It’s exciting to see just how fast the aftermarket has grown for the Jeep Wrangler JL platform. Despite the fact that the four-door Unlimited version seems to garner most of the attention, companies such as Rock Krawler Suspension haven’t forgotten about the Wrangler’s two-door roots. The company’s latest build is a testament to just how incredibly capable the two-door platform is with a little help from the aftermarket. Rock Krawler calls it HellaYeah: a name that stems from the Jeep’s actual color (HellaYella) and a tribute to the late Vinnie Paul.
It started off life as a 2019 Wrangler Sport powered by the all-new 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine. As you can see in the video above, the build quickly evolved, but not in a wildly over-the-top way. This was very much done so on purpose. While long arm kits are coming down the pipeline, Rock Krawler wanted to showcase the versatility of its 3.5-inch X-Factor Mid Arm kit, which mounts in the factory suspension mounts. We got a chance to catch up with the Rock Krawler team in Moab, Utah, and get a detailed rundown of just what it took to get this Sport to where it’s at today.
Lifted With Nitto Tires
Rock Krawler offers a wide range of suspension systems for the JL platform. HellaYeah is outfitted with the 3.5 X-Factor Mid Arm Stage 1 kit. Some of the highlights of the kit include adjustable control arms, adjustable track bars, triple-rate coil springs and 12-inch-travel 2.25 RRD shocks at all four corners.
"Like the front, the axle was fit with 5.38 gears..."
Save a skidplate or two, the only thing designed to make contact with the terrain below are the Jeep’s tires. This is why Rock Krawler routinely opts for the notably durable and long-lasting Nitto Trail Grappler. The combination of the 3.5 inches of lift with the Nemesis fender flares allowed Rock Krawler to easily clear a 37x12.50R17 Trail Grappler. Paired with the legendary mud-terrain radials are 17x9 102 series Method beadlock wheels.
New Axles Front and Rear
Up front, you’ll find a Dynatrac ProRock 44 front axlehousing stuffed with RCV Performance axleshafts, an Eaton Elocker and 5.38 gears from Nitro Gear. Helping to ensure the steering stays safe and strong on the trail, the stock draglink and tie rod were swapped out for a set from Steer Smarts.
"In case things don't go as planned on the trail, there's a Warn Zeon series winch..."
Out back, the factory rear axle was tossed in favor of a JL Rubicon 44. Like the front, the axle was fit with 5.38 gears, which we’re told works excellent with the 2.0L engine and eight-speed automatic. Also worth mentioning is the new HD track bar bracket, which relocates the rear track bar to a higher position for increased stability on-road and off.
Exterior Upgrades
Savvy Off-Road bumpers do a great job of increasing the approach and departure angles on the JL. In case things don't go as planned on the trail, there’s a Warn Zeon series winch with a Factor55 Flatlink ready to go to work.
"This customizable unit works as a dedicated fuse block, making it where they don't have to tap into the JL's more sensitive electronics."
A Bestop Trektop keeps occupants covered, while an Artec plate relocation kit cleans up the back of the Jeep. To get a little more air moving out of the exhaust, a new system from MagnaFlow was installed.
Touchscreen Interior
To control the differential lockers and assortment of Rigid LED lights, Rock Krawler installed a touch-screen module from sPOD. This customizable unit works as a dedicated fuse block, making it where they don’t have to tap into the JL’s more sensitive electronics. The sPOD is mounted to the a-pillar courtesy of the Carolina Metal Masters mirror mounts.
Custom Artec front inner fenders were coated with a Line-X Ultra finish to not only preserve the look, but avoid that annoying pinging sound of small rocks flinging on the bare aluminum. Protecting the tub are OE JL Rubicon rock sliders. Rounding out the build is a new hood from TOTL Innovations.
Want to see more JLs mixing up on the trail? Check out the JL Experience!