with swing out tire rack from Poison Spyder. The license plate has been moved to the center of the 40” spare tire, along with a 3rd brake light. The bumper has two LED reverse lights that are wired into the factory reverse switch. The bumper also has a tow package with the flat 4 wiring hookup.
The front and rear bumpers are also complimented by a set of black powder coated Steel Poison Spyder rock sliders. These serve as steps, as well as heavy duty body protection.
When it comes to LED lights, this Jeep was kept simple and clean. A 10” rigid LED light bar is mounted just about the winch on the front bumper. There are also two Rigid dually series pod lights mounted on the windshield A-pillar.
To finish off the accessories on this Jeep, an ARB dual air compressor was installed under the front seat. Air lines have been plumbed to the front and rear of the vehicle for quick easy use. The ARB compressor has plenty of air for operating small air tools, and pumping up the 40” tires when needed.
Lastly, in order to keep the interior clean, all switches were routed through an SPOD switch panel. The switch panel is mounted above the mirror, but all relays and wires remain under the hood. It has 8 switches. Five of these switches are currently being used, leaving three for future additions. Two are for the lockers, one is for the air compressor, and two are for the LED lights.
A few months ago WFO Concepts flew out to Texas to meet with Starwood Motors. The focus was to help them develop a “West Coast” purpose built Jeep that can handle the snow filled Sierra Nevada mountains and the rocky Rubicon Trail. A few phone calls and 3 airline tickets later, there was a meeting of the minds at a hotel bar in Dallas! Three individuals started sketching this new Jeep build on a bar napkin over drinks and wings. The three man panel consisted of Starwood’s own Tyler McQuarrie (professional drift car driver), Jason Scherer, (2 time King of the Hammers winner), and Trevor Huiskens (owner of WFO Concepts in Auburn, California). The three different minds came together and birthed the idea of Starwood’s “West Coast” Jeep builds.
It was Tyler’s focus to set the bar high when it comes to street performance. As a professional drifter and race car driver who spends 90% of his seat time over 100mph, the handing and performance of the vehicle was his top priority. So many Jeeps can look amazing and have awesome parts, but that doesn’t mean they drive great on the highway. Tyler was there to make sure that the “West Coast” Jeeps drive just as good as they look. His major focus was on steering, braking, and handling. As a guy that had never driven a lifted 4x4 on 37” tires, getting Tyler’s approval was not an easy process! However, Tyler is more than happy with the outcome of the West Coast Starwood Motor Jeeps built by WFO Concepts!
Jason’s job was to make sure Tyler understood that we were not going to compromise the off-road performance! Jason’s extensive off-road driving background includes winning the King of the Hammers twice, winning multiple rock crawling championships, and racing in such races as the Baja 1000 and Vegas to Reno. Jason was there to make sure this Jeep was ready to suck up the whoops in the desert and go slow in the rocks. He was very adamant about coming up with the proper shock, suspension and tire package. Jason’s influence pushed us in the direction of Fox shocks, BFG tires, and a long travel suspension.
With the on-highway and off-highway requirements of these two completely different race car drivers, it was Trevor’s job to put together a Jeep that could check the boxes on both of their lists. For that last 15 years, WFO Concepts in California has been building custom Jeeps, specifically for running the Rubicon Trail and other treacherous trails of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. WFO’s focus is one of performance and driveability. Basically, a Jeep that can been driven as a daily driver, and still go run the Rubicon. This is exactly the type of Jeep that Jason and Tyler had dreamed up. As many of you may know, building a true “do everything” Jeep is not easy. After more than 100 hours of research and development, the end result that Starwood and WFO Concepts have built is perfect! All three minds finally agree that these Jeeps are true “West Coast” Jeeps. They are ready to run the Rubicon Trail, tow the jet skis to the lake, take a high profile client out to dinner, or become the coolest soccer mom daily driver in town!
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