Jeep Wrangler JL Rubicon Overland Build on 40″ Inch Tires
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Known and famous around the globe for its looks, durability and outstanding off-road capability – the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited is one of the most popular choices for overland adventure projects, especially with the Rubicon trim level which offers some of the best 4×4 tech you can find in a brand new vehicle.
Canaan Hagin, the owner of this JLU Rubicon needed a dependable rig to assist him in his overland adventures accross the Americas, and he went far beyoud the stock specification.
The list of mods and upgrades made by Canaan is long and extensive and it features the must have imrovements for the rig of this caliber. Read on to find out the recipe of a convenient and functional JLU Rubicon overland build!
Top-3 upgrades:
- Falcon 3.3 Piggy Back Shocks + AEV 3″ Springs
- 40×13.50×17 Toyo Open Country MTs
- Fulcrum x8 Fully Adjustable Control Arms
Q&A With the Owner
Why did you choose JL Wrangler for your off-road project?
– I chose the JLU wrangler platform because of the wheel base and also prior to having a rooftop tent l, it was easier to have an enclosed space for sleeping.
What was the most difficult part of the build?
– IMO the hardest part of the build was & has been getting the steering and suspension set up for comfort on road as well as performance off-road with excess weight, height, etc.
What is your favorite and most impactful upgrade?
– The most impactful aspect for me, is lighting, whether it’s for show or for needing to be able to see in remote areas that can at times be pitch black; & also for add safety for others to see me coming or what have you, even just utility is a plus.
What do you like the most about your Jeep?
– My favorite thing about a Jeep, is the utilitarian nature of the vehicle.
The Build
Suspension
As usual, let’s start with the suspension, especially considering the number of mods it was upgraded with. The two main tweaks here are the Falcon 3.3 Piggy Back shocks and AEV 3-inch HD springs. Working together, they provide exceptional damping control across the entire compression and rebound range and ensure excellent load capacity at the same time.
Though, Fulcrum x8 fully adjustable control arms are of a crucial importance too. They ensure complete caster, camber, and pinion angle correction to prevent premature wear and even more important – to keep proper suspension geometry with such a solid lift.
This Wrangler also comes with Teraflex quick disconnect sway bar links designed to disconnect the front sway bar in a matter of seconds. This way, you’ll have maximum articulation off-road and maximum stability on road. The durability of the steering system was improved thanks to the Teraflex HD chromoly tie rod and drag link and its front axle proper center orientation is delivered by the Rubicon Express adjustable track bar.
Wheels
Wheels are definitely some of the most significant difference-makers in a reagular off-road build and Canaan’s JLU is no exception. It rides on huge 40×13.50×17 Toyo Open Country MT wheels wrapped around Mopar 392 beadlock wheels.
Of course, this pair provide extra ground clearance, but it also features an aggressive tread pattern extremely needed for better traction in mud, sand and rocks.
The tall sideprofile and beadlocks allow the owner to airdown dafely in low traction situations .
Exterior
The looks of the Wrangler has been thoroughly upgraded, too. Numerous big add-ons, small decals, mount plates, light bars and panels leave no questions about the nature of this Wrangler. Among the biggest upgrades in the exterior department are Combat Offroad Front & rear Aluminum inner fender liners installed to prevent damage from debris and rocks thrown by the oversized wheels.
On top is the Deezee MFG hexagon modular roof rack holding the Zebra Roof Top Tent paired with dual solar panel setup (55w hood-mounted plus 200w portable) which ensure optimal power supply off the grid. Up front is the Rockhard 4×4 Mopar bumper bar with a Harbor Freight Badlands 12k Apex winch mounted on the Grimm Offroad Winch mount plate
Interior
Unlike the exterior, the cockpit of the off-roader is more focused on the functionality rather than on the looks. There are some mounts for tablets, phone, charging, and microphone and a special radio kit for a proper trail communication and emergency contact availability, as in any overland project.
Of course, the purpose of Overlandgearguy Max adventure trail bag is obvious, but it takes a noticeable place inside the Wrangler, so definitely worth mentioning too.
Lights
The lighting system was completely redone, too. The list of upgrades is long, but the main mod is surely the 50″ Novsight light bar that delivers excellent, almost day-like illumination during high-speed desert running or technical off-road night navigation.
For a 360-degree visibility around the rig, the Wrangler comes with Halo series setup with multiple sizes and RGB rock lights and Oracle Pre-runner lights were installed for some serious night off-road driving and noticing all the obstacles that could possibly come on the way. Headlights, fog lights, and some other ones were replaced with aftermarket units too, to see everything everywhere loud and clear.
Performance
Compared to all other systems, the performance mods are minimal and include the Force-XP exhaust system by AFE MACH to improves sound and flow. The Turbo Smart blow-off valve is a forced induction setup, very unusual for a Jeep, however doing its job just fine. The Superchips FlashCal is a needed upgrade because it properly alings gear ratios and speedomerters functioning when working with huge 40-inch tires.
List of Modifications
Suspension
- Teraflex Suspension Quick disconnect sway bar links
- Teraflex Suspension HD Chromoly Tie Rod
- Teraflex Suspension HD Drag link
- Teraflex Suspension 1-3/4 Hub adapters
- Fulcrum Suspensions x8 fully adjustable control arms
- Superpro Suspension Rear Lower Control Arms
- Superpro Suspension Rear Upper Control Arms
- Superpro Suspension Front lower control arms
- Superpro Suspension Front upper control arms
- Falcon Shocks 3.3 Adjustable Piggy Back Shocks
- Falcon Shocks 2.2 Adjustable Steering Stabilizer
- AEV Conversions 3″ HD springs
- Rubicon Express Fully Adjustable Forged Track Bar
Wheels
- Official Mopar 17″ OEM 392 Beadlock rims
- Team Toyo USA 40×13.50×17 open country MT’s
Exterior
- Windshield Defense Windshield protection 3xlayer
- Rough Country Spare tire carrier
- Combat Offroad Front & rear Aluminum inner fender liners
- Deezee MFG Roof Rack hexagon modular
- Harbor Freight Badlands 12k Apex winch
- Grimm Offroad Winch mount plate
- Rotopax Official 4g pax
- Revautolize Vehicle wrap/decals
- Morimoto Lighting OEM red Flush Mount Tail Lights
- Rockhard 4×4 Mopar bumper bar
- Lensun Solar 55w hood mounted solar panel
- Official Truck Claws LT Truck claws
Interior
- AJ Thinkbox iPad tablet mount for OEM dash
- Jeep Uniq Dual MX275 mic mount & handheld mount
- Handle Matters Custom Tailgate plaque
- Tackform Live Wireless charging vent mount
- Midland USA GXT67 pro GMRS hh Jeep FRS radios GMRS kit/6.6DB bull bar antenna
- Overlandgearguy Max adventure trail bag
- Apple iPads/phone
Lights
- Novsight Official Partner 4.5 Series Linked 50″ Light Bar
- Novsight Halo series set x2/3″, 4.5″, & 6″
- Novsight White LED Rock lights
- Novsight Cyber series 3″ cubes X2
- Novsight Side floods X2 rear driving beams for chasers
- Novsight Camp light
- Oracle Lights Pre runner lights
- Quake LED Fender chop kit RGB/BT controller
- Supareo Official US 9″ Spiral/halo RGB headlights
- Supareo Official US 4″ halo RGB fogs
Performance
- AFE Power AFE MACH Force-XP Hi-Tuck Axle-Back Exhaust System
- Turbo Smart HQ Blow off Valve
- Superchips Official FlashCal
Other
- Zebra Roof Top Tent Brand new for 2024
- EZ Flate MOAB Auto Air w/ Flex hose kit
- Northridge Nation Build support/discounts
- Milwaukee Tool Majority of tools in Jeep
- Seesii LTD Angle grinder
- Renogy Official 200w portable panel
- ONX Offroad Elite Maps
Build Summary
With those oversized 40″ tires, front and rear lockers, and all that body armor protecting it from serious trail punishment, this JLU build scores a perfect 70 out of 70 points on our off-road capability scale – and honestly, it deserves every single point.
Canaan really nailed the recipe here, combining all the must-have upgrades that any serious overlander needs without going overboard on unnecessary stuff. If you’re planning your own JL Rubicon overland build and want maximum capability, this rig is definitely the blueprint to follow – it’s got everything you need to tackle whatever the trail throws at you.
Watch the progress and find out more about this Jeep Wrnagler Rubicon overland build by visiting the Instagram profile of the owner: @jeepbruh_jlur
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