After the suspension and tires were taken care of, Mark wanted to add some body protection. Body Armor 4x4 of Corona, California, had just what Mark was looking for in a set of bumpers and rock sliders. Body Armor 4x4 offers its front and rear bumpers in various lengths, depending on your project's requirements. They are no-drill, bolt-on applications and have a wall thickness of over 3/16 inch. Up front, Mark chose model 9331 in a 59-inch length to cover the entire front end and also carry his winch. The bumper has a front receiving hitch and D-ring hookups. The Ramsey 9500 winch came highly recommended by Mark's friend, so it was a no-brainer to add one. The 9500 is a 5.5hp 12V DC unit complete with a proven three-stage planetary gear system designed for fast line speed. It also features an automatic load-holding brake, is weather-resistant, has a four-way roller fairlead, comes with a limited lifetime warranty, and boasts a rated line pull of 9,500 pounds. Out back, the Body Armor 4x4 model 2991 59-inch rear bumper and tire carrier can hold a fullsize spare tire and dual gas cans, and has a CB antenna mount and a place to mount a Hi-Lift jack. We thought the setup of this rear bumper was well thought out, with the spare tire being the rearmost object, protecting the gas cans from any unfortunate driving accidents.
Inside the Rubicon, occupants plant themselves in MasterCraft Baja RS seats. These seats are a great choice for enthusiasts looking for the security of a race seat while still needing the ability to recline for comfort. MasterCraft makes a number of factory mounting systems for the seats, which you can adapt to your rig. A couple of the seat options include an adjustable headrest, adjustable lumbar support, and a seat heater. MasterCraft also installed its Jeep Grab Handles to aid in getting in and out of this much taller Jeep. One last interior feature worth mentioning is the B&M shifter kit that helps reduce the throw range for shifting. You don't see a great deal of short-throw shifters on Jeeps built for trailrunning, but we guarantee that once you drive a Jeep with one installed, you'll want one.
Mark is a big music fan and iPod user. Al & Ed's Autosound in Temecula, California, installed an Alpine head unit complete with full iPod controls, Sirius satellite radio, and a custom-made enclosure for a 10-inch Kicker Solo-Baric subwoofer. Mark's Jeep is now rockin' on the inside and rockin' on the outside. His ride has already been a feature vehicle at the Off-Road Expo in Pomona, California, the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, and at the 4Wheel Parts Truck Fest in both Ontario and San Diego, California. During your next adventure on the trail or at a local off-road show, keep an eye out for this head-turning Wrangler.