Issue link: http://resourceworld.uberflip.com/i/685011
J U N E / J U L Y 2 0 1 6 www.resourceworld.com 55 W ith 75 years of history, Jeeps have a well deserved reputation for being the best off-road vehicle in the world. This kind of outstand- ing pedigree is obvious to anyone who drives one into the back country. The most hardcore of Jeep models is the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon which is available in both two-door and four-door (Unlimited) versions. Wranglers are powered by the 3.6-litre Pentastar V-6 engine which can be coupled to a five-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmis- sion. The Wrangler Rubicon has additional off-road features compared to the regular Wranglers. These include Tru-Lok® electronically locking differentials, mud-terrain tires, the Rock-Trac® heavy-duty part-time transfer case protected by a skid plate, a 4:1 low-gear ratio and rock rails. With the manual transmission, there is a 73:1 crawl ratio that enables you to climb at a controlled rate of 0.8 km/hour for particularly difficult conditions. There is also a performance tuned suspension with gas- charged shocks and an electronic sway-bar disconnect. Jeep Wranglers can also ford waterways up to 76 cm (30 inches) deep. Towing capability is 1,588 kg (3.500 lb). But the off-road capabilities don't stop there. At Mike Gignac's Richmond Chrysler Dodge Jeep dealership in Richmond, British Columbia, Jeep spe- cialist and accessories manager, Lyle McVee, has been customizing Jeep Wranglers for the past four years. Most of Lyle's customers wish to add off-road capability for recreational uses; however, McVee recognizes the industrial applications that modified Jeep Wrangler Rubicons offer and would like to expand further into that area. For example, when prospecting here in British Columbia, sometimes for- estry and back roads have deep diagonal ditches crossing them to divert rainwater and run-off. With the high-angle of approach and departure of Jeep Wranglers, these are easy to traverse, unlike, say four-wheel drive pickup trucks with a long overhang at the rear that would get hung up. For customizing a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, McVee uses a combination of parts suppliers – some from Chrysler Mopar parts, some are sold by 4Wheel Parts in nearby Langley, and others are supplied by Smittybilt and American Expedition Vehicles. If McVee's custom Jeep Wranglers can't get you into the back country, the only other vehicle that could do it would be a helicopter. n The ultimate prospecting vehicle by Ellsworth Dickson TOP: Lyle McVee of Richmond Chrysler Dodge Jeep with one of his customized Jeep Wrangler Rubicons. BOTTOM: This modified Jeep Wrangler Rubicon has extra gas cans mounted on the rear, a folding tent on the roof and a compressed air bottle (at left) that can run air tools or pump up tires. Photos by Ellsworth Dickson In the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon pictured here, McVee went all-out for an off-roading client. This vehicle has the follow- ing custom modifications: • Custom grille, CB radio w/antenna • Led light bar, tube doors • 3.5" lift, compressed air tank • 37" tires, flat fenders • Procomp wheels, billet fuel cap • Smittybilt front and rear bumpers • gasoline generator • Tire carrier, 5-ton jack • Extra gas tanks, seat covers • Led rear lights • Folding overland roof tent • Smittybilt SRC roof rack • Rockers (sliders) MININGWORLD