MC VIDEO: How to Build Your Jeep, Part 1 - Skids, Bumpers, Rockers and Fenders
In this first installment from MetalCloak, we walk through the foundational steps for building up a JL Wrangler 4xe for off-road use — focusing on protection and capability that deliver the most value at a modest cost. We cover why protecting the underside of your Jeep should come before chasing big tires or lifts, demonstrate how targeted upgrades like skid plates, differential protection, rockers, tube fenders, and steel bumpers improve flexibility and survivability on trail, and show real CTI flex-test results to quantify gains as we begin this multi-part build series.
Complete Transcript with Time Stamps:
[00:00] We're often asked, how do you build up a Jeep? So many questions to be answered first. Where do you start?
[00:10] In this video series, we will be building up a brand new Jeep JL Wrangler 4xe in order to show you what we believe will give you the most value and enjoyment at a modest cost.
[00:20] We'll start with a platform that focuses on needed protection while adding off road capabilities that can be built upon in the future. This is a great way to start with a smaller budget and allows you to learn about off roading while you build.
[00:33] We CTI'd this stock JL Wrangler 4xe to find the maximum flex as well as find the problem spots that are limiting the up and down travel of the Jeep. After testing, we found it had a score of six hundred and forty.
[00:45] As we build this jeep through this series, we can get that score a lot higher. Now a stock jeep is a pretty capable rig and can even make it through the Rubicon, but you won't drive out of it unscathed.
[00:58] When people begin to build up their Jeep, they think larger tires first because it looks awesome and a lift kit. But honestly, no matter the lift or tire size you go with, you're gonna wanna protect the vulnerable underbelly of your Jeep while you're learning your Jeep's capabilities, as off road hazards may cause significant and costly damage to your Jeep if not protected.
[01:18] And if you're gonna take your Jeep off road, you'll want this protection regardless of lift or tire size. We recommend first getting skid plates.
[01:27] Well, like our MetalCloak Undercloak System, it will protect the oil pan, motor, transmission, transfer case, exhaust, the gas tank, and can be optioned to protect the battery of the 4xe. We also even have a skid plate to protect your muffler.
[01:44] The front and rear differentials are a vulnerable hang up location which have molded ridges that you do not want to damage. Protecting these areas are a must if you don't want to leave the trail an oily mess and suffer damage to your gears.
[01:58] The front diff cover and glide skid kit. The rear differential cover and rear diff skid plate will provide a smooth and protective surface to help you glide over the rocks.
[02:09] All of these skid plates will protect the underside of your rig and your wallet from trail damage.
[02:15] Next, we'll want to protect the weak sheet metal by adding side protection with the MetalCloak Overland rocker base with flip steps that will keep the lower edge and door area protected.
[02:29] And after that, we're going to upgrade the plastic fenders with strong solid tube fenders. The Metalcloak Overland front and rear tube fenders protect your rig with steel but also provide additional tire clearance.
[02:42] How much tire clearance? Well, we took our four by eight back onto the CTI trailer with the same stock suspension and wheels and flexed her out and received a score of six ninety.
[02:54] That's an increase of fifty points just by upgrading with the Overland fenders. But trust me, we can and will do a lot better.
[03:04] Front and rear bumpers are a must have when taking on the rugged terrain of the Rubicon Trail. MetalCloak's frame-built bumpers replace the weak factory plastic bumpers and upgrades it to three sixteenth steel plate, providing the strength you need when you go off road.
[03:22] The bumpers may be options to be used with or without a winch, and our bumper systems are modular, allowing you to build the front bumper that best fits your needs. Or you can just choose from one of our preconfigured bumpers, which are the most popular configurations.
[03:37] Our bumpers include recovery points and have crafted end caps with built in approach angles to help you slide up or off obstacles when you're out on the trail.
[03:49] Our rear bumpers are the perfect mix of function and utility, providing increased departure clearance and have wrap around end caps. Engineered to work with factory features like sensors and with the factory tow hitch, it also includes added protection to the tow hitch plug. Fully welded recovery points are included.
[04:07] Now that we've got the Jeep protected and raised the CTI score, let's take it out wheeling to see how it does.
[04:14] As you can see, without worry of damaging the underside, these obstacles are a breeze and don't give us any trouble at all.
[04:22] But some of the more extreme areas, well, that's a different story. We've reached the limit and found a hang up point, which means we have more work to do. We'll come back here later when we've built the Jeep up even more.
[04:37] The MetalCloak systems provide confidence and protection you deserve and need when getting serious about off roading and exploring.
[04:46] We'll continue the build up of this Jeep in part two of the video series.
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