We are beyond thrilled with our new full tube chassis JKU!
@wideopendesign said it best:
Tom and his wife Sarah are a “Jeep” family through and through, and have been for as long as they can remember. Tom came to us wanting to build a custom four door JK with enough room and capability to take his family and friends on any ride without sacrificing comfort OR performance, especially on any of the diverse parks and trails back home in Colorado. The result was our FIRST full JKU build on a Wide Open Design Tube Chassis. We started with an aluminum tub from Aqualu, and added custom front fenders to give it a little more “CJ” Feel. It’s powered by a Mast Motorsports 427 cubic inch LT engine, paired with a Turbo 400 and an Atlas Transfer Case. Underneath we’ve got Crane 13 Bolt on both the front and the rear. The Front axle is built with a 14 Bolt center section that has been converted to a 13 bolt. Then Magnum knuckles were used with 40 spline shafts and RCV Big Bell axle shaft. The rear axle has the same 13 bolt housing and 40 spline axle shafts. We utilized the 05 and up unit bearings on all four corners matched with Crane 4 piston lightweight brake kits. It’s held up by 2.0” Radflo Coilovers, in addition to 2.5” Radflo 3-Tube Bypass Shocks. What really sets this Jeep apart, is all of the details scattered throughout the build. The first thing people will probably notice is the pocketed design on the body armor, which is complimented on either side by a custom color matched Jeep Logo. This is a really unique design that we haven’t seen anywhere else, and it gives a typically flat side profile a LOT of character. If you move in closer, you’ll see accented door handles and latches, frenched LED Tail Lights, and quick detachable side mirrors. This Jeep can also accept a soft top for colder rides! The interior is really set apart by a fully custom dash and console. Across the dash, you’ll see a 12” Holley Pro Dash digital gauge, a 10” Stinger Stereo Unit for Media & Navigation, and a custom milled glove box door, all three of which feature the same design scheme found on the body armor.
Wheeling no one asked for… and somehow it still turned into epic trails in Sand Hollow, blue skies, sunshine, and a day with great people. Funny how the best memories happen when you just go anyway.
What matters more to you on a trail ride — the obstacles, the scenery, or the people you wheel with?
It’s always a good time for a good time…
Especially when the trail is full of good friends, great views, and rigs built for adventure.
Sand Hollow never disappoints.
Tag your favorite crew to hit the trails with?
One minute we’re crawling through the rocks, the next we turn the corner and THIS canyon opens up in front of us. Utah always finds a way to make you feel tiny in the best way possible.
These are the moments off-roading that make every mile, every trail repair, and every dusty day worth it.
Would you drive your Jeep through here?
Day 2 SH,
We ran The Fallen, The Chute and ended with some Wayne's World and Dune driving.
To end the day we had a great bbq dinner in St George, helping fix a friend's blue Jeep, then home to watch Smoky and the Bandit before bed.
Not every adventure goes to plan. Engine issues hit halfway to Sand Hollow Mountain.
Who else has experienced the “trailer of shame”?
A big thank you to @mischiefmakerjku for the roadside pickup.
It’s hard to pay attention when there’s Dilly Bars involved! 😅🫠 Thanks DQ and @offroadaffair ! This trip I was surrounded by some of the top women in the off-road industry and the up and coming women of tomorrow! Kate the Great drove every trail with us at 12…12!!! Better keep an eye on her! #feralchickoutdoors #merusadventure #womenwhowheel #adventureher #jeepoffroad
They said, “you made that look easy…”
But this line at Merus Adventure Park was anything but.
Sarah took DQ through one of the toughest rock sections in the black group—and didn’t hesitate.
Sometimes it’s not about making it look easy…
it’s about trusting your spotter, your line, and going for it.
👉 Tag a woman who wheels like this
👉 Or one who needs to hit the trail with us 👇
A weekend nourishing our adventurous spirit wheeling Jeep DQ at Merus Adventure Park.
What is your favorite trail at this Texas canyon?
@merusadventure
