2-Door JL Rocklander / Overland Project Build

[Westymike]

I recently purchased this 2021 2-door JL Rubicon (2.0 turbo and 8spd Auto) as a project to build up a nice, well-rounded, do-everything rig. I prefer 2-door Jeeps, especially after getting used to doing overnight trips in my 2003 TJ. I also like a little rock crawling and spend quite a few days each year on the Rubicon (just 90 minutes away from me), but I also enjoy exploring/overlanding and doing longer trips in the desert, Moab and beyond.

This is my first JL after having owned multiple Landcruisers, a YJ, ZJ and a nicely built up TJ, so hopefully this rig will check all the boxes.

Disclaimer: I work for Metalcloak, so the build will obviously have many of the parts we manufacture, but also quite a few others that I fancy. Much of my build and product reviews will be posted on my IG account (@metalcloakmike) and this rig will be used at various events for marketing and display purposes... but will also be on the trail as much as possible.

Basic Build plans thus far:
Suspension-Metalcloak 3.5" Gamechanger
Shocks-Rocksport Black 2.5" reservoir shocks
Bumpers-Metalcloak front and rear bumpers
Rack System - ARS Rocklander Cargo Rack
Steering-Metalcloak HD Steering
HD End Links - MetalCloak Premium End Links
Skids-Metalcloak full skid system, FAD skid and Diff Skids as well
Sliders-Metalcloak Overland flip steps
Fenders-Metalcloak Fender Guts Delete Kit
Ball Joints-Metalcloak Baller Joints
Tires-Milestar Tires: 38" Milestar XT's
Wheels-Raceline 957B Halo's (non beadlock)
Winch-Superwinch: 10,000lb w/synth line
Comms-Rugged Radios: GMRS
Lighting-Nacho Offroad Technologies
Aux Switches-SwitchPros
Tailgater Table-Outback Adventure Products
Hot Head Headliner- https://hotheadheadliners.com/
Interior Storage- Adventure Rack Systems
Cargo Platform and storage - Pareto Offroad (coming soon)
Interior Molle - MPS Upper cockpit molle
270 Awning - Overland Vehicle Systems 270 LTE Driver's side.
Awning Mounts - ARS Awning Mounts
Seat Jackers - Desert Does It Shorter spacers

The BEFORE: (click through the thread for after-pics)

Current State:

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[JPAloha]

Nice to see another 2 door build.

Mine is also geared towards being an all-rounder rather than just one thing.

 

[theory2]

Looking forward!

 

[dragoneggs]

Subscribed. My 2dr is purpose built for the same just not as much lift.

 

[Westymike]

Part of owning a Jeep is being flexible...

I've owned this JL for 4 days, and it's been at the dealership for 2 so far. Hopefully should have it back by the weekend so I can start working on it.

Backstory: It went into the Jeep dealer (in another town) for a "noise" right before I bought it. said dealership changed out the timing chain tensioner and put it all back together. HOWEVER... they screwed up on the gasket, which allows it blow oil all over the place at higher RPM's. I found out on my 150 mile drive home. ?

So, it's getting a new timing cover and gasket under warranty.

Still STOCK (at Dealership)

 

[hardknoxgarage]

Looking forward to seeing this build come to life! Tomb Raider will miss Connie ?

 

[AcesandEights]

Interesting to see your "industry partners" too. Gives a sense of where Metal Cloak fits or sees itself fitting.

 

[Westymike]

Interesting to see your "industry partners" too. Gives a sense of where Metal Cloak fits or sees itself fitting.

Thanks, we try to align with other quality brands when possible and take of each other. My list above is more of a list for this particular build and may or may not be a direct reflection of MetalCloak. ?

 

[Westymike]

Dealership update: It's been in their hands for 16 days and is now supposed to be done in 2 more days. ugh.
However, parts are stacking up..
Superwinch, SwitchPros, Rugged Radios, Milestar, Metalcloak lift, steering, shocks, balljoints, bumper, HotHeadz headliners, RAM products... all have arrived and sitting in boxes awaiting to be installed. Suspension gets installed on 2/23.

I'm working on graphics for the exterior and still waiting on wheels.

Coming together... Patience.

 

[Mx5red]

I recently purchased this 2021 2-door JL Rubicon (2.0 turbo and 8spd Auto) as a project to build up a nice, well-rounded, do-everything rig. I prefer 2-door Jeeps, especially after getting used to doing overnight trips in my 2003 TJ. I also like a little rock crawling and spend quite a few days each year on the Rubicon (just 90 minutes away from me), but I also enjoy exploring/overlanding and doing longer trips in the desert, Moab and beyond.

This is my first JL after having owned multiple Landcruisers, a YJ, ZJ and a nicely built up TJ, so hopefully this rig will check all the boxes.

Disclaimer: I work for Metalcloak, so the build will be focused on many of the parts we manufacture, but also quite a few others that I fancy. Much of my build and product reviews will be posted on my IG account (@metalcloakmike) and this rig will be used at various events for marketing and display purposes... but will also be on the trail as much as possible.

Basic Build plans thus far:
Suspension-Metalcloak 3.5" Gamechanger
Shocks-Rocksport Black 2.5" reservoir shocks
Bumpers-Metalcloak front and rear bumpers
Steering-Metalcloak Steering
Skids-Metalcloak full skid system
Sliders-Metalcloak Overland flip steps and Exoskins
Tire Carrier-Metalcloak Sportgate
Fenders-Metalcloak Fender Guts Delete Kit
Ball Joints-Metalcloak Baller Joints
Tires-Milestar Tires: 38" Milestar XT's
Wheels-Raceline Wheels: 17" wheels (non-BL)
Winch-Superwinch: 10,000lb w/synth line
Comms-Rugged Radios: GMRS
Lighting-Nacho Offroad Technologies
Aux Switches-SwitchPros
Tailgater Table-Outback Adventure Products
Hot Head Headliner- https://hotheadheadliners.com/
Interior Molle - Utah Design Foundry
and more... (list will grow as we get into the build)

View attachment 841193

Looking forward to seeing baller joints, black shocks, flip steps and fender delete. Hoping to see some closeup/install posts.

 

[Westymike]

Looking forward to seeing baller joints, black shocks, flip steps and fender delete. Hoping to see some closeup/install posts.

Thanks! I’ll do my best to grab as much content during the process. I’ll be installing the Rocksport Reds for a while until all customer orders are fulfilled (priority), then I’ll be able to get a set.

 

[Westymike]

I finally got the Jeep back from the dealership last Thursday and spent the weekend starting to install some of the parts that I had received.
MetalCloak Front Bumper and Superwinch SX10SR

This is the frame-Built bumper with fog light end caps.

I need to swap out the front cover plate (ordering mistake) and then bolt on the fairlead, which will probably happen today or tomorrow.

 

[Westymike]

I also managed to get my Hothead Headliner installed. Super easy and everything went together well. I chose the charcoal color to get the interior some character.

 

[Westymike]

Rugged Radios sponsored the build with a new Adventure Series G1 GMRS and I also installed my Switch-Pros SP9100 hardware. Still need to hook up some accessories to the switch, but it's all installed and ready to rock. Lights arrived today... more to come!

Both of these vital pieces of electronics were easy to install the directions were spot on! Great job to both companies for making my life easier.

 

[Westymike]

The small things matter too: RAM mounts and All-weather mats finally got installed in between the other projects.

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