The Apocalyptic Beauty

Overlanding, apocalyptic vibes, and adventure are all things that are bundled into this one vehicle . With this 2022 Jeep Gladiator, there is nothing short of its looks and handling on the streets of Casco, Maine. Meet Ryan and his Gladiator that he named Endgame. This rig is built with top brand names and parts from all over the off-road industry. Jumping right into the looks of this rig, it has a 2024+ Jeep grille on the front stuffed with a set of AlphaRex Nova Series headlights to light up daily drives. Protecting the grille and front end from any damage is a Metalcloak frame-built bumper. With just over 2 months and $190k invested into this build, this Gladiator has the components that Jeep aficionados appreciate in high-end off-road builds.

Working along the exterior, we have a set of Metalcloak aluminum overland fenders paired with Metalcloak aluminum inner fenders. A bright and very noticeable feature about this rig is its network of lights! This Jeep is kitted out with 10 Rigid Industries pods that have been strategically positioned on top of the roof rack and on the pillars and bumpers too for onlookers to find and bask in their glory! Other features of note are the ARS Over Cab rack system with catwalk and seal rack, Pelican vault cases on the rack sides, and a Warn Zeon XD 10-S winch. Another noteworthy addition is the creative and eye-catching wrap designed by 1 Day Wraps and installed by Evolution Designwerx.

What really makes this rig pull is what’s underneath the hood. When you lift it up, you can see it’s packing a Mopar 6.2L V8 with a custom wiring harness and running an HP Tuners ECU, fuel pump, cooling system, and transfer case adapter to make this 6.2L swap work flawlessly in all cases. This swap was done by America’s Most Wanted 4X4 in Burton, Michigan. The distance between Maine and Michigan just goes to show this rig was shipped to be built by only the best in all corners of the country. Allowing this 6.2L to roar is a Magnaflow 4-inch exhaust kicking out the rear passenger side, letting all the freedom from the American V8 be heard. Even a 6.2L needs some juice, and adjusting it to be able to run smoothly at all ranges of throttle and usage is important. A custom tune and Demon pump helped to keep this rig aligned behind the computer.

Attached to the Mopar monster is an OEM ZF 8HP95 transmission rocking the Jeep Rubicon NV241 with a 4:1 gear ratio, allowing it to possibly even walk faster than it moves. This is a key detail and tool to have when on the trails to allow for slow, methodical movements. Transferring power from the transfer case to those Dana Ultimate 60s, which are complete BEEF, is a set of Adams driveshafts, and inside those massive axles is a 4.88 gear ratio both front and rear paired with Eaton E-Lockers. With all of that comes a lot of weight, and with weight you have to be able to stop all that movement. With this build, Ryan chose to go with Dana 1-ton Ram brakes at each corner with an OEM master cylinder with a booster to help that extra pressure.

Now let’s talk flex! When it comes to Jeeps, Metalcloak is the name you want to have on your rig, and this machine is fully equipped underneath with a Metalcloak 4.5 long arm and 4-link combo with all-new Metalcloak Black Series shocks to give it that smooth ride and off-road ability when getting flexy in the rocks. Keeping this rig steering in the right direction, Ryan is sporting the Metalcloak 1-ton steering tie rod and drag link setup, as well as an Apex booster to the OEM steering box to effortlessly move the 40-inch Mickey Thompson tires around. Baja Boss tires are no joke and are a true work of art when it comes to grip both on and off the pavement. The wheels of choice are 17×9 Fittipaldi Off Road FB153s to give the Jeep the appearance that all off-roaders are looking for!

Looking for things is one thing, but feeling them is another. Feeling comfortable inside the cabin comes easy with the OEM seats, which have been upgraded with PRP covers that feature custom red and black stitching, along with a camo pattern to separate the look from a flat color inside. I really like this amazing selection.

We thank Ryan for allowing us to feature this bad-to-the-bone rig and grab some photos for our readers. Until next time, keep the tread off the pavement!