Project: The "Mistress" | A High-Performance Affair
The First Full JKU Tube Chassis Build by Wide Open Design.
For Tom and Sarah, "Jeep" isn't a hobby—it’s a family identity. But when you’re wheeling the diverse and demanding trails of Colorado, a factory frame and stock interior just don’t cut it. Tom came to us with a challenge: build a four-door JKU that offers the indestructible performance of a race buggy without sacrificing the creature comforts required for a long day on the trails with friends.
The Foundation: Buggy Bones, Jeep Soul.
This is our first-ever full JKU built on a Wide Open Design Tube Chassis. We started with a lightweight Aqualu aluminum tub and added custom front fenders to give it a classic "CJ" aesthetic. Under the hood, the "Mistress" hides a beast: a Mast Motorsports 427ci LT, backed by a TH400 and an TH400.
Precision Engineering:
We didn't cut corners on the drivetrain. We ran Crane 13-Bolt axles front and rear, utilizing a 14-bolt center section converted for maximum clearance. With Magnum knuckles, 40-spline RCV Big Bell shafts, and Crane 4-piston lightweight brakes, this rig is overbuilt for the rocks. The ride is dialed in via Radflo 2.0 Coilovers and 2.5 3-Tube Bypass Shocks, ensuring that Colorado washboards feel like paved highways.
Signature Details:
What makes the Mistress a head-turner is the "jewelry." We designed a unique pocketed body armor featuring color-matched Jeep logos that add depth to the flat JKU profile. From the frenched LED tail lights and detachable mirrors to the fact that it accepts a full soft top, no detail was too small.
The First-Class Cabin:
Inside, the "Mistress" treats all four passengers like VIPs. We installed four heated, extra-wide PRP GTSE seats, ensuring every adult has ample room. The custom dash houses a 12” Holley Pro Dash and a 10” Stinger Stereo, while a Vintage Air AC/Heat unit keeps the Colorado climate at bay.
Follow the Adventure:
Tom and Sarah are taking this rig to the masses. Follow their journey at Offroad Affair on social media to see why this JKU is worth every bit of the obsession.
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| WOD Full Tube Chassis | First-ever JKU configuration |
| Aqualu Aluminum Body | Custom CJ-style fenders; Pocketed Armor |
| Mast Motorsports 427 | Gen V LT V8 |
| TH400 Transmission | Race-proven 3-Speed Automatic |
| Atlas II Transfer Case | Twin-Stick gear driven |
| Crane 13-Bolt Front Axle | 14-Bolt center conversion; Magnum Knuckles |
| Crane 13-Bolt Rear Axle | 40-Spline shafts; '05+ Unit Bearings |
| RCV Performance Axle Shafts | Big Bell 40-Spline CVs |
| Radflo Dual-Shock Suspension | 2.0 Coilovers + 2.5 3-Tube Bypass Shocks |
| Crane Lightweight Brakes | 4-Piston Caliper Kit |
| Vintage Air Climate Control | Full Heat & AC integration |
| Holley / Stinger Electronics | 12" Pro Dash; 10" Media/Nav Unit |
| Rugged Radio Comms | Dual Switch-Pro Panels & Intercom |
| PRP GTSE Seating | (4) Extra-Wide Heated Suspension Seats |
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