Better Late Than Never - A tale of addiction and poor money management.

[gek]

[Edit] Willys was traded for a Sarge '23 XR in August 2025. Willys was put back close to stock. I don't really plan to show much of mods that are going to be the same.

Link to start of '23 Rubi posts: 2023 Rubi XR


Going on 2 years since I bought my Jeep and starting to modify it less than a month after I got it, I figured it was time to start a build thread about a year ago and have been putting it off since then. After all, I had parts to install. While I still have parts to install, I figured I should start documenting my build before I get so far behind that I never start...


Picking it up from the dealership

2021 Unlimited Willys - Sarge Green
3.6L - Manual transmission
Technology group
Convenience group
Cold Weather group
Sun and Sound package
Safety group


[edit] I should include that my original intention was a mild build with Rubicon springs and 33s.
"I shouldn't need anything more than that" - an ignorant fool

Sponsored

 

[gek]

First mod: Replacing the giant heavy exhaust with RedRock High Clearance Cat-Back Exhaust <20 days after bringing the Jeep home.

No issues with it other than I had to dent it in a bit with a ball peen hammer to not hit the rear sway bar bracket. Not very loud and minimal drone.

 

[gek]

Next was some threedom key cap covers.

No issues with these so far. No fading and have stayed in place.

 

[gek]

Hotheads Headliners Skyliner.

Only one issue with this. The corners on the front attachment keep coming unstuck. I reached out to them and they have updated that piece and sent me a new one. I have not installed the new piece yet.

[Edit] Redesigned piece is installed and have had no issues since.

 

[gek]

New bumper. MP Concepts Forged Aluminum Front Bumper

I am not a fan of the Rubi Red with the green so I decided to keep my tow hooks, but then I decided to paint them the match the body.

While I was at it, I decided to paint the antenna as well.

 

[Steveo]

Welcome to the forums gek! Nice Jeep, shoulda got silver tho.

 

[gek]

Next was Oracle flush mount taillights.

I had one of the first sets and the drivers side light started flickering. I was sent a new one and have had no issues since. I had LED rears originally so I had to use Jscan to not get an error on my dash until the fix was available.

 

[gek]

Welcome to the forums gek! Nice Jeep, shoulda got silver tho.

 

[gek]

Winch time.

Test fit, this is not going to work.

Rerouted the main wires through the side and used a solid grommet to fill in the old hole.

Also added the Warn Low Grille Guard Tube.

 

[gek]

Packing recovery gear and compressor for it's first offroading adventure at SMORR.

 

[gek]

Saw this beauty on the way to SMORR and talk to the owner for around 10-15 minutes.

 

[gek]

First trip to SMORR

A little bit of damage.

 

[jo_xj]

New bumper. MP Concepts Forged Aluminum Front Bumper

I am not a fan of the Rubi Red with the green so I decided to keep my tow hooks, but then I decided to paint them the match the body.

While I was at it, I decided to paint the antenna as well.

Looks awesome! I have a 2023 Sarge Willys JLU, and I'm just beginning to research bumpers and winches. The MP Concepts bumper was at the top of my list because of how it blends nicely (and improves) the stock style.

I've heard reviews of the install for the MP being complicated, and I've never replaced a bumper before. How was the install for you?

 

[gek]

Decided to get some wheels: Method 316 +0 offset
And some Tires: Nitto Ridge Grapplers 285/70R17
and a Dynatrac lift kit.

 

[gek]

Looks awesome! I have a 2023 Sarge Willys JLU, and I'm just beginning to research bumpers and winches. The MP Concepts bumper was at the top of my list because of how it blends nicely (and improves) the stock style.

I've heard reviews of the install for the MP being complicated, and I've never replaced a bumper before. How was the install for you?

I didn't think it was too bad. I did more than most need to with replacing the tow hooks. I had a few issues with the winch plate and then attaching the plastic caps on the front wasn't the easiest. I would say the whole thing was about a 4 out of 10 in difficulty.

Sponsored