Each year, we identify one significant international project vehicle and one more modest undertaking. For 2023, it was the Grenadier for crossing Africa and a new Jeep Wrangler 4xe overland project for North America. For this new project, we wanted to try a list of new products and approaches that had not crossed our keyboards. For that we chose our first EV platform with the Wrangler 4xe, one of the most popular 4WD EVs sold today. It not only has a 20+ mile all-electric range, but it also benefits from hybrid fuel efficiency and still having a turbo-charged four cylinder gas engine. The best of both worlds and a ton of fun to drive. What I appreciate most about the model is the ability to plug it in at the office and do all of the local errands on electric only. It costs $.28 to go that 20 miles.
The other thing I love about Jeep 4xe models is the silent off-road driving. When in low-range and crawling I select electric only and almost all of the noise drops away. Just the occasional tire crunching on rocks or whine of the transfer case. We see so much more wildlife without the scream of an exhaust. We also like the Wrangler in general for North American overlanding, as it has excellent capability on the more technical trails, even without going full-Rubicon trim.
Wrangler Sahara 4xe Project Tires and Wheels
With the Wrangler Sahara 4xe ready for modification, we chose a series of upgrades that balanced the daily driver duties with a bit more capability. For this, we reached out to the team at Real Truck for recommendations on an affordable suspension kit, wheels, and heavy-duty floormats. We wanted clearance for 35 inch Nitto tires and liked the tall-narrow profile of the 285/75 R18 Recon Grappler AT. The tire is quiet on the road but benefits from a more open side and shoulder lug pattern. Nitto is known for the durability of their tires, which is reflected in the reinforced tread blocks and large shoulder lugs. We mounted them on 18″ KMC Dirty Harry matte wheels. Special thanks to our local Summit 4×4 Company for their excellent work with the suspension and tire installation.
2.5″ Suspension Lift, Shocks, and Geometry Correction
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For the suspension, we wanted to depart from our typical suppliers and try the new Superlift 2.5″ kit, which features 4xe tuned springs and custom Fox shocks. The kit does include numerous brackets for a complete installation, but our experience has shown that full geometry correction is the best for high-speed stability. As a result, we went with the heavy duty AEV stamped steel geometry correction kit. The anti-dive and castor correction of this kit is without equal. We also installed a proper reinforced front and rear adjustable panhard rods. As we plan to install a Warn winch, we elected for the progressive rate front coils.
We could not be more pleased with the suspension combination on the 4xe, resulting in good high-speed stability (also a benefit of the 18″ wheel) and sufficient spring rate for the heavier EV package, and sufficient fluid volume in the shocks to endure long stretches of corrugation. Even with the front and rear swaybars connected, overall articulation is adequate for most trails, greatly aided but the 35″ tires. It is impressive how easily the 4xe accommodated an upgrade to 35″ tires, even without regearing (the benefit of the electric motor torque). The tires fit in the wheel wells without rubbing and fuel economy was only affected by about 7%. I was concerned about the lack of rear locker, but the large tires and effective traction control has so-far met every challenge. We may consider a rear locker at some point.
Follow along on the Jeep Wrangler 4xe overland project as we address interior storage and protection, towing, a front bumper, and self-recovery.
Read more: Jeep Beach 2024
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