A ‘14 Jeep JKU Rubicon Built For The Trails and the Mall

TEXT BY JOHN PANGILINAN IMAGES BY ROMMEL ESTRADA

“THE OUTDOOR LIFE WAS INITIALLY INTRODUCED TO DONES BY HIS ADVENTUROUS WIFE. HE HAD DECIDED TO PURCHASE A JEEP FOR HER AND STARTED WITH A FEW BASIC MODS INCLUDING A MODEST LIFT.”

Family first is a motto that many people live by and for Ricky Dones, its one that he lives by. He had stopped all of his hobbies in order to focus on the birth of his daughter. This halt to his enthusiast activites also included selling his prized ‘09 Jeep JKU now that he had more important priorites. Yet, he always knew one day he would hit the trails again and get behind the wheel with a new project.

Growing up in a family that obsesses about anything automotive, it became inevitable that Dones would eventually follow in his dad’s fuel-filled footsteps. The plan was originally to own a sports car such as a Porsche or Audi R8. Dones grew up with a background rooted in the import car scene and has owned a few other vehicles including a BMW M3, Mini Cooper, and even a lifted Toyota Tundra, but it was his first Jeep that really connected with him. He loved its off-road capability and that it allowed him to explore the outdoors.

Living an adventurous second life, this ‘14 JKU Rubicon was initially purchased used with only 15,000 miles on the odometer.

01. This JKU is built for both overlanding and rock crawling.

02. Off Road evolution bolt-on coilovers were installed in the front and rear and were paired with MetalCloak adjustable control arms.

03. A Warn 9.5cti winch with wireless remote is nestled on the front bumper.

Creature comforts include an Alpine ILX-F309 head unit and Polk Audio speakers. A Goluk driving camera records his adventures and Jeep grab handles and a Hothead headliners roof kit help keep the passengers in place.