Simple & Functional – Lifted 2014 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Built by a Purist

It may seem pointless to describe to off-roading fans the reasons why people choose Jeeps for their adventures in the wilderness. Besides, it is hard to explain to those who never tried driving one off the beaten path. Even though the Jeep Wrangler is not the most comfortable, spacious, or luxurious 4×4 SUVs on the market, it is simply fun to drive on and off the pavement.

The popularity of the model also means the abundance of aftermarket products and upgrades for overlander build projects. Great off-road capabilities thanks to huge ground clearance and smart AWD setup allows you to climb rocks, conquer sand dunes, and dominate mud trails like a boss.

Elmer Rodriguez from San Diego, California dreamed of owning a Jeep Wrangler since he was a child, and when the opportunity came up, he was excited to get the 2-door 2014 model of the Rubicon trim level. His modification project is still in progress, but the steps he already took set his Wrangler apart from the crowd. Front off-road bumper, doorsteps, roof rack and tent, and wide mud-terrain tires are just a few of the mods that immediately catch the eye. Read all about Elmer’s passion for exploration and travel to magical places he wouldn’t dare to go without his trusty Jeep Wrangler.

“Elmer Rodriguez from San Diego, California dreamed of owning a Jeep Wrangler since he was a child, and when the opportunity came up, he was excited to get the 2-door 2014 model of the Rubicon trim level”

How did you become interested in off-roading?

– Since a very young age, we used to go to my dad’s ranch on different 4×4 trucks that my dad owned. So I always wanted a Jeep Wrangler.

Why did you choose this particular model for your project?

– I’m a Jeep purist, the 2 door Jeep Wrangler is the true Jeep for me. I always wanted one, but I couldn’t find one that really catched my attention until I found the one I currently own. Love it at first sight.

What inspired you to choose this modification style?

– I’m pretty much still working on the mods, still have a long way to go but I love the overland style.

What challenges did you face while putting it together?

– Everything has been pretty smooth so I don’t recall having a big trouble with it.

What do you love about your vehicle?

– It’s a Jeep, how not to love it! Lol. I love that I can drive it everywhere.

Is it your daily or a weekend ride?

– This is my daily ride, I drive it everyday, everywhere, but it is on the weekends when we get serious.

Do you take it off road? If so, where and how often?

– Yes, almost every weekend, my last serious off roading was a couple of months ago, I went to coyote flats near Bishop. I drive it down in Baja a lot too.

SPECS – 2014 Jeep Wrangler JK Rubicon

Engine

– Stock 3.6 engine with k&n filter.

Lift height and suspension modifications

– Front and rear 2″ spacers with bilstein shocks.

Wheel specs

– R17 33’s BFGoodrich km3 mud terrains tires with black rhino Armory rims on gunblack color.

Exterior

– Rubicon 10th anniversary off road bumper, Gobi stealth roof rack, Smittybilt atlas door steps, rock guard rail and maximus 3 x style hoop.

Interior

– Interior is all stock, black leather seats.

Other accessories

– Trasharoo bag on my spare tire.

What are your future plans about this vehicle?

– I want a 3.5″ lift with 35s, also I recently bought an Ikamper mini roof top tent that is actually being delivered tomorrow! I’m excited about that.

Anything else you would like to share about your vehicle or about the off-roading in general?

– The off road industry has grown very much recently, especially overlanding and I hope that is not just a trend, well at least for me it is my way of living and I’ll continue to encourage everyone to go out there and explore the back roads, and create memories with your loved ones. Thanks.

“I’ll continue to encourage everyone to go out there and explore the back roads, and create memories with your loved ones”

Watch the progress and find out more about this Jeep Wrangler JK project by visiting the Instagram profile of the owner: @e.rod_adventurer!

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