UpDownAir Jeep JK Build Takes “Marketing Vehicle” to Next Level
As is the case at every Easter Jeep Safari, manufacturers and enthusiasts alike showed up with jaw-dropping builds showcasing a variety of styles, skills, and pure imagination. And while several vehicles caught our eye, we had to take a moment to unpack the UpDownAir Jeep JK build. Not just because of the company’s brilliant on-board air delivery system that allows users to air up or down all four tires with ease, (Get the name, now?), but because this thing is a work of true craftsmanship.
One for the Books
Packing a 6.4-liter Hemi that was specially-designed for HD RAMs, this 2013 Jeep JK build doesn’t need to scream its capability. It merely climbs over the competition with 12 inches of front travel thanks to its new GenRight Elite suspension system, Currie Dana 60 & 70 axles, and new 40-inch Nitto Trail Grappler Tires wrapped around 17” beadlock wheels—rumbling with laughter the entire time, thanks to a custom exhaust, of course.
“The V8 Hemi dual exhaust system is all custom-fabricated and utilizes a MagnaFlow muffler,” says the company’s founding CEO, Scott Poncher. “It’s a short exhaust system that exits the passenger side around mid-cabin. None of the exhaust hangs down below the skid plate so we don’t have any issues with clearance.”
The JK basically featured a 4-inch short arm kit, and the suspension articulation was not where it needed to be. I did my investigation on the most robust aftermarket suspensions ever created for the JK and found GenRight out of Simi Valley, California. $30,000 later with a set of upgraded King CoilOver Shocks, and this thing is a pure beast. -Scott Poncher
Poncher explains that, this UpDownAir Jeep JK build was so in-depth, it actually required taking the frame off from the body to complete the installation. “My friends Kyle and Jonathan at American Off-Road Customs in Las Vegas, Nevada did the work in approximately three weeks, [so it would be ready in time for Easter Jeep Safari]. They fully welded everything and added all necessary components to the frame to build strength and structural integrity so the suspension would work flawlessly.”
“JL, Shmay-Ell”
Why spend this kind of time and money on a vehicle that’s already 6 years old? “The key to most manufacturer success in the Jeep space is having a marketing vehicle that really demonstrates your product’s ability to fully grasp and understand the Jeep consumer,” explains Poncher. “Something that gives you the ability to bond with your customer base, while also enjoying events, trails, and rock crawling. Plus, it allows you to go out there and use your product in real life situations.”
And, sure, the JL may be a more capable version of the JK right off the lot, equipped with better fuel economy, a tighter turning radius, more comfort amenities, and a soft top that doesn’t eat up your fingers every time you try to remove it. But plenty of hardcore off-roaders aren’t in a rush to trade in their trail-ready JKs after years of carefully-curated mods. “Production of the JK may be kaput, but profit potential is far from dried up,” asserts Poncher. “Indeed, second and third vehicle ownership are set to provide another generation of aftermarket sales revenue.”
Practice What You Preach
Poncher is most definitely demonstrating the unlimited potential of the JK, adding a fresh, glossy black paint job, Nemesis Fender Flares, OEM half doors, an ARB compressor, Dometic fridge, stereo system, cameras, WARN winch, and—of course—an upgraded UDA system.
The upgraded Kicker stereo system is still using the stock head unit that already had the ports available for back-up or front-facing cameras. We just installed a small generic camera pointing down, mounted to the front and rear bumper, which certainly helps with vertical rock crawling and backing up, as well. -Scott Poncher.
“I’m so excited that UpDown Air is about to introduce its GEN-2 product generation that will outperform and improve the reliability, durability, and overall airflow performance of our initial product,” expresses Poncher. “Plus, we will be manufacturing our own line of compressors to complement the complete system and allow us to package a compressor mounting solution and our four tire ADS kit all in one box.”
Don’t Miss This Beauty
Keep an eye out for the UpDownAir Jeep JK build — as well as the company’s new generation of air delivery systems — at this year’s upcoming SEMA show, as well as several JK runs and Jeep events in Nevada, Utah, and California. Follow the company on Facebook for updates and check out its Instagram if sick builds and impressive wheeling are your thing.
