Inside Black Betty Rich Manley’s Jeep wrangler Build

Rich Manley’s Adventure-Built Jeep Wrangler Rubicon

Describing what Rich Manley is all about is difficult in the sense of knowing where to even begin. Those familiar with his name must feel the same way. While his gift of magic and illusion is simply amazing to witness, his lust for adventure is yet another huge contribution he bestows to his fans and followers. His travels and explorations of lands far and near are a treat to experience through the captivating photography and storytelling found on his social posts. It’s obvious that Rich spends a lot of time on planes for his long-range travels, but what about his trips much closer to home? Surely, Rich must have a reliable rig he depends on to get him from points A to B and beyond.

While there are occasional peeks of Rich’s chosen mode of off-road transportation on his social media accounts, we were able to secure an in-depth inspection of his trusty off-road steed. Of course, we expected Rich would be driving something cool while trekking through the U.S., but we were genuinely surprised at just how killer his spec’d-out 2017 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon really is. It’s pretty much maxed out in every sense and is a blast just to look at!

The first qualification Rich had for his Jeep was that it could physically get him to the remote spots he wanted to go. To do that, he reached out to Krusher Offroad in Burbank, California to discuss suspension upgrade options. What they decided on was a full 4-inch lift package from Rough Country that included front and rear springs, Vertex adjustable reservoir shocks, and a stabilizer to help keep things tight. A TerraFlex 2-inch body lift was also added to increase ride height and clearance without further altering suspension geometry. Mickey Thompson Baja Legend MTZ tires were an important inclusion to the chassis project based on their proven, aggressive nature atop various rugged terrain types. Of course, there are so many other components that have come together to create such a capable platform for Rich’s Wrangler, and each one serves an unsung purpose during every trip.

The Wrangler’s factory V6 was left largely alone except for a Rough Country dual exhaust system, Rugged Ridge cold air intake and XHD snorkel. The OE transmission was also fine to leave as-is, but Rough Country front and Omix ADA rear driveshafts were thrown into the mix for good measure. Rich’s rig was soon suitably equipped enough to alleviate any doubts he could possibly have about its ability to traverse through rough trails during his travels.

Moving onto the next phase of the build, Rich soon began outfitting the exterior of his Wrangler with Rugged Ridge XHD front and rear fenders, XOR bumpers, and a Spartacus HD tire carrier to ensure a handy full-size spare is always within reach. Lighting upgrades in the way of Xprite headlights and a system of Rugged Ridge and Havoc lights further illuminate the road ahead with 9 front-aiming housings, along with 4 rock lights in each wheel well. The Wrangler is rightfully equipped with a roof top tent, awning, and other accessories that will allow Rich to spend multiple days in the wild without worrying about hightailing it back to the nearest point of civilization once nighttime falls.

The interior of Rich’s Wrangler acts as a cockpit with a Rugged Radios GMRS overhead radio and Cobra CB radio that allows him to keep in contact with others while traveling into regions beyond. Molle roof panels allow for strategic storage of important accessories, which is always important when attempting to pack neatly. A Renogy solar panel setup has been installed to allow for maximum creation of renewable energy while Rich is off the grid, and allowing for more creature comforts while away from home is a MORryde pullout trail kitchen and a Smittybilt fridge. It has never been easier to prepare a proper meal for dinner underneath the stars.

So far, Rich has taken his Jeep to Moab, Eastern Sierra, Telluride, and Sedona—with plenty more excursions on the horizon. Since he knew exactly what he expected from his project, he had a guiding line to follow from start to finish. Obviously, unforeseen detours presented themselves along the way, such as getting various parts to fit together properly, but that’s where patience and strategy (not to mention a good deal of cutting and welding) came in clutch.

In the end, Rich and his Wrangler, which he now affectionately calls Black Betty, are perfect travel companions for off-road adventures. We’d say that pulling off this build as quickly and expertly as he did is one of his best magic tricks to date. There isn’t much more that can be added to this Jeep’s arsenal, but if Rich sees any room for improvement, we’re sure he will be quick to act. There isn’t a path or trail that can stand in his way now.

UPGRADES

2017 Jeep 2-Door Wrangler Rubicon 

Owner: Rich Manley
North Hollywood, CA

Engine & Drivetrain: Stock 2017 Jeep V6 and transmission; Rough Country dual exhaust; Rugged Ridge XHD snorkel and cold air intake; Rough Country front / Omix ADA rear driveshafts; Stock front and rear Dana 44 axles

Chassis & Suspension: Frame modifications by: Krusher Offroad, Burbank, CA; Rough Country 4-inch lift kit using springs and Vertex shocks; TerraFlex 2-inch body lift

Wheels, Tires & Brakes: Mickey Thompson wheels; Mickey Thompson Baja Legend MTZ tires; PowerStop 236 front and rear brake pads

Body & Paint: Xprite grille and headlights; Rugged Ridge XHD armor fenders front and rear, inner wheel liners, Spartacus HD tire carrier, XOR rear bumper; Havoc Offroad lighting upgrades

Interior: Factory Rubicon seats; Rugged Ridge A-frame switch relay; Rugged Radios GMRS overhead radio; Cobra CB radio; TeraFlex Axis visor system; Molle roof panels; DV8 Offroad shifter; MORryde pullout trail kitchen; Smittybilt fridge and compressor; Renogy solar power kit