Just taken delivery of your long-awaited and much anticipated the Jeep Wrangler JL and feel an immediate need to toughen it up with some choice aftermarket suspension, bar and interior upgrades.

No problem, ARB has got your back. In fact the Melbourne-based global leader in aftermarket 4x4 products is something of an old-hand when it comes to the new JL – which has just been released here – having immediately air freighted one upon its release in the US (over 18 months ago now, Ed) so that they could start work on their own dedicated line of products for it.

Highlight products would have to include a properly engineered roof rack fitting kit, all-new Bondi Deluxe and Stubby Bars, OME & BP-51 suspension, and full range of Air Lockers and diff covers to suit all model axles.

From the top

With the growing popularity of the Jeep Wrangler JL for overlanding and touring ARB has developed a special Roof Rack Fitting Kit to fit in conjunction with the company’s range of roof racks. 

The kit uses the strength of the Jeep Wrangler JL four-Door’s roll cage and tub section to distribute the roof rack load to these parts of the vehicle and achieves a dynamic load rating of 130kg making it ideal for fitting a rooftop tent to comfortably sleep two adults.

New-look bar

With the release of the new Jeep Wrangler JL, the engineers at ARB had the opportunity to develop a new style of bar which celebrates the company’s heritage, whilst incorporating a fresh, modern look.

Inspired by the styling of the classic ARB TJ Wrangler bar, ruggedness is ensured by the new single-piece, press-formed centre pan complemented by a bash plate underpanel. Further protecting the vulnerable engine components is a low slung, forward facing 76.1mm top tube.

The new Bondi Deluxe Winch bar is recovery-ready with two highly visible red chassis-mounted, 8T rated recovery points and centrally located high lift jacking points. An integrated winch cradle can be separated from the bar for ease of install, and maximum functionality is maintained with provided mounts for various styles of driving lights or aerials. 

Press-formed apertures in the outer wings provide fog light surrounds suitable for retention of the OE fog lights. The Bondi Deluxe Winch bar is pre-treated with a zinc shield for superior resistance to corrosion, before being coated in an Integrit finish which is designed for maximum aesthetic appeal in an ultra-low sheen, matte finish. Visually the finish is similar to the OE flares of the JL. The bash plate underpanel features a contrasting vintage silver powdercoat finish.

Old Man Emu (OME) suspension

ARB-owned OME offers a range of tuned and matched integrated suspension packages. 

The OME engineers’ objective as far as the new JL Wrangler is concerned was to develop a complete suspension system suiting both two and four-door variants. Comprehensive research and vehicle testing resulted in OME creating an integrated 90mm (3.5 in.) lift kit (65mm/2.5 for Rubicon) that easily bolts on and is ready to handle serious off road action.

BP-51 High Performance Suspension

OME has also developed a special BP-51 High Performance Bypass Shock Absorber package engineered specifically for the Jeep Wrangler JL, consisting of two front dampers, two rear dampers and two fit kits. This BP-51 shock absorbers set up suits the OME coil selection and associated geometry correction fit kits for both Sport and Rubicon variants, also achieving a lift height on the Sport of 90mm (3.5 in.) and Rubicon at 65mm (2.5 in.).

What’s the diff?

ARB thinks of it Air Locker locking differentials as the world’s premier traction aids and the company’s drivetrain engineers quickly created dedicated versions for the new Jeep Wrangler JL’s Dana front and rear axles.

While doing so they also expanded the range of Differential Covers and are pleased to release new versions of their Competition Diff cover to suit the Jeep Wrangler JL Sport, Sahara and Rubicon models. 

ARB’s Differential Covers protect your diff against the hazards of competition or extreme off-road use. 

ARB products are sold and
fully supported throughout  New Zealand by the ARB Network. For further information or a free catalogue phone 0800 ARB 4WD
(272 493) or go to
www.arb4x4.co.nz.