Quadratec Shows Off Custom Jeep® Wrangler YJL Sahara:

Without a doubt, the most loyal fans in the automotive world are those from the Jeep® brand. So what happens when you are the world’s largest independent retailer of Jeep parts and accessories on the planet and you are celebrating your company’s 30th anniversary? Build a one-off Jeep Wrangler (JL) inspired by the 1987 to 1996 Wrangler (YJ), that’s what! 

Quadratec has pulled the covers off of its newest rig, called the YJL Sahara. The custom-build is to pay homage to the 1989 Jeep Wrangler Sahara that was owned by company founder Ted Wentz II. Starting life as a 2020 Jeep Wrangler Sport two-door, it was sent over to well-known Jeep builder, our friend Greg Henderson (@unofficialuseonly). Since the modern Wrangler JL does not offer a two-door model of the Sahara, Greg was allowed to pull more key elements of the original 1989 Sahara into the modern Wrangler.

”Having Quadratec approach me to work on this build is both humbling and a big honor for me,” Henderson said. “The first part I ever purchased on my first TJ 20-some years ago was from Quadratec, so having them ask me to help them make this build is kind of full circle and amazing“.

”From the first call they told me I had creative freedom with this build and as a fabricator, there is nothing better than that because it really dials you in and goes a long way in the custom fabricating process“.

Using many parts from the Quadratec catalog and a lot of custom work, the YJL Sahara put a whole spin on the modern Wrangler. 

Starting with the front end, gone are the iconic round Wrangler headlamps in favor of a set of Quadratec’s Premium Heated LED Projector Beam Headlights that are in a square housing. These headlamps are fitted into a custom grille that allows the outer signature seven-slot grille openings to wrap around the square headlamps. Greg and his team even put some Easter eggs on the vehicle, just like the actual Jeep team does as you can see with 80’s arcade legend Pac-Man and one of his mazes being fitted to the headlamps lenses.

Located up front, is a custom flat steel bumper that houses a set of beefy tow hooks, as well as a pair of round Quadratec 6-inch LED Auxiliary Lights; each producing 5,000 lumens for improved trail vision in low-light conditions.

The YJL Sahara was also outfitted with an all-new Teraflex RT4 Long Arm Suspension Lift Kit and Falcon 3.5 Adapt Shocks, which provides 3.5-inches of lift and superior performance over rugged terrain. Body-colored Rock Slide Engineering Fender Flares built from 11-gauge aluminum, help the additional ride height clearance to incorporate a set of massive 37-inch Mickey Thompson Baja Boss tires wrapped around body-colored Quadratec CJ Retro Wheels. There are even custom Tom Wood’s driveshafts to accommodate for the additional lift.

To help the YJL Sahara’s trail-ruggedness, there is a set of body-colored QRC Side Armor Guards and tubular doors. A MasterTop Bimini Top provides weather protection and an unmatched open-air feel for occupants.

To help add to the YJ look of the vehicle, Henderson used a flat-style YJ bumper attached in the rear along with bumperettes, removed the JL’s taillamps, filled-in the holes, and replaced them with aftermarket YJ replacements with LEDs. Even the back license plate folds down to reveal the gas filler just like the original YJ. Of course, the YJL Sahara wasn’t finished until it received period-correct Sahara fender badges and Khaki Metallic exterior paint.

Inside, the YJL Sahara proves to be just as high-tech as it does heritage-themed. Gone is the base 5-inch Uconnect 3 system, in favor of an innovative plug-and-play Alpine X409-WRA Dash Restyle audio/navigation system, complete with a 9-inch touchscreen display, smartphone compatibility, and an off-road mode displaying tire pressure, an inclinometer, trail maps, and more. A set of custom Corbeau Trailcat seats, paired with a set of Overland Outfitters’ Seatback Bags offer a throwback look. There is also a set of Quadratec’s Ultimate All-Weather Floor Liners to protect the YJL Sahara’s floor from dirt and grime. 

For an even more in-depth rundown of the YJL Sahara, you can watch the video below…

Quadratec Jeep® Wrangler YJL Sahara 30th Anniversary Image Gallery:

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