The plan from Jeep was to build up a 2008 Jeep Wrangler JK Unlimited Rubicon during the 3-day extravaganza. The purpose behind the plan was to show Jeep JK owners how they could outfit their vehicle to suit their personal lifestyle. This friendly, but competitive 4x4 Build Off utilized many aftermarket and Mopar accessories during this metamorphosis from stock to show stopper. By building the Jeep in stages, it truly mimicked the way most Jeep owners transform their own distinctive vehicle.

The whole transformation took place on site during the 14th Annual 2007 Camp Jeep that was held at the Oak Ridge Estates in Nelson County, Virginia. The property is gorgeous and the staff is top notch. It is a fantastic event for the whole family with top-notch activities and fun loving trail rides.

This was not the first time that Skyjacker was welcomed to participate in this true Jeep enthusiast's event. The first time was right after the Lara Croft movie Tomb Raider. 'It has been an honor and a privilege to be involved with Camp Jeep', words from Lonnie McCurry, Jr., C.O.O. and Vice-President of Skyjacker Suspensions. ''We love to be involved with the Jeep enthusiasts. They are a fun loving, family-oriented crowd who enjoy playing in the rocks and mud as much as we do. This year I brought my whole family out to participate in Camp Jeep. They are also here to help us build this Jeep JK.'

With the budget established at $8000 for parts and accessories, the Skyjacker crew went shopping. Skyjacker's team came up with a theme for the build. A name if you will - 'Jeep - An American Heritage'. The colors would be Red, White and Chrome. The spirit of the adventurous new model Jeep Wrangler JK mixed with the show-off attitude of a true, red-blooded American off-roader.

They knew from experience what it took to build an eye-catching vehicle that proved itself with style and function, so they started a list of necessities and a wish list. By surfing the Internet, off-road magazines, prime Jeep accessory suppliers, plus a few phone calls and e-mails to get the best pricing, the build off had started. Spending money, gathering parts and pieces for a vehicle transformation like this is exciting… and a lot of work. The labor was free because Skyjacker did all the work themselves. (The labor cost did not come out of the budget).

The Skyjacker 4 Inch suspension would add off-road creditability and integrity. The plan started with a Skyjacker 4 Inch Suspension, Hydro H7000 Series shocks, and a 7000 Series steering stabilizer. Due to the extra weight of the front bumper they wanted, they added a .75 Inch Front Coil Spring Spacer too. Of course, they added two pair of Rock Ready Grab Handles; it is a 4-Door. The Skyjacker list was set. Next came the other need items.

The chrome and billet accessories would give the Jeep street-credit and really shine during the daily commutes. Color keying, or painting some of the parts to match the factory Flame Red would add a truly custom look without a lot of cost. Add in a few easy modifications to make it an authentic original and you can see the plan coming together.

Mopar Performance has some really good looking and functional products for the Jeep JK. Skyjacker went with their Chrome Front and Rear Tubular Bumpers and the complimentary matching Chrome Tubular Side Steps. They removed all the hard plastic components and used the Chrysler PR4-Flame Red to color-key it to the vehicle. The Skyjacker team went a step farther on the front bumper. To add a unique flare, a custom grill guard hoop was built and welded to the steel center section of the Mopar bumper. Light tabs were added to accommodate the rectangular 3x6 Mopar Off-Road Driving Lights. Skyjacker felt that more lights were needed, so they fabricated a mount for the Unlimited Rubicon's factory fog lights. With a hole-saw and some accurately placed tabs on the backside, the lights looked factory again... but custom because no one else has them yet. The center sections of the bumpers were powder coated Skyjacker Red for extra protection from the harshness of the trails.

The Skyjacker team installed all of the parts 'old school' with a whole lot of 'want to', floor jacks, jack stands, and hand tools to bring the plan together. The work was done under a 30'x30' tent that was next to the Skyjacker display and took place in the Wrangler Unlimited 4-Wheeling Forest. It was hot, but the tent did provide shade. Many Camp Jeepers came by throughout the day to check the progress, to see how the parts were installed, to ask questions, and some were there to lend a hand.

The camaraderie of Jeepers is awesome. They love getting out and playing with their toys/Jeeps with other like-minded people. Jeepers are very willing to lend a hand, advice, suggestions, opinions, help or whatever else you need from them. It is a true family-oriented hobby, sport, pastime, etc.

'This is the way many Jeep enthusiasts do it', explained Lonnie McCurry, Sr. CEO and President of Skyjacker Suspensions. 'They build their dream Jeep in stages and a lot of them do the work themselves in their garage with a few off-road buddies,' Lonnie continued. 'They do their research on the product, ask opinions, read magazines, look on the Internet, and then create a plan that fits their budget.'

Lonnie McCurry added, 'everyone understands working on a budget. You work up a plan for the items you want to use. Then work the plan and budget the items as you can... the Skyjacker lift kit, tires, wheels, bumpers, graphics, appearance and other personal accessories. What we did here at Camp Jeep in three-days, sometimes takes the enthusiasts three-months or even three-years to complete. I would say 'finish', but with a Jeep, you are never completely finished with it. There is always something else you would do to it.'

The last day of Camp Jeep had come and it was time to let the crowd select their favorite. Saturday evening is the blow out called Jeep Jubilee. The Jeep was placed next to the stage and the crowd gathered in lawn chairs and blankets on the ground. The Camp Jeep announcer set the stage and started the proceedings. The winner of the first annual Camp Jeep 4x4 Build Off was going to be chosen. Each of the two competitors gave a rousing 30-second speech about their Jeep JK, the parts, and why they built it the way they did. By the roar of the crowd the winner was selected, Skyjacker Wins Again!

Day 1 - Thursday, July 26, 2007
• Front Suspension / Shocks / Steering Stabilizer - Install time 2.25 Hours
4 Inch Standard System, Softride® Coils, Sway Bar Disconnect Links, Replacement Lower Links, Front Track Bar Relocation Bracket, Bump Stop Brackets, Front Coil Spring Spacers, Pitman Arm, Transfer Case Skid Plate Spacers, Heavy-Duty OEM Replacement Steering Stabilizer, HYDRO H7000 Series Shocks

• Rear Suspension / Shocks - Install time 2.5 Hours
Softride® Rear Coils, Replacement Lower Links, Rear Track Bar Relocation Bracket, Bump Stop Brackets, Extended Sway Bar Links, Brake Line Extensions, Skyjacker's Unique Track Bar Brace

• Tires, Wheels, & Mopar Wheel Locks - Install time .05 Hour
Eagle Alloys, Series 140, 17”x8” with 4.517 Inch Back Spacing
Mickey Thompson Baja Belted Radial MTZ, LT315/70R17 (35x12.50R17)
Skyjacker reused the factory lug nuts and added the Mopar One-Piece Wheel Lock Kit. There was one lock for each wheel and one left over for the spare.

• Mopar TrailGuide Navigational Kit GPS - .5 Hour
Skyjacker always wants to know where it is going. They chose to add the Mopar TrailGuide navigation system because it was built specifically for Jeep. It comes complete with a docking/charging station that permanently mounts to top of the dash center bezel. The ability to use the unit as a hand held device is perfect for mapping nature trails, campsite activities, and other outdoor activities. It also comes pre-programmed with map coverage for North America.

• Mopar Interior Trim Appliqués - .5 Hour
It is more than a dash kit. It included accents for all 4-doors, the console, and the center section of the dash.

• Seat Covers - .5 Hour
These Coverking seat covers are made from genuine CR-grade neoprene wetsuit material that's water resistance and durable with a soft cushioned feel. It provided a personalized look with the red centers and added protect too.

Day 2 - Friday, July 27, 2007
• Mopar Chrome Grill - .5 Hour
This is a big shiny piece of chrome that really catches your attention. It is a quick and easy install for anyone.

• Billet Door Handles - 1.5 Hours
Off-Road Evolutions makes these CNC machined billet Aluminum door handles. These beauties are hand polished and made in the good ole U.S.A. They came complete with all the necessary stainless steel hardware and were a simple remove and replace item. Skyjacker bought 5 so the rear tailgate handle would match the doors.

• Mopar Chrome Front & Rear Tubular Bumpers - 1 Hour
The Mopar Tubular Bumpers provided a rugged, off-road look with a flare for chrome. The heavy-duty steel center section is very strong and the chrome tubes provided a rugged, off-road look with a flare for chrome. The heavy-duty Spare Tire Extension Adapter allowed Skyjacker to mount the 35-inch Mickey Thompson Baja MTZs back to the factory tailgate mount location. It works for 33-35 inch spares. You must have a matching spare for the trails.

• Mopar Off-Road Lights for the Front Bumper - .5 Hour
These rectangular Mopar Off-Road lights provide 55-watt and 90,000 candlepower of light. They were offered for the Grand Cherokee, but Skyjacker used the wiring kit from Mopar for an easy plug and play feature.

• Mopar Chrome Tubular Side Steps - .75 Hour
Skyjacker utilized the Mopar Tubular Side Steps to match the bumpers. The factory Rubicon Rock Rails were removed and these Side Steps bolted back into the same mounting holes. It was a quick and easy up-grade for the street.

• Mopar Chrome Tail Lamp Guards - .25 Hour
The Tail Light Guards add protection for your tail lamps. It is good to have on the trails and in many parking lots around the country.

• Mopar Chrome Fuel Filler Door - .25 Hour
This add-on Chrome Fuel Filler Door is a quick and easy, no drill installation. The look is custom and the function is smooth.

• Mopar Chrome Mirror Caps - These are yet to be installed. Due to the popularity of this cool Mopar accessory, it was on back order.

Day 3 - Saturday, July 2007
• Graphics - 3 Hours
A custom graphic design from Skyjacker's Marketing Department came to life in White & Chrome. The patriotic theme used Stars from the American flag to show its loyalty to the Red, White & Blue.

• Fender Flares - 1 Hour
The black, textured Rubicon flares were exchanged for a set of Sahara flares that were painted the same PR4 Flame Red.

• Yakima Roof Rack - 1.5 Hours
All Jeep owners haul stuff. The Yakima Roof Rack is a perfect essential to go topless and still store your stuff. The Yakima Roll Bar Kit Mount System, Low Rider Max mounts and MegaWarrior Basket with an added extension is a perfect fir for the Jeep JK Unlimited.

• Mopar Off-Road Lights for the Roof Rack - 1 Hour
The 3x6 Mopar Off-Road lights helps you see through the darkness and their low profile helps prevent you from snagging them on a low overhang.

• Final Details & Finishing Touches
The Kentrol Stainless Steel Hood Latch Set was added. Skyjacker actually disassembled the stock JK latch and the Kentrol latch for a Jeep TJ. They removed the rubber piece from the JK and installed it into the Kentrol latch, then bolted the complete assembly into place.

Skyjacker also brought along some additional items, or props if you will, to fit the theme of the vehicle and to add to the appearance and off-road appeal. A Hi-Lift Jack, an axle, duffel bags, a backpack, and two mountain bikes were used. Yakima had all the mounts for the props in their product line.

They threw in the Mopar Slush Floor Mats, added the Rock Ready® Grab Handles at all four doors, and headed off to the Jeep Jubilee to meet the crowd.

NOTE: You may have noticed that there seems to be more time used that was allowed due to the schedule. There were 4 team members working on the Jeep JK during the Camp Jeep 4x4 Build Off. At times, Skyjacker had up to 7 people working on the vehicle at one time.

Part # MOPAR Accessories - Name/Description...................................Pricing
Exterior Accessories
82209743 Chrome Front Tubular Bumpers............................................$434.00
82209913 Chrome Rear Tubular Bumpers.............................................$434.00
82210564AC Chrome Tubular Side Steps.............................................$417.00
82210268 Chrome Tail Lamp Guards....................................................$128.00
82210284 Chrome Fuel Filler Door.......................................................$105.00
82210558AC Chrome Grill...................................................................$224.00
82210469 Chrome Mirror Caps.............................................................$85.00
82210166 Slush Floor Mats, Front and Rear,
Unique Mud & Tire Tread Pattern with Jeep Logo.................................. $48.00

Interior Accessories
82210208AB TrailGuide Navigational Kit...............................................$639.00
82210622 Interior Trim Appliqués, Brushed Silver..................................$176.00

Lighting 
82209880AB Off-Road Driving Lights
(3 Pair - 2 Pair for Roof Rack & 1 Pair for Front Bumper)........................$207.00
82210019AB Wiring Kits for Installing 2 Pair Off-Road Lights (2 Sets) .....$95.00
822110507 Off-Road Light Installation Kit for 1 Pair Off-Road Lights.........$71.00

Security 
82201650 One-Piece Wheel Lock Kit...................................................$28.00

Total of MOPAR Accessories..............................................................$3,063.00

Part # Aftermarket Accessories - Brand/Description..............................Pricing
Suspension 
JK401K Skyjacker Suspensions - 4 Inch Standard System...................$828.54
7003 Skyjacker Suspensions - Heavy-Duty OEM
Replacement Steering Stabilizer.........................................................$39.06
JA770 Skyjacker Suspensions - Pitman Arm.......................................$83.45
H8065 Skyjacker Suspensions - HYDRO H7000
Series Shocks (Front)........................................................................$67.92
H8067 Skyjacker Suspensions - HYDRO H7000
Series Shocks (Rear).........................................................................$67.92
JKFPS75 Skyjacker Suspensions - Front Coil Spring Spacers..............$29.84

Tires & Wheels
1409-8850 Eagle Alloys, Series 140, 17x8
with 4.517 Inch Back Spacing (4 + Spare)............................................$799.75
92606.509 Mickey Thompson Baja Belted
Radial MTZ, LT315/70R17 (4 + Spare) from Quadratec..........................$1,098.25

Aftermarket Graphics & Paint Supplies
Custom Vinyl Graphics.....................................................................$200.00
Paint - PR4-Flame Red.....................................................................$100.00

Aftermarket Exterior Accessories
Polished Aluminum Door Handles
(4 + Tailgate) from Off-Road Evolutions..............................................$416.00
8000136 Yakima Roll Bar Kit Mount System,
Low Rider Max from Quadratec.........................................................$186.30
8007082 Yakima MegaWarrior Extension from Quadratec ..................$99.10
8007080 Yakima MegaWarrior Basket from Quadratec.......................$377.10
Custom Grill Guard Hoop by Skyjacker.............................................$100.00
22202.500 Spare Tire Extension Adapter from Quadratec....................$64.99
13001.113 Stainless Steel Windshield Tie Down Kit from Quadratec....$25.99
13104.103 Stainless Steel Hood Latch Set from Quadratec.................$42.99

Aftermarket Interior Accessories
RRGH30R-R Skyjacker Grab Handles ( 2 Pair)..................................$54.70
14302.1201 Coverking Seat Covers with Red Inserts
(Front) from Quadratec ...................................................................$129.99
14303.5001 Coverking Seat Covers with Red Inserts
(Rear) from Quadratec.....................................................................$119.99

Overall Total...................................................................................$7,994.88

MOPAR Authentic Jeep Accessories
www.mopar.com/jeep
Or Contact Your Local Jeep Dealership

Mickey Thompson Performance Tires & Wheels
4600 Prosper Drive
Stow, OH 44224-1038
Customer Service & Tech: (330) 928 - 9092 Ext. 2
www.mickeythompsontires.com

American Eagle Wheel Corporation / Eagle Alloys
5780 Soestern Ct.
Chino, CA 91710
www.aewheel.com

Off Road Evolution
1829 W Commonwealth Ave
Fullerton, CA 92833
Tele: (562) 787-0215
www.offroadevolution.com

Quadratec, Inc.
1028 Saunders Lane
West Chester, PA 19380
Sales Department: (800) 745-2348
Customer Service: (800) 745-6037
www.quadratec.com

Signpros Custom Lettering
849 W. Lambert Rd.
Brea, CA 92821
Tele: (714) 672-0073
www.signpros.com

Freewheelin' Films
Peter Sellers
44895 Hwy 82
Aspen, Colorado 81611
Tele: (970) 925-2640
www.fwf.com/jeepdvd_orderform.html

Skyjacker® Suspensions
212 Stevenson Street
West Monroe, Louisiana, 71292
Tele: 318.388.0816
www.skyjacker.com