Steel vs Aluminum Skid Plate Jeep JK Rock Crawling
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One guy. One stock JKU. Destination: deep into Africa.
I'm Building a JK and Documenting Everything
I'm Allan. I bought a 2014 Jeep Wrangler JKU and I'm figuring out how to build it - one mod at a time. This site is where I share what I learn.
I'm not a shop or a brand. I research the hell out of every part, read hundreds of forum posts and reviews, and distill it into guides that actually make sense.
How This Site Actually Works
No corporate About page. Here's exactly what you're getting.
Research-Driven
I aggregate reviews from forums, YouTube, other blogs, and brand specs. I haven't personally tested every product - I'm honest about what's hands-on vs. research.
One Person
It's just me, Allan. No editorial team, no brand deals. I'm building my own JKU and writing about what I find useful - or not.
AI-Generated Images
Most article hero images are AI-generated. They look cool and they're way cheaper than stock photos. I'm not trying to fool anyone - they're illustrations, not real photos.
Affiliate Links
Some links earn me a small commission. This is how the site stays running. It never changes what I recommend - I link the same stuff I'd buy myself.
My Build
2014 Wrangler JKU Sahara
3.6L Auto · 200,000 km · Brand new OEM heads · New radiator · Fresh AC. The engine is the strongest asset. Now it's time to build around it - with Namibia and Botswana as the destination.
Where it is now
Stock everything. Soft top and hard top. That's it - for now.
Where it's going
AI render of the daily build concept - the overlanding setup with hard top, rack, and tent comes later.
The Build Plan
Phase 1 Month 1
Foundation + Rubber
Everything in one workshop visit. Never open a diff twice - re-gear and lockers in the same booking.
- 5.13 re-gear both axles
- ARB lockers front + rear
- 2.5" Teraflex lift + shocks
- 315/70R17 BFG KO2s
- 17" steel Sunraysias
- ARB twin compressor
~$7,950 USD (~R147,000)
Phase 2 Month 2-3
Trail Ready
Bumper and winch always in one job - saves $100-150 in labour.
- Steel front bumper + Warn VR EVO winch
- Steel rear bumper + recovery points
- Rock sliders + full skid plates
- Bilstein steering stabiliser
~$3,430 USD (~R63,500)
Phase 3 Month 4-6
Overland Specific
Complete before any serious trip into Namibia or Botswana.
- 62L long-range fuel tank
- LiFePO4 dual battery + Redarc B2B
- 150W solar + MPPT
- 45L fridge + snorkel
- Full Raptor coat
~$4,920 USD (~R91,000)
Phase 4 Ongoing
Recovery + Pre-Trip
Build the kit gradually. Complete mechanicals before any serious trip.
- Full recovery kit - kinetic rope, shackles, boards
- Hi-Lift jack + folding shovel
- Timing chain inspection
- Full fluid flush - trans, t-case, brakes
~$1,080 USD (~R20,000)
Full build estimate: ~$17,350 USD (~R321,000)
Every dollar researched. Every mod documented. Follow along as the build happens.
Read the research behind each phase →Latest Research
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Explore by Category
Every guide comes from real research - forums, reviews, brand specs, and experience from other JK owners.
🔧
Lift & Suspension
Lift kits, shocks, control arms, and gear ratios
🛡️
Armor & Protection
Bumpers, rock sliders, skid plates, and fenders
🛞
Wheels & Tires
Tire sizing, brand comparisons, and wheel specs
💡
Electrical & Lighting
LED upgrades, dual batteries, and winches
⚙️
Drivetrain & Axles
Axle upgrades, lockers, gears, and driveshafts
🎒
Interior & Storage
Overland setups, cargo solutions, and organization
🪝
Exterior Accessories
Grilles, mirrors, hoods, and body accessories
📦
Roof Racks & Cargo
Rack systems, carriers, and rooftop storage
🔩
Maintenance
Fluid specs, common problems, and troubleshooting
📋
Buyer's Guide
What to look for, pricing, and year comparisons
Frequently Asked
Questions I get from readers and other JK owners.
Have you actually installed all the parts you recommend?
Not yet. My JKU is currently stock. Each guide is based on deep research - forum threads, YouTube installs, brand specs, and feedback from other JK owners who've done the work. I'm upfront about what's hands-on vs. research. As I build my own rig, I'll update guides with first-hand experience.
Why the JK and not the newer JL?
The JK (2007-2018) is the sweet spot for overlanding in southern Africa. Parts are available, the 3.6L Pentastar is proven, and you can pick one up for a fraction of a new JL. Plus, simpler electronics means easier field repairs when you're 500km from the nearest dealer.
Are prices accurate for my country?
All prices are shown in USD first, with South African Rand in parentheses (that's where I'm based). Prices are estimates based on current retail and may vary depending on your location, supplier, and exchange rates. I try to keep them updated quarterly.
Do you earn money from this site?
Some links are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission if you buy through them. It never changes what I recommend - I link the same parts I'd buy myself. This is how the site stays running without ads or sponsored content.
Follow the Build
I send a weekly email with new guides, gear I'm considering, and honest updates on my JKU build. No spam, no fluff.