Wrangler Rubicon with Blown Engine Saved From Deep Ravine Doom

It winds up taking not one, not two, but three vehicles to extract this stranded Wrangler Rubicon via a 30-degree grade.

For Jeep owners, getting stranded in the middle of nowhere is the worst way to ruin an awesome off-roading adventure. And given the fact that we’re stretching our vehicles to their very limits in tough conditions means that we’ll inevitably get stuck, suffer a flat tire, or even face a major mechanical issue at some point. Unfortunately for the owner of the Wrangler Rubicon in this video from Matt’s Off-Road Recovery, that failure was a blown engine.

Matt got the call that the Wrangler Rubicon was stuck at the bottom of Hog Caynon Trail near Kanab, Utah, and admits right off the bat that “it’s gonna be a pretty big job getting it out.” To the point where he has some backup, in the form of a buddy who has brought out his dad’s wrecker. The group meets up to formulate their plan (after enjoying a hot dog for breakfast), and the first concern is simply maintaining traction and keeping the front end of the wrecker on the ground.

Since the Wrangler Rubicon is located in a tricky spot, Matt first tries hooking up his trusty Jeep XJ Cherokee to try and at least get it to higher ground. Making matters worse, Matt says he’s got a u-joint in rough shape but admits “she’ll make it out of here as long as I don’t do something stupid.” Regardless, his buddy says that “I’ve got a feeling we’re going to do a lot of stupid stuff here in the next few hours.”

Regardless, the XJ manages to get the Wrangler Rubicon in a position where the tow rig can back in and finish the job. Things are going well downhill, but soon the team must face a 30-degree grade, which they’re not quite sure they can make it up in the powerful but traction-limited rig. Thus, they use the XJ to tow the truck, which in turn is pulling the Wrangler up the hill.

That isn’t quite enough, and soon, the team hooks up the other Cherokee in their group to help. That proves to be the difference, but as one member of the crew notes “I just about had a freaking heart attack. That was insane.” But for those of us watching from the comfort of our couches, we have to admit, it’s rather entertaining to watch.

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Brett Foote

Brett Foote has been covering the automotive industry for over five years and is a longtime contributor to Internet Brands’ Auto Group sites, including Chevrolet Forum, Rennlist, and Ford Truck Enthusiasts, among other popular sites.

He has been an automotive enthusiast since the day he came into this world and rode home from the hospital in a first-gen Mustang, and he's been wrenching on them nearly as long.

In addition to his expertise writing about cars, trucks, motorcycles, and every other type of automobile, Brett had spent several years running parts for local auto dealerships.

You can follow along with his builds and various automotive shenanigans on Instagram: @bfoote.