Killer Jeep JK Comes Together in 6 Days
“Project Mall Crawler” Jeep JK was finished just in time for RCV’s Southern Overland Adventure from Alabama to Tennessee.
For most of us, building the perfect Jeep is a long-term proposition. Unless you’re blessed with a big crew of friends, plenty of funds, and lots of spare time, that is. But the crew at Knucklehead Garage on YouTube has all of those things plus the benefit of a full-service automotive shop on premises. So they decided to see just what they were capable of. By transforming a Jeep JK Wrangler into what they affectionately call “Project Mall Crawler.”
Despite its name, this Jeep JK is designed to function as a capable rock crawler. So obviously, it’s going to need more than what you’d expect in a truck whose biggest obstacle is a speed bump. And to test out their work, the Knuckleheads plan to drive their JK 700 miles to this year’s RCV Southern Overland Adventure for some hardcore wheeling. Yes, it’s the cliche “tight deadline drama” you see in most reality car shows, but it’s still might impressive.
It all started with a Jeep JK that the crew rescued from an insurance auction. The first thing they did, wrap the Jeep, has nothing to do with improving its off-road prowess. But it looks cool nonetheless. Next on the list, an Icon Vehicle Dynamics Stage 5 three-inch lift. That important step increased ground clearance and made room for satin black KMC XD132 wheels and 35×12.50×17 Falken Wildpeak MT wheels.
A fresh 35-spline Dana 44 Rubicon axle further beefs up the Jeep JK project. Rounding out the package are Yukon 5.13 gears, a rear locker, Artec front and rear trusses, control arm skids, inner C gussets, and a raised HD trackbar bracket. Motobilt Armor Crusher rocker guards, a Hammer front bumper, and Stubby rear bumper protect the exterior.
Needless to say, the team at Knuckleheads achieved their goal. This once sad Jeep JK is quite the budget project. And proof that a whole heck of a lot can be accomplished in just six days.
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