Jeeps of JK Experience 2017 [Big River]

• November 8, 2017
• Story By
  Ali Mansour

While every Jeep on the 2017 Nitto Tire JK Experience presented by Discount Tire spans the 2007 to 2017 Wrangler model years, each is built in its own specific way. To show you more about the rigs that survived this year's Big River journey, we've highlighted each in the article below. From what axles and engine to suspension bits and armor, it's everything you need to know about these proven 'wheeling machines.

1. EVO Manufacturing 

It started with a simple idea- create a JK-only trip to showcase the versatility of the modern Jeep Wrangler. Thanks to Mel Wade's vision, we get to enjoy the amazing yearly adventure that is the JK Experience. Piloting the Jeep known as Spicy Chicken, Wade led the journey in his JK that was originally built in one week for the 2016 SEMA Show using all off-the-shelf EVO Manufacturing parts. While the week-long voyage was by no means Spicy Chicken's first off-road outing, it absolutely showcased the fact that some Jeeps can be both show and go.

• Driver: Mel Wade
• Co-driver: Lisa Wade
• Representing: EVO Manufacturing
• Stomping grounds: California
• Model: 2017 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
• Engine: 3.6L
• Transmission: WA580
• Transfer case: NVG 241
• Front axle: Dynatrac ProRock XD60, ARB Air Locker, 5.38 gears
• Rear axle: Dynatrac ProRock 80, ARB Air Locker, 5.38 gears
• Suspension: EVO Mfg. Double D long arm w/EVO bolt-on coilovers, Currie Antirock sway bars
• Tires: 40x13.50R17 Nitto Trail Grappler
• Wheels: 17x9 KMC Machete Crawl beadlock
• Armor: EVO Mfg. bumpers, skidplates, and sliders
• Misc: EVO Mfg. sport cage, Warn Zeon 10-s winch, EVO Mfg. fenders, hood vent, doors, mini-fender liners and tire carrier, J. Reel driveshafts, sPOD, PSC Motorsports Big Bore XD steering gear

2. Nitto Tire 

JKX title sponsor Nitto Tire's motto is Fueled by Enthusiast. And, when Nitto needs a die-hard 'wheeling enthusiast to rep the Grappler family, they don't hesitate to get Jeeper turned full-time racer, Loren Healy. When Healy's not piloting the winningest Ultra4 Racing car, aka the Red Dragon, he can usually be found behind the wheel of his Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. The father of three is one of the most talented drivers you'll come across and is no stranger to the JK Experience.

• Driver: Loren Healy
• Co-driver: Chris Corbett/ Dave Roberts
• Representing: Nitto Tire
• Stomping grounds: New Mexico
• Model: 2013 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
• Engine: 3.6L
• Transmission: WA580
• Transfer case: Advance Adapters Atlas II (4.3:1 low range)
• Front axle: Dynatrac ProRock 60, Spidertrax 300M axleshafts, ARB Air Locker, 5.43 gears
• Rear axle: Dynatrac ProRock 80, ARB Air Locker, 5.43 gears
• Suspension: EVO Mfg. Double Throwdown, EVO Lever rear, EVO high-clearance long arm, PAC sway bars
• Tires: 40x13.50R17 Nitto Trail Grappler
• Wheels: 17x9 KMC XD229 Machete Crawl beadlock
• Armor: MBRP bumpers, EVO Mfg. sliders, rock skins, and tire carrier
• Misc: PSC Motorsports hydro-assist, MBRP Exhaust, JE Reel driveshafts, Warn winch, Vision X LED lights, sPOD

3. PSC Motorsports 

If you want to be able to easily steer off-road, there's no better name in the business than PSC Motorsports. Constantly pushing innovation with its steering systems, PSC Motorsports' Tom and Kim Allen were showcasing the performance of the company's new PSC Big Bore XD steering gear now available in a hydraulic-assist version. This setup has zero trouble allowing the couple to maneuver their Chevy-powered JK on 40's on the trail. It's also worth mentioning that Tom's wife Kim is one talented off-road driver.

• Driver: Tom Allen
• Co-driver: Kim Allen
• Representing: PSC Motorsports
• Stomping grounds: Texas
• Model: 2015 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
• Engine: 6.2L GM LS3
• Transmission: WA580
• Transfer case: Advance Adapters Atlas II (3.8:1 low range)
• Front axle: Currie RockJock 60, Eaton ELocker, 5.38 gears
• Rear axle: Currie RockJock 60, Eaton ELocker, 5.38 gears
• Suspension: TeraFlex 3.5 long-arm, Currie Antirock sway bars, Elka shocks
• Tires: 40x13.50R17 Nitto Trail Grappler
• Wheels: 17x9 KMC Machete beadlock
• Armor: Savvy bumpers, TnT Customs sliders, Artec skidplates
• Misc: PSC Big Bore XD assist steering, EVO Mfg. sport cage, Rigid LED lights, Warn winch, sPOD, Rugged Radio 100-watt radio

4. Warn 

Hey! That doesn't look like a JK! Chris Durham is known for his unique Jeep builds and his latest JK does a fine job of confusing the masses and exciting classic Jeep enthusiast. The front end is a conversion kit made by Durham that blends the timeless front end clip of the '62-'71 Jeep Gladiator truck with the modern JK. Representing Warn Industries, Durham was always there to lend a hand (or cable) when needed.

• Driver: Chris Durham
• Co-driver: Olaf Kilthau
• Representing: Warn
• Stomping grounds: South Carolina
• Model: 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
• Engine: 3.8L
• Transmission: 42RLE
• Transfer case: NP231 w/TeraFlex 2-Lo conversion
• Front axle: J8 Dana 44, Detroit Locker, TEN chromoly axleshafts, Barnes 4WD truss, 5.38 gears
• Rear axle: Dana 44 rear, spool, 5.38 gears
• Suspension: Skyjacker 3.5 long arm w/Fox coilovers
• Tires: 38x13.50R17 M/Ts
• Wheels: 17x10 Bead Assist Device Eklipse 17
• Armor: Barnes 4WD bumpers and 7-Slot Customs rocker guards
• Misc: Chris Durham Motorsports Gladiator conversion, Warn Zeon 10-s winch, Premier Power onboard welder, paint by Nick's Customs

5. KMC Wheels 

Frequent visitors of Driving Line may recognize KMC Wheels' Black Badger JK that we featured a short while back. Just as these wheel pros were doing in Moab for EJS, the company was again proving out the durability of their new XD229 Machete Crawl beadlock during JK Experience. Fit with a beefier set of axles, to better transmit the powerful 6.4L Hemi V8, the KMC crew were always up for putting down the skinny pedal when 'crawling just wasn't cutting it. 

• Driver: Gary Taylor
• Co-driver: Jason Sandusky
• Representing: KMC Wheels
• Stomping grounds: Colorado
• Model: 2014 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
• Engine: 6.4L Hemi V8
• Transmission: A580
• Transfer case: NVG 241
• Front axle: Dynatrac ProRock 44, ARB Air Locker, 4.88 gears
• Rear axle: Dynatrac ProRock 60, ARB Air Locker, 4.88 gears
• Suspension: EVO Mfg. bolt-on coilovers, Currie Antirock sway bars
• Tires: 37x12.50R17 Nitto Trail Grappler
• Wheels: 17x9 KMC XD229 Machete Crawl Beadlock
• Armor: EVO Mfg. bumpers, sliders, skidplates, and tire carrier
• Misc: EVO Mfg. fenders, MasterCraft Baja RS seats, Rugged Radios com device, Bestop Trektop NX, Rugged Ridge half doors, Rigid Industries lights

6. Smokin' Dave's BBQ 

Love BBQ and 'wheeling? So does Smokin' Dave's BBQ owner David Oehlman. The returning JKX sponsor is a die-hard 'wheeler that, despite having a few electronic gremlins during the week, cooked up a good time. We're hoping next year we'll be closer to one of his BBQ joints, because... well, BBQ.

• Driver: David Oehlman
• Co-driver: Ben Cartwright
• Representing: Smokin' Dave's BBQ
• Stomping grounds: Colorado
• Model: 2013 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
• Engine: 6.4L Hemi V8
• Transmission: NSG370
• Transfer case: Advance Adapters Atlas II (4.3:1 low range)
• Front axle: Dynatrac ProRock 60, ARB Air Locker, RCV Performance axleshafts, 5.13 gears
• Rear axle: Dynatrac ProRock 60, ARB Air Locker, 5.13 gears
• Suspension: EVO Mfg. Double Throwdown, EVO Lever rear, EVO high-clearance long arm, Currie Antirock sway bars
• Tires: 40x13.50R17 Nitto Mud Grappler
• Wheels: 17x9 ATX Slab beadlock
• Armor: EVO Mfg. front bumper, tire carrier, and sliders, TnT Guardian rear bumper
• Misc: Poison Spyder Customs  sport cage, PSC Motorsports hydro-assist steering, Rigid lights, Warn Zeon winch, Mac tool chest, ARB air compressor, AEV snorkel

7. Tactical Off-Road 

After dealing with the aftermath of a Hurricane that sent record flooding into Houston, Texas, Tactical Off-Road owners C.J and Tawnie Breaux decided to leave C.J.'s bigger 1-ton JK at the shop, and got his wife, Tawnie's, ready for a week of 'wheeling. Despite splitting their time between hurricane recovery efforts and running a bustling off-road shop, the couple made it to the start of JKX ready to wheel. Fit with the latest and greatest parts (including Nitto's all-new Ridge Grappler tires) the fresh build performed flawlessly all week.

• Driver: C.J. Breaux
• Co-driver: Tawnie Breaux
• Representing: Tactical Off-Road
• Stomping grounds: Texas
• Model: 2017 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon
• Engine: 3.6L
• Transmission: WA580
• Transfer case: NVG 241OR
• Front axle: Dana 44, Mopar Tru-Lok, 5.13 gears
• Rear axle: Dana 44, Mopar Tru-Lok, 5.13 gears
• Suspension: EVO Mfg. Double Throwdown front, EVO Mfg. bolt-on coilover rear
• Tires: 37x12.50R17 Nitto Ridge Grappler
• Wheels: 17x9 KMC Machete beadlock
• Armor: EVO Mfg. bumpers, sliders, skidplates, and tire carrier
• Misc: EVO Mfg. sport cage, Warn Zeon 10-s winch, KC LED lights, ARB Fridge/Freeze, ARB twin air compressor

8. Low Range 4x4 

Low Range 4x4 is a familiar name for those looking for top-tier builds and off-road service in North Carolina. The shop's owner Kelly Carter has been a sponsor and EVO Crew member for many years. The expert wrench used his know-how to help keep the trip running smoothly for others and even got to stretch the legs on his own JK during the week.

• Driver: Kelly Carter
• Co-driver: Harris Wells
• Representing: Low Range 4x4
• Stomping grounds: North Carolina
• Model: 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon
• Engine: 3.8L
• Transmission: 42RLE
• Transfer case: NVG 241OR
• Front axle: Ford Super-Duty high-pinion Dana 60, ARB Air Locker, 5.38 gears
• Rear axle: Ford Sterling 10.5-in, ARB Air Locker, 5.38 gears
• Suspension: EVO Mfg. Double Throwdown, EVO Lever rear, EVO high-clearance long arm
• Tires: 40x13.50R17 Nitto Trail Grappler
• Wheels: 17x10 Bead Assist Device Eklipse 17
• Armor: EVO Mfg. front bumper, sliders, corner armor, and tire carrier
• Misc: MCE fender flares, Quadratec LED lightbar and headlights, Warn winch, ARB twin air compressor

9. Revolution Gear & Axle 

Two things will get you far in life—the right equipment and a good sense of humor. Revolution Gear & Axle's Michael Nadel and Rick Kolber had an excellent helping of both. One of the few manual-transmission Jeeps, the duo showcased great 'wheeling ability along with a fun-loving attitude. Thankfully, the premium axle and gear manufacturer didn't have to pull any parts off the shelf to keep themselves (or others) moving on the trip.

• Driver: Michael Nadel
• Co-driver: Rick Kolber
• Representing: Revolution Gear & Axle
• Stomping grounds: New Jersey
• Model: 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
• Engine: 3.6L w/Edelbrock supercharger
• Transmission: Six-spd manual
• Transfer case: Advance Adapters Atlas II (5.0:1 low range)
• Front axle: Dynatrac ProRock 60, ARB Air Locker, RCV Performance axleshafts, 5.38 gears
• Rear axle: Dynatrac ProRock 80, ARB Air Locker, 5.38 gears
• Suspension: Clayton Mfg. long arm, OME BP-51 shocks, OffRoad Only SwayLOC sway bar
• Tires: 40x13.50R17 Nitto Trail Grappler
• Wheels: 17x9 KMC Machete beadlock
• Armor: Rockslide Engineering front bumper, GenRight rear bumper, Poison Spyder Customs sliders
• Misc: PSC Motorsports hydro-assist, Poison Spyder sport cage, JW Speaker headlights, Aeroforce gauges, Warn 9.5cti winch

10. Give-A-Little 

Husband and wife teams made up a good majority of the JK Experience pairs this year. Making the trek from the beautiful 'wheeling state that is Utah, Kevin and Dawn Little came ready for adventure. The couples great attitude and composure behind the wheel allowed the Little's to have a big time over the course of the week.

• Driver: Kevin Little
• Co-driver: Dawn Little
• Stomping grounds: Utah
• Model: 2014 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon
• Engine: 3.6L
• Transmission: WA580
• Transfer case: NVG 241OR
• Front axle: Ultimate Dana 60, Eaton ELocker, 4.88 gears
• Rear axle: Ultimate Dana 60, Eaton ELocker, 4.88 gears
• Suspension: EVO Mfg. Bolt-on coilovers
• Tires: 37x12.50R17 Nitto Trail Grappler
• Wheels: 17x8.5 KMC XD128 Machete
• Armor: Poison Spyder Customs bumpers, EVO Mfg. tire carrier, skidplates, and sliders
• Misc: Warn Zeon 12-s winch, EVO Mfg. inner fenders, MCE fender flares, Rock Hard 4x4 sport cage, ARB twin air compressor w/12-gal aux. air tank, RAM cell-phone mount

11. Father & Son 

We can't think of a cooler way to spend a little father and son time than on a week-long 'wheeling trip. Marshall Hirt and his son James have been off-roading for years. Their time spent off-road showed through, as they managed to make it through the week with no broken parts and plenty of new stories.

• Driver: Marshall Hirt
• Co-driver: James Hirt
• Stomping grounds: California
• Model: 2017 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
• Engine: 3.6L
• Transmission: WA580
• Transfer case: NVG 241
• Front axle: Dynatrac ProRock 44, ARB Air Locker, 5.38 gears
• Rear axle: Dynatrac ProRock 60, ARB Air Locker, 5.38 gears
• Suspension: EVO Mfg. bolt-on coilovers
• Tires: 37x12.50R17 Nitto Trail Grappler
• Wheels: 17x9 KMC Machete beadlock
• Armor: EVO Mfg. bumpers, tire carrier, and sliders
• Misc: Warn winch, EVO Mfg. fenders, Hi-Lift Jack

12. The Good Guys 

Kevin Kwon has spent most of his life prosecuting bad guys in Louisiana, while his co-driver Jerry Pettit has dedicated his career to protecting the people of LA as a police officer. Having the good guys be part of the pack definitely has its perks, as Kwon was able to help secure our police escort into one of the busiest party cities in the country, New Orleans.

• Driver: Kevin Kwon
• Co-driver: Jerry Pettit
• Stomping grounds: Louisiana
• Model: 2015 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon
• Engine: 3.6L
• Transmission: WA580
• Transfer case: NVG 241OR
• Front axle: Dynatrac ProRock 60, ARB Air Locker, RCV Performance axleshafts, 5.38 gears
• Rear axle: Dynatrac ProRock 80, ARB Air Locker, 5.38 gears
• Suspension: EVO Mfg. Double Throwdown, EVO Lever rear, EVO high-clearance long arm
• Tires: 40x13.50R17 Nitto Trail Grappler
• Wheels: 17x9 ATX Chamber Pro II
• Armor: EVO Mfg. bumpers, tire carrier, and sliders
• Misc: PSC Motorsports hydro-assist steering, RockHard 4x4 sport cage, Warn Powerplant

13. Wheel-to-Wheel 

Matt Collins came to wheel hard and did just that. The Indiana native, along with his co-pilot Brock Gibson, learned early-on the importance of beadlock wheels. This would be thanks to an obstacle known as the "can opener," which would pulverize the Jeep's steel wheel and dislodge his tire on the first 'wheeling day. Not deterred, (and with a 40-inch Nitto Trail Grappler spare hanging out back) the guys beat the wheel back in shape and kept pace the remainder of the trip.

• Driver: Matt Collins
• Co-driver: Brock Gibson
• Stomping grounds: Indiana
• Model: 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
• Engine: 3.8L
• Transmission: Six-spd manual
• Transfer case: Advance Adapters Atlas II (3.8:1 low range)
• Front axle: Ford Super Duty-sourced high-pinion Dana 60, Yukon chromoly axleshafts, Detroit Locker, 5.38 gears
• Rear axle: Ford Super-Duty Sterling 10.5-in, Detroit Locker, 5.38 gears
• Suspension: EVO Mfg. 4-in long arm, Bilstein shocks
• Tires: 40x13.50R17 M/T
• Wheels: 17x9 Black Rock 8
• Armor: Smittybilt front bumper and sliders, Havoc Offroad rear bumper
• Misc: Warn winch, PSC Motorsports hydro-assist

14. Here Comes The Blum! 

Michiganders Scott and Mallory Blum are Jeep enthusiasts through and through. Using the Jeep regularly on 'wheeling adventures, the couple has built the JK little at a time to create one incredibly capable machine. The JK not only stands out in the pack for its factory Gecko Pearl Green paint, but for Scott's talents behind the wheel.

• Driver: Scott Blum
• Co-driver: Mallory Blum
• Stomping grounds: Michigan
• Model: 2013 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon
• Engine: 3.6L
• Transmission: WA580
• Transfer case: NVG 241OR
• Front axle: Mopar Ultimate Dana 60, Eaton ELocker, 5.38 gears
• Rear axle: Mopar Ultimate Dana 60, Eaton ELocker, 5.38 gears
• Suspension: EVO Mfg. bolt-on coilovers, Synergy Mfg. control arms
• Tires: 40x13.50R17 Nitto Trail Grappler
• Wheels: 17x9 KMC Machete beadlock
• Armor: Crawler Concepts front bumper, EVO Mfg. rocker guards, sliders, rear fascia, and skidplates, Excessive Industries tire carrier
• Misc: EVO Mfg. sport cage, PSC Motorsports hydro-assist, Fusion 4x4 2.5 steering links, sPOD, Warn 9.5cti winch, JE Reel driveshafts, Extreme Series Hi-Lift Jack

15. Miller Time 

For the first time in JKX history, there were not one, but two, 2x King of the Hammer champions. Leaving his solid-axle Pro Series chassis back at Miller Motorsports, Erik Miller and his brother Kenny Miller enjoyed the comforts of what used to be Erik's wife, Leah's, daily driver. Wrenching until the last minute to get the JKU ready, the Miller brothers were able to skillfully navigate the week of 'wheeling sans any trouble.

• Driver: Erik Miller
• Co-driver: Kenny Miller
• Stomping grounds: Maryland
• Model: 2016 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
• Engine: 3.6L
• Transmission: WA580
• Transfer case: NVG 241
• Front axle: Ultimate Dana 60, Eaton ELocker, 5.38 gears
• Rear axle: Ultimate Dana 60, Eaton ELocker, 5.38 gears
• Suspension: Rock Krawler 3.5 X-Factor w/Fox 2.5 internal-bypass shocks with DSC adjusters
• Tires: 40x13.50R17 Nitto Trail Grappler
• Wheels: 17x8.5 Method 105 beadlock w/Monster Valves
• Armor: Savvy bumpers and rocker guards, Artec skidplates
• Misc: Synergy Mfg. steering links, Warn Zeon 10-s winch, MagnaFlow exhaust, MCE fenders flares, Artec inner fenders, PowerTank onboard air system, Rugged Radio 25-watt waterproof mobile radio, sPOD

16. Cali Cool 

It's pretty easy to read through the list of JK's attending this year's JK Experience trip and think you'll need a second mortgage on your house to build a Jeep capable of attending. Thankfully, that really isn't the case. Darren Beeson's Rubicon JK was a fine example of how adding on the right amount of select modifications can allow your Jeep to keep up with the pack. With the majority of the powertrain stock, Beeson's JK proved that good driving and the right parts can be a recipe for success.

• Driver: Darren Beeson
• Co-driver: Jake Dillard
• Stomping grounds: California
• Model: 2014 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon
• Engine: 3.6L
• Transmission: WA580
• Transfer case: NVG 241OR
• Front axle: Dynatrac ProRock 44, Mopar Tru-Lok, 4.88 gears
• Rear axle: Dana 44, Mopar Tru-Lok, 4.88 gears
• Suspension: EVO Mfg. bolt-on coilovers
• Tires: 37x12.50R17 Nitto Trail Grappler
• Wheels: 17x9 KMC Machete beadlock
• Armor: EVO Mfg. bumpers and sliders
• Misc: PSC Motorsports Big Bore XD steering gearbox, EVO Mfg. sport cage, KC LED lights, Warn winch, Dynatrac Pro Grip brakes

17. Rocket Jeepers 

We're not sure if it's Matt Carter's career with NASA or the fact that he had the only two-door JK on the trip, but every time we caught Carter in action he was lifting a wheel in the air! With wife Deidra in the passenger seat, the Huntsville, Alabama, couple never backed down from an obstacle. With so many Unlimited JK's on the trail, it was refreshing to see a nimble two-door going to work.

• Driver: Matthew Carter
• Co-driver: Deidra Carter
• Stomping grounds: Alabama
• Model: 2010 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon
• Engine: 3.8L
• Transmission: 42RLE
• Transfer case: NVG 241OR
• Front axle: Dana 44, Mopar Tru-Lok, 4.10 gears
• Rear axle: Dana 44, Mopar Tru-Lok, 4.10 gears
• Suspension: Rough Country 3.5
• Tires: 37x12.50R17 Nitto Trail Grappler
• Wheels: 17x8 Level 8 Pro
• Armor: Nate's 4x4 front bumper and tire carrier, MORE sliders, LOD rear bumper
• Misc: Smittybilt XRC fenders, Warn winch, Hella aux. lights, Rock Hard 4x4 sport cage, Synergy Mfg. tie rod

18. The OG 

Saying that you've been on every JK Experience is a privilege only the creator, Mel Wade, and Randy Byers share. A 'wheeling enthusiast, and all-round fun guy, Byers' love of adventure, along with his well-built Jeeps, have allowed him to become a regular figure on JKX. This year, Byers brought along his wife and his battle-proven silver JK—appropriately plated 1BAJK. At this point, Byers has become something of a Texas treasure. If you ever get a chance to 'wheel with him, we highly recommend it. 

• Driver: Randy Byers
• Co-driver: Terry Byers
• Stomping grounds: Texas
• Model: 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
• Engine: 6.1L Hemi V8
• Transmission: 545RFE
• Transfer case: Advance Adapters 4-spd Atlas
• Front axle: Dynatrac ProRock 60, RCV axleshafts, ARB Air Locker, 5.38 gears
• Rear axle: Dynatrac ProRock 80, ARB Air Locker, 5.38 gears
• Suspension: EVO Mfg. Double Throwdown, EVO Lever, Currie Antirock sway bars
• Tires: 40x13.50R17 Nitto Trail Grappler
• Wheels: 17x9 ATX Slab beadlock
• Armor: EVO Mfg. bumpers and sliders
• Misc: EVO Mfg. inner fenders and full cage, Truck-Lite LED headlights, JE Reel driveshafts, Rigid LED lightbar, MasterCraft Safety seats, Tuffy console, Warn winch

19. You Know, Thanos? 

If you follow comic-book culture, then the supervillain Thanos is probably on your radar. If you don't, the hood stickers and specialty plate on George Garcia's JK may cause you to ponder if that's his nickname or some sort of urban-dictionary slang for a part of the body they would definitely blur out on cable television. Either way, Garcia gave everyone something to marvel over as the Texas wheeler had no trouble throttling down when he needed to. Aside from a bent rear axle flange and a little locker trouble, the Texan managed to have a mostly trouble-free adventure.

• Driver: George Garcia
• Co-driver: Chuck Converse
• Stomping grounds: Texas
• Model: 2014 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara
• Engine: 3.6L
• Transmission: WA580
• Transfer case: NVG 241
• Front axle: Dynatrac ProRock Unlimited series 44, ARB Air Locker, Reid steering knuckles, RCV Performance axleshafts, 4.88 gears
• Rear axle: Dynatrac ProRock XD60, ARB Air Locker, 4.88 gears
• Suspension: EVO Mfg. 4-inch Double D long arm w/EVO bolt-on front coilovers and King bumpstops, Bilstein 5100 rear shocks w/EVO plush-ride coils
• Tires: 37x13.50R17 Nitto Mud Grappler
• Wheels: 17x9 ATX Slab beadlock
• Armor: EVO Mfg. front bumper, corner armor, and skidplates
• Misc: Poison Spyder Customs fender flares, Warn 10-s winch, Factor 55 ProLink, Superchips programmer, Truck-Lite LED headlights, Rigid Industries lightbar and pod lights, ARB air compressor, Synergy Mfg. steering links, EVO Mfg. inner fenders, Hi-Lift Jack, PCI Race Radio, Adam's 1350 driveshafts

20. The Daily Exotic 

Adding some cultural flare and big smiles to the trip was Johan Cardenas and his wife Paola. Originally from Colombia, the South America natives (now living in New York) piloted their Stinger Yellow Unlimited with ease. As was the case with all of the husband and wife teams on the trip, the two used great communication to ensure they could navigate the trails with minimal damage.

• Driver: Johan Cardenas
• Co-driver: Paola Cardenas
• Stomping grounds: New York
• Model: 2015 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon
• Engine: 3.6L
• Transmission: WA580
• Transfer case: NVG 241OR
• Front axle: Dana 44, Dynatrac ball joints, EVO Mfg. axle truss, Mopar Tru-Lok, 4.88 gears
• Rear axle: Dana 44, EVO Mfg. rear axle truss, Mopar Tru-Lok, 4.88 gears
• Suspension: Rock Krawler 3.5 w/Fox shocks
• Tires: 37x12.50R17 Nitto Trail Grappler
• Wheels: 17x8.5 Hutchinson Rock Monster double-beadlock
• Armor: Poison Spyder Customs bumpers, rock rails, and tire carrier, Rock Hard 4x4 skidplates
• Misc: Rock Hard 4x4 sport cage, Warn 10-s Platinum winch, Recon LED headlights and taillights, RotoPax cans, Baja Designs LED hood lightbar

Join in and see these Jeeps in action during JK Experience Big River in this video we put together.