The adage, “a little goes a long way” is certainly proven correct with ExtremeTerrain customer Benjamin and his 2010 Jeep Wrangler JK Sport. As a highly off-road capable vehicle already, he found it appropriate to tweak only a few parts for added aesthetics and reliability. To start, Benjamin improved the traction and exterior to add some distinction and protection to his Jeep. Aside from upgrading the bumpers and fenders, he switched to 5:13 gears and chromoly axle shafts. With the added ground clearance, he mounted a set of 37-inch Toyo M/T tires. 

Benjamin opted to install ARB’s Dana Air Locker Traction Pack to experience a fully functional on-board air system. This package comes complete with a high-performance compressor, pump-up kit and inflator with gauges to make conquering trails that much easier. It also provides a simpler way to air back up when you are ready to get back onto paved roads. This works by connecting the two wheels on the same axel, to ensure they spin at the same speed and time. At the front, Benjamin installed the Dana 30, 27 spline Air Locker with a Dana 44, 30 spline Air Locker at the rear. The actuated air lockers help to transform his open carrier for critical traction gain, a necessary feature when tackling tough terrain and overcoming sizable boulders along the way. With front and rear lockers, it would be difficult to get stuck – hence the name, “traction pack”. Since this kit is intended for use with 3.73 and higher gear ratios, Benjamin decided to go with a 5:13 gear. This system can be turned on and off at any moment, which makes for more convenience and peace of mind, no matter where the roads take him.

To match the XRC rear bumper he installed, Benjamin opted for the Smittybilt front version as well. This bumper is intended for extreme off-roaders who wish to gain extra ground clearance for bigger tires and a more aggressive stance. The Gen2 series is redesigned to provide raised corners that offer a high-degree approach angle to achieve more height. Made from high-strength 3/16-inch cold rolled steel, this bumper is welded to meet Jeep-specific requirements. The two-stage, textured matte black powder coated finish further ensures that the bumper resists chips, flakes, rust, peeling and fading. This version of the XRC bumper features a lower winch plate, resulting in greater airflow and greater winch accommodations of up to 12,000 pounds. With this bumper, Benjamin can mount lights up to 9 inches for added customization. The incorporated slip strips provide ultimate fender protection for rock crawling, which goes exceptionally well with his new fender flares too.

With upgraded styling comes more responsibility, and the desire to keep it that way. For this reason, Benjamin opted to install a set of XRC rock sliders to provide added defense against rocks and debris on his JK’s undercarriage and rocker panels. Manufactured from strong 3/16-inch solid steel, these guards offer long-lasting rust and structure protection that is further complemented by the heavy-duty, textured black powder-coated finish. Both sides feature a 1.75-inch over-rider tube that provides an extra shield for when he finds himself in a stickier situation, per say. Each slider bolts directly up to the factory holes, without any drilling or additional modifications. With this type of armor, Benjamin can take his Jeep anywhere with confidence that he won’t harm to its rugged exterior.

Ball joints can wear out quickly, especially when using big tires or wheeling your Jeep hard. When in the market for a new set of ball joints, Benjamin decided to choose the heavy-duty Alloy USA kit for its longevity and overall quality. These ball joints are much stronger than the OEM Jeep ones and hold up much better as well. They feature a chromoly ball joint shaft with a carburized alloy housing. As they are greaseable, these ball joints come with polyurethane grease boots to keep the grease in and the dirt out. Since Benjamin can service the ball joint and keep it lubricated with ease, he will be able to preserve them for much longer. The Alloy USA ball joints are knurled, while the factory ones are not. The use of a knurled ball joint with spiral grooves is a great way to make sure that the ball joint fits tightly and lubricates evenly during hard use. With this, Benjamin is also going to experience much less wheel vibration on his journeys. This kit is ideal for extreme off-road applications, and is guaranteed not to crack or tear while out on the trails.