Full Metal Jacket: Starwood Motors’ Jeep Wrangler

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to completely dismantle your Jeep and build it back up just the way you wanted?

You may or may not have seen the many custom Jeep conversions that Starwood Motors have created in the past, but this this one in particular stands out as it has been touted to be the toughest, roughest unit out on the market today. Full Metal Jacket is the name that has been given to the ’13 Jeep Wrangler that Starwood has crafted out of a basic skeleton once they were done stripping it down. Where’d they come up with the Jeep’s title? Well, a lot of it has to do with the bulletproof suspension setup that was developed for the Wrangler. Full metal jacket is touted to be the toughest, roughest unit out on the market today. The purpose-built front end features a winch, light bar, and stinger bar.

Taking Matters Into Your Own Hands

If you’ve shared that dream of tearing your own rig down to the metaphorical studs, you probably already know how big of a commitment it really is. Replacing the bumpers and wheels are one thing, but what about a full-blown, legitimate tear down? Some guys dream of having the bravery (or balls) to do such a thing, but when it comes right down to it, ripping a perfectly good vehicle down to the ground can be quite intimidating —something that most owners just aren’t ready for. Even if you did work up the nerve to gut the interior, the entire suspension system, and the majority of the body panels, how long would it really take to rebuild it better and badder than before? The process could take years, and the headaches associated with the job are sure to be incalculable.

Okay, that introduction wasn’t meant to deter any potentially brave soul from attempting to customize his own jeep, but the reality of the situation had to be addressed. There are professionals, however, who do this kind of work day-in and day-out with impeccable skill and talent. One of these crews is Starwood Motors out of Dallas, Texas. Customization is their business, and it just so happens that complete vehicle teardown is their specialty. Actually, what they have built their reputation on is their solid rebuilds. “Solid” doesn’t even begin to describe their work as a whole, but for the purposes of this story, it’s a start. Let’s dive in and take a closer look.

Why Nitto Trail Grappler Tires?

Of course, no overbuilt Wrangler would be complete without a tire that’s up for the job. That’s where the Nitto Trail Grappler rubber comes into play. These tires were chosen for good reason: they’re engineered to deliver serious grip and traction, whether you’re clawing your way over slick rocks, slogging through deep mud, or simply cruising down the highway.

Not only do they bite down hard off-road, but their aggressive tread and sturdy sidewalls ensure that punctures and sidewall tears won’t easily leave you stranded—another box checked on the must-have list for a build that doesn’t just look intimidating but absolutely dominates any terrain in its path.

Paired with a capable set of forged wheels, the Trail Grapplers boost both the visual punch and trail performance, making sure that, at the end of the day, this Jeep isn’t just about flexing—it’s built to go wherever you can point it.

Bad to the Bone

The guys threw in 1-ton Currie Rock Jock Dana 60 axles underneath the Jeep, which builds both ruggedness on the trail and confidence about never having to worry about busted outers or axle shafts. The frame itself features an insane long arm suspension and 14-inch Fox coil over shocks that can extend from 9 inches to pretty much whatever is necessary to conquer any mountain. And to help get it over the top of that tower of rocks and dirt, 40-inch Nitto Mud Grapplers and a 5.38:1 gear ratio will have this thing propelling in any direction of choice. The mark of a good build blends craftsmanship, functionality, and durability.

Designing a suspension like this one right here is not exactly what most would expect out of a home DIY project, which may be yet another reason to leave a project of this caliber to fabrication veterans.

The guys threw in 1-ton Currie Rock Jock Dana 60 axles underneath the Jeep, which builds both ruggedness on the trail and confidence about never having to worry about busted outers or axle shafts.

But aside from its mini-tank-like agility, the Full Metal Jacket Wrangler has been clad with a serious exoskeleton that only Starwood Motors has seemed to master. Their signature paint finish is infused with DuPont Kevlar pulp, which makes the surface impenetrable to the elements, and would allow the Jeep to be showered with the most acidic of acid rain or the stormiest of weather without causing as much as a water stain. This is the same material that is used in ballistic applications and stab-resistant body armor—it’s some pretty serious business for sure, and fits right into place on this 4-wheeled warrior. Smittybilt 1/8-inch cold rolled steel XRC Body Armor skins have been brought in to keep the bodylines tight and contoured while adding a level of protection that will keep this rig safe from whatever it stands toe-to-toe with on the back roads. 22-inch KMC XD series Bomb off-road wheels have similar aggressive styling cues as the rest of the Jeep, so they were brought in to round off the entire exterior package. Carefully-selected suspension and tires give the Full Metal Jacket an aggressive stance.

Rigid Industries light bars have been mounted to make sure that even after night falls, there’s enough light to keep the action moving. With all the talk about doomsday prepping the last few years, what better vehicle could ever deliver better post-apocalyptic performance? If the undead really do become a factor during these times, none will have a chance catching up with or taking down the Full Metal Jacket Wrangler’s arsenal.

Let’s face it—nothing says “lived in and ready for battle” quite like the sun-baked, timeworn look of patina. That storied, weathered finish usually spells decades of exposure and a lifetime of hard knocks—think old pickups with tales to tell or salvage-yard relics with history etched right on their fenders. The catch? That genuine patina often goes hand-in-hand with serious rust problems, flakes of paint heading for the pavement, and a long list of headaches nobody willingly signs up for.

To capture those legendary roots without inheriting the baggage, this Wrangler sidesteps the corrosion and hassle. Instead of allowing real oxidation to eat away at the sheet metal, the entire body gets treated to a custom paint process that expertly mimics patina’s unique character. With the skilled hand of an artist (rather than Mother Nature’s relentless sandblasting), layers of color and subtle detail recreate every hint of faded, torch-red orange and steely blue. You get the tough, battle-scarred attitude of a vintage survivor—minus the rust holes, loose flakes, and need for tetanus shots.

It’s the best of both worlds: that authentic, weathered charisma—just with fresh, rock-solid protection built in. The result is a Jeep that looks like it’s outlasted the apocalypse, but underneath, it’s ready to take on many more years of adventure—no rust repair in sight.

More Ways to Push Your JK Further

Of course, if you think this build couldn’t get any more formidable, think again. There’s a whole menu of ways to level up your Jeep JK, depending on just how wild you want your ride to become. Looking to toughen up your axles even further? Miller Motorsports offers new axle options built to tackle just about any terrain you can hurl at them. Beefing up with these kinds of upgrades promises a drivetrain ready to laugh at obstacles—and leave your buddies asking what’s under the hood.

And if you’re feeling especially daring, consider custom driveshafts, reinforced steering components, or even upgraded braking systems to match all that newfound muscle. At the end of the day, the right mix of upgrades transforms the Jeep JK into something less SUV, more superhero—ready to take on whatever comes its way.

Locked and Loaded

Oh, so you want to know about this Wrangler’s mowing capabilities? Well, the impressively rambunctious Pentastar 3.6L V-6 serves as this Jeep’s power plant as it boasts a horsepower count of 285 and enough torque to make it quicker at acceleration and steady on the grind after it takes off. The confines of the control center aren’t any less impressive as Starwood has outfitted this model with full custom seats covered in black leather and Alcantara Daytona style inserts and Kevlar floor lining (because messes of all kinds are definitely in this machine’s foreseeable future). A Kenwood touchscreen navigation/DVD player equipped with iPod and USB integration, as well as a satellite radio meet all the necessary “infotainment” desires while out in the wild. Front and rear cameras have been installed to make keeping tabs on one’s surroundings as quick as a passing glance.

Staying Reliable When It Matters Most

Now, you might be wondering why the team didn’t go wild under the hood with superchargers or extensive engine swaps. Simple: in a world where apocalypse-ready actually means something, reliability trumps all else. Rather than chase headline-grabbing horsepower numbers or risk the drama of overbuilt, temperamental powertrains, they wisely kept the tried-and-true Pentastar 3.6L V-6 in place. This setup—complete with its aluminum block and dual overhead cams—delivers all the grunt needed, minus the headaches that tend to crop up with heavy modifications.

By sticking with the factory configuration, this Wrangler stays rugged, predictable, and easy to service no matter how remote the trail—or how wild the circumstances. Because when survival’s on the line and the zombie herd is closing in, you want an engine that just works, every single time.

Aside from its mini-tank-like agility, the Full Metal Jacket Wrangler has been clad with a serious exoskeleton that only Starwood Motors has seemed to master.

A full audio system has also been wired inside of the cabin, which has been topped off with a subwoofer to achieve a full range audio signal for adding a personalized soundtrack to match up with the driving scenario at hand. And to kick up custom points, a choice of Safari style half doors or the factory full frame doors is given to those wanting as much open air exposure as desired.

Wanna be a Rock Star?

Starwood offers packages that can to suit personal tastes, so right out of the package, there aren’t many other Wranglers out there that can get close to touching it. And the cherry on top of it all is the fact that the original Jeep factory warranty remains in tact. So underneath all the modifications and custom add-ons, it still remains serviceable by any Chrysler-Jeep dealership throughout the country. King 2-inch coilover with dual-rate springs and remote mounted reservoir.

Still thinking about building your own Wrangler to meet this level of intensity? It would be tough to top, that’s for sure, but then again Starwood Motors is in a league all their own when it comes to bad-to-the-bone Jeep conversions. The Jeep features 22-inch KMX XD series off-road wheels and 40×15.50×22 Nitto Mud Grappler Tires.

There are no shortcuts taken and every component used inside and out, back to front, is top shelf product. And the amount of experience and craft mastery that goes into these builds is unmatchable. That being said, the Full Metal Jacket edition Wrangler is not exactly on the budget end of the spectrum. It holds a premium price, but who would expect otherwise after researching just how deep these Jeeps are customized? When second best just won’t cut it, you know exactly where to set your sights.

Specifications

PLATFORM: 

2013 Jeep Wrangler

ENGINE TYPE:

Pentastar 3.6L V-6

SUSPENSION:

• Currie G2 RockJock Dana 60 front and rear high pinion big bearing axles
• Warn manual locking hubs
• Air Locker differentials with on-board compressor
• Rubicon Express long arm suspension system
• Fox 2-inch factory series remote reservoir coilover shock w/ springs
• Fox 2-inch hydraulic bump stops and mounting cans
• Synergy Suspension front shock / coilover custom shock towers
• Currie anti-sway bars
• 22-inch KMC XD Bomb wheels
• 40×15.50×22 Nitto Mud Grappler tires

KEY ACCESSORIES:

• Rigid Industries 50-inch and 10-inch light bars
• (2) LED side firewall mount lights
• sPOD 6-switch source control system
• Poison Spyder billet aluminum mount brackets
• JW speaker LED headlamps
• Poison Spyder tubular interior frame with integrated grab handles
• Procar seats with black leather and Alcantara Daytona style inserts
• Starwood Motors signature finish infused with DuPont Kevlar pulp

Editor’s note: A version of this article first appeared in the Winter 2015 issue of Tread Magazine.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What advantages do lifted Jeep vehicles offer in terms of visibility and road presence?

Advantages of Lifted Jeep Vehicles

When it comes to enhanced visibility and road presence, lifted Jeep vehicles offer several remarkable benefits:

• Improved Visibility: With increased ground clearance, drivers enjoy a commanding view of the road. This elevated perspective helps in spotting potential obstacles, pedestrians, or other vehicles sooner, enhancing safety.
• Dominant Road Presence: Lifted vehicles naturally have a more imposing presence on the road. The height gives them an authoritative stance that not only catches the eye but also signals their capability and robustness.
• Off-Road Superiority: The additional height allows these vehicles to traverse rugged terrains effortlessly, which enhances their functionality beyond regular roadways. This capability means they can glide over challenging landscapes with minimal effort.

In summary, lifted Jeep vehicles provide drivers with a superior vantage point for navigating both on and off the road while commanding respect through their heightened, formidable presence.

How do the modifications, such as bumpers and flares, enhance the Jeep’s appearance and utility?

The modifications made to this Jeep significantly boost both its appearance and functionality. Starting with the front and rear bumpers, these enhancements give the vehicle a rugged, ready-for-anything look. Their aggressive design not only transforms the aesthetic but also amplifies the Jeep’s practical capabilities, such as improving protection and off-road durability.

The flares further contribute to the Jeep’s formidable presence. They add an edge of toughness while allowing for the installation of larger tires, which is essential for handling challenging terrains. Moreover, these flares help prevent debris from damaging the vehicle’s body during adventurous drives.

Additional lighting embedded within these modifications not only enhances visibility during nighttime and off-road expeditions but also adds a sleek, modern touch to the appearance. Furthermore, the inclusion of a winch accentuates the Jeep’s off-road preparedness, readying it for towing or overcoming obstacles with ease.

In summary, these modifications come together to create a visually striking vehicle that also excels in utility, bridging the gap between a stylish city ride and a robust off-road machine.

What engine powers the modified Jeep JLU and how is its power transferred to the road?

Well, the impressively rambunctious Pentastar 3.6L V-6 serves as this Jeep’s power plant as it boasts a horsepower count of 285 and enough torque to make it quicker at acceleration and steady on the grind after it takes off. This powerhouse engine is complemented by the rugged capabilities of the off-road proven tires on all four corners. These massive tires ensure that every ounce of power is effectively transferred to the ground, enhancing both traction and stability.

Here’s how it all comes together:

• Engine:Pentastar 3.6L V-6
  • Horsepower:285
  • Torque:Sufficient for quick acceleration and steady performance
• Tires:Built to conquer challenging terrains, these tires provide the grip needed to navigate any landscape with confidence.

This combination of a potent engine and robust tires ensures this Jeep is not just about power, but about delivering that power where it matters most—in the real world, on the road, or off the beaten path.

How does the custom finish contribute to the overall look of the Jeep JLU?

Their signature paint finish is infused with DuPont Kevlar pulp, which makes the surface impenetrable to the elements, and would allow the Jeep to be showered with the most acidic of acid rain or the stormiest of weather without causing as much as a water stain. This is the same material that is used in ballistic applications and stab-resistant body armor—it’s some pretty serious business for sure, and fits right into place on this 4-wheeled warrior.

But it’s not just about durability; it’s about turning heads. The laser red flourish against the blacked-out finish adds a striking contrast, enhancing the Jeep’s bold and rugged aesthetic. This dynamic interplay of colors elevates the Jeep from a standard off-road vehicle to a visual powerhouse, making it stand out in any environment.

With this combination of durability and style, the Jeep JLU isn’t just built to withstand the elements—it’s designed to look effortlessly stunning while doing so. Whether parked in the driveway or tackling tough terrains, this custom finish ensures the Jeep is always the center of attention.

What is the price of the Full Metal Jacket Jeep?

For those interested in purchasing the Full Metal Jacket Jeep, the price is set at $106,888. This rugged vehicle combines durability with style, offering an unmatched off-road experience. With its impressive features and robust construction, the Full Metal Jacket Jeep justifies its premium price point.