Text by Danny Spitery   Photos by Brady Lankford

I used to be (and still am) really into modified Subarus and BMWs. It’s always been about being low, loud, and fast. But then in 2013… a friend took me off-roading in his Jeep.

I was instantly hooked! It flat-out AMAZED me, at what these Jeeps could do – even in base-model form. It was the whole package: You’re out there in the wilderness, encountering whatever may come around the next bend. Roaming & exploring. No speed limits, no rules, just your own best judgement. I never pegged myself as a Jeep guy. But as a genuine car enthusiast… I was all about this new twist on car culture.

It wasn’t until 2014 that I finally got my first Jeep of my own. It was a ’99 Cherokee (XJ). I started riding with some guys on the weekends, and quickly realized it wasn’t light bars that I needed… but instead… a far beefier & more capable suspension. That XJ went from stock to BUILT in a matter of a year. Long armed, locked, the whole nine yards. I beat THE CRAP out of that thing, and loved every minute of it!

I began working at Southern Offroad in late 2015, and realized that with most of the employees having TJ Wranglers, I was going to need to change my style up a bit & get a new ride. The LJ Wrangler is a little bit longer than the regular TJ, it’s a bit different & less common, AND it gave me extra room for my dogs… so LJ is was! I had done a few things to it here & there. A small lift and some 35s, but nothing too major. Then – she rolled on me! It mangled a lot of the body, and demolished the hood & fenders. 

I used up all my favors & connections within the industry – getting a few companies behind me to do an overhaul. Something big. A 3.5-inch Rock Krawler long-arm kit. Yukon 4.88 gears & locker. 37in Toyo M/Ts on Method 105 beadlocks. And JCR Offroad body armor. The car guy in me wanted an attention-grabber. But Jeeps are so widely & heavily modified… that they’re actually a VERY hard group to stand out in. I was going for something BUILT & HIGH-PROFILE… but also LAID BACK & FUN. Purple!

You don’t see too many Jeep guys out there choosing purple for their accent color lol… so purple it was! The Galaxy-wrapped 1/2 doors didn’t come till later, right before Jeep Beach. We were thinking, \What can we do to really wow the people… something poppy… something beachy.” 

I’m drawn to build something that’s polarizing against the environment surrounding it. And that holds true – whether it’s a modified car, screaming-out amongst all the commuters. Or a flashy Jeep, covered in filth.  

This thing still has a few major mods ahead of it in the near future. Coilovers, 1-ton axles… and an LS swap. Hopefully have it all done come 2019.