Drive down the road and count them—chances are you'll see a number of Jeeps of all ages, styles and platforms in a very short distance. That's because for over 70 years, Jeep-branded vehicles have been the go-to choice for off-roaders, adventure enthusiasts, small and large families, and even government entities looking for reliable 4X4 utility vehicles. Another perk? There are sooooo many ways you can customize them and mold them into the perfect vehicle for just about anyone.
For Northern Colorado's Monica Coakley, her ideal vehicle package comes in the form of a modified 2013 Jeep Wrangler Sport. Not only is this Jeep a beast off-road and in the snow, it's also the perfect passenger vehicle for her adventurous family.
All In the Family
We first met Coakley as we admired her built F350 and we quickly discerned that she was the “real deal” —a true enthusiast for large 4X4 trucks and utility vehicles. So it wasn't long before we found out that the beautiful black Ford was just one of Coakley's many awesome rides.
Enter Ginger—a bright orange, modestly-modified, four-door Wrangler.
“I have wanted a 4-door Jeep since they came out,” Coakley told us. “I had a 2-door, bright yellow Jeep before we had kids [but] with having babies it didn’t make sense for me to have it anymore. When the 4-door Wranglers came out, I loved all the extra space in them, and of course, all the accessories for a Jeep.”
Coakley and her husband bought the Jeep used with 30,000 miles on it and in need of some upgrades, like most good used vehicles do. The first things to go were the stock wheels and tires. After a couple of years, those were once again upgraded to the 37-inch Nittos and Fuel wheels the Jeep now sports. Around the same time, the Jeep was equipped with a lift, which started the ball rolling on the mass of upgrades to come.
Upgrade After Upgrade
Stock Jeeps are great, but ask any off-road enthusiast and they'll tell you that upgraded Jeeps are better! Coakley and her husband Rob fall into the latter category, enjoying building and driving a variety of off-road and utility rigs. So when it came time to put the work into Coakley's 2013 Wrangler, the couple didn't hesitate to build it like they wanted it.
One of the first upgrades was to the Jeep's suspension—a full Rough Country front and rear suspension system, including full shock replacements and control arms, and a 4-inch lift. Since, the Jeep has also been equipped with a Rubicon steering stabilizer and drag link to combat that pesky “death wobble.”
“I wanted to make it comfortable on the road while driving in town or off road, not jack it up too big,” Coakley told us.
Rounding out that comfortable ride without sacrificing capability or looks are 37X12.50R17 LT NITTO Ridge Grapplers wrapped around 17-inch Fuel wheels.
“[They] are great for road travel and heading off-road,” Coakley stated when asked about her Nitto tires. “All around amazing tires that work with where I want to go and look mean! Best tires I've ever owned!”
Looks Meet Function
If you lift a Jeep, it's still just a Jeep. But Coakley's Jeep wasn't meant for that life; Coakley's Jeep was built to make a statement, which starts with the factory Crush Orange paint scheme and contrasting charcoal cloth interior.
Added to this are Smittybilt fenders, an off-road front bumper and rock sliders, remember, Coakley's Jeep is built to perform as well as look good. Inside, you'll find a thumping sound system, Coakley's favorite upgrade thus far, complete with a JVC head unit, a Rockford Fosgate amplifier, and two 10-inch Rockford Fosgate subwoofers in the rear. Other accessories like the aftermarket hood latches and black gas filler door add to the overall aesthetics of the Wrangler.
While the Jeep build will forever be morphing, according to Coakley, the current setup makes for a pretty nice family cruiser. In the future, Coakley would like to increase the lift, put bigger Nittos under it, and outfit it with a new rear bumper and rock sliders. Until then, Ginger will continue to be enjoyed by Coakley and her family, from trips to town, to off-road adventurous with like-minded friends.
Coakley would like to thank the following sponsors for help in upgrading the Jeep (and backing her endeavors in CrossFit and Strong Woman competitions: 4 Wheel Parts, Show Shine Detail, and R&M Welding and Fabrication.