Hybrid Jeep Wrangler JL 4xe Rubicon Off Road Build on 37″ Tires

Probably, the most iconic off-roader of all-time, the Jeep Wrangler, also stepped on the road of electricity and incredible fuel efficiency trending in the modern automotive world. However, there are no compromises in the feature that has made the model a living legend – off-road capability.

The model we will talk about today, is a plug-in hybrid Wrangler 4xe which makes it an excellent choice for both city commute on working days and exciting off-road challenges during days off. Of course, the latter usually require some additional mods and upgrades and the abovementioned Wrangler definitely has some. 

4xe Off-road Build

The hero of our today’s story lives in Japan – so he needed both – the practicality and utility for everyday driving on the city streets and for sure his Jeep doing Jeep things when it is needed ever after. Definitely, 37” tires demonstrate the choice that is made more often and probably shorten the range, however, we all know that and why it is absolutely worth it.   

Suspension 

The most modified system of the vehicle is the suspension – in order to make it more off-road capable, even though we’re talking about a Jeep. The lift kit by Mopar is the star here, as it it of course lifts the Jeep up significantly, also complemented by a 1-inch Terraflex’s coil spacer.

Together, they make the Wrangler better prepared for rough terrains and easier to fit larger wheels too. However, the vehicle is used not just for off-roading, that’s why it was important to keep the suspension geometry proper on the full range of articulation and eliminate the bind and harsh ride quality usually typical for short-arm lifted vehicles.

And that’s where an 8-arm Alpine IR Long Arm Kit by Mopar comes to help and it makes thejob very good. And the FOX 2.5 shocks ensure the needed damping control for increased wheel travel and thanks to larger bore they feature, there is better heat dissipation and oil capacity for stable performance off the pavement.

Wheels and Tires

From the visual point, the most notable upgrade is the addition of huge 37×13.5R17 tires. The significantly increase gound clearance enhance the traction surface area and the ability to cope with small obstacles.

Wrapped over 17×8.5J wheels with zero offset increases the track width to improve stability during off-road adventures. The best part for me is that these wheel-tire combo is that they are large enough for serious capability gains and don’t require extensive trimming and what’s even more important – don’t compromise daily drivability.  

Steering

The last but not least is the steering. The RPM Steering 2.5 Ton HD Aluminum Kit with 2-inch drop makes the entire system stronger and eases the disruption of the steering geometry caused by the lift.

Plus, its heavy-duty aluminum construction prevents the bent tie rods and steering failures because it’s a quite common issue for lifted vehicles in harsh conditions. And a 2-inch drop corrects the steering angles to keep proper Ackermann geometry.

As for me, it is one of the most overlooked upgrade on lifted rigs, because many off-road enthusiasts focus much more on suspension and tires and ignor (or forget about) that the factory steering components weren’t designed to handle the increased leverage and altered geometry.

List of Modifications

Suspension

• FOX 2.5 shock
• Mopar lift-up kit + Plus 1 inch of Terraflex’s coil spacer
• RPM Steering 2.5 Ton JL/JT HD 2” Aluminum Steering Kit
• Alpine IR Long Arm Kit – 8-Arm

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Wheels

• Methor MR 305 17×8.5 wheels
• PCD: 5H 127
• Offset: 0
• Yokohama Geolandar 37×13.5R17 tires

Other

• Warn Winch

Conclusion

This Jeep Wrangler 4xe off road build proves that electrification doesn’t mean sacrificing the legendary off-road DNA which makes a Wrangler truly capable in challenging terrain (especially the Rubicon trim with front and rear locking differentials). Based on out off-road capability rating it scores 60 out of 70 possible points with only the body armor and skid plates keeping it apart from the maximum score.

While the hybrid powertrain delivers excellent fuel efficiency for a daily commute, oversized 35 or 37-inch tires will significantly reduce the electric range due to increased rolling resistance and weight. Despite this trade-off, the combination of hybrid technology and must-have off-road mods creates a versatile rig that shines both on city streets and remote trails.