New Shop Project - 2-Door JK Overland Build - Part 1

[@cb4004]

Love my 2dr JK. I have built a pretty nice rig, along the line of where you're taking this one. I like to say I've done a good job of putting 10lbs of stuff in a 5lb bag. I'm looking forward to seeing your progress.

[@AdventureLab]

thanks!!!!

[@newcosr67]

Definitely looking forward to seeing how you build it out. I've been wanting to pick up the platform for my JK but was hoping you'd make the improvements you mentioned.

[@AdventureLab]

Thanks for the feedback. We'll throw one of the current platforms in and see what updates we can make. We'll post a build update video soon with the changes, if any.

[@AdventureLab]

Thanks!!!

[@corksauve4949]

I've been looking for overland stuff for the 2 door jk for a long time.

[@SeanLewisMedia]

Im really glad you guys started this series! Especially so many years later. My lady has a 2015 Jk Rubicon, she had to have the two doors because it's the OG of jeep ans its such a great vehicle. We havent put much on it but have been wanting to start getting it out more and adding some nice mods. Im excited to watch the rest of these.

[@MatrixAlphaCWX]

I'm a big fan of the beefy stock look. With big tires, even on stock rims. Looks amazing. All the thin aftermarket fender upgrades look funky to me. And the aftermarket rims are wayyy to heavy to change out on the side of a highway for me. Interior upgrades tho, i'm all in for that! Haha!

[@AdventureLab]

Couldn't agree more! We're all about those interior upgrades!

[@harrisonme3439]

Really looking forward to see how this goes. There is relatively little on 2 door JKs. For mine, I needed to watch the weight. Thanks for sharing this project!

[@AdventureLab]

I agree on the weight. We have been working with a lighter weight slide for some third party products lately. The are lighter capacity than our primary slides, but may work well in this use case. We'll be sure to post weights of the components as they are added to the vehicle. Thanks for commenting!

[@harrisonme3439]

@@AdventureLab Larger tires, bumpers, rock rails, roof rack and RTT really start to eat up the Max Payload. I'm currently working on a diet for my 2 door JK as I started wheeling it before camping out of it.

[@AdventureLab]

@@harrisonme3439 agreed. No way this one is getting a RTT. The largest tent option I am considering is a Gazelle 4-person tent, but will probably keep it even smaller with backpacking sized gear.

[@jackdulin5485]

I made a overland kitchen in a two door and just like that. Wish I could show pictures I have roof rack with rooftop tent. I'm in Tx I have had it in several shows and won my class. People are amazed at how it turned out have refrigerator, chuck box , on board air under the hood. Solar water tank bolts on top to the roof rack by tent. Fuel tank hanging on sides recovery boards on a rack I made that sets above the spare tire 2010 jk two door, six inch lift much much more

[@AdventureLab]

That sounds like an amazing build would love to see it sometime!

[@jermojushtteen4936]

I was looking for a video EXACTLY LIKE THIS. THANK YOU!

[@jahlove9373]

Yes! Finally more options for the true jeep. I’ve been customizing my 2 door since I’ve own it and there are less options for us 2 doors. Air compressor mount definitely. Yes platform that stretches all the way to the front seats and platform all the way under the seat. Middle console delete to fit in lithium battery. 😅 just a thought.

[@AdventureLab]

Thanks! What are your thoughts around using the space below the rear platform for the lithium batteries? That's my current plan.

[@jahlove9373]

For mounting components like, lithium charge controller, amplifier or any components that fit. Subwoofers. Currently I have battle born lithium battery mount there. Also on your built, you should put sound deadening. 2 doors are small it helps with the road noise if carpets are removed.

[@AdventureLab]

@jahlove9373 ok. Good. We are going to put batteries under there as well. We haven't had any issues without sound deadening in the JLU/JKU, but would definitely be easy to add on the bottom side of the platform. Good thought.

[@jamesiversen]

YEEEEESSSS!! I’ve been waiting for some more JK 2-door love from AAL. The backseats have been out of mine since we bought it new. We live on a remote property, so we have to travel 3-4 hours to get groceries. We rely on two portable fridge/freezers (23Lx14.5Wx19.5) to bring home perishables. I’d like to see the extra batteries setup in the back (we currently use a couple of portable power stations, but fixed onboard would be nice under an extended M.A.S.S. floor system to save room and not have to worry about running out of juice. Compressor under the seat is perfect, so I look forward to seeing your battery/inverter system in the cubby setup. It would also be nice if there was an option for a different mounting bracket for the Overland Shelf to be dropped a couple of inches, or better yet, allow some adjustability up or down to dial in the ideal height for each individual. I’d love to be able to put my two (24Lx16Wx15H) dog crates on the shelf (strapped down, of course) and have room for both fridges below. Currently I can only fit one fridge if I have both dogs with me, unless one goes on the front seat (I’d have to either leave one dog or my wife home!). I know the current design has enough headroom inside (19.25”) but I suspect the clearance at the hatch glass is lower, thus impeding getting them in due to the shelf extending to the back glass. Unless I’m wrong and there is enough room? If so, I’ll be ordering one! All that to say: I’m excited to follow along with this build!

[@AdventureLab]

Thanks for the detailed reply. Much appreciated. Yes, I think dual lithium batteries under the platform is going to be slick. Moving the compressor to below the seat frees up a bunch of space. The overland shelf is adjustable now (maybe 4" or so), but I am not sure on the specifics above the platform. When we had the one 2-door JK in the shop, due to time constraints, we weren't able to spend a bunch of time with it after the install. We'll get all of the details next week. Thanks again for the detailed reply!

[@jamesiversen]

@@AdventureLab And thanks for your thorough response! I'm stoked to follow along, and I'm looking forward to seeing the Overland Shelf featured in more detail in the JK. I didn't know it was adjustable, so it may work for me as currently designed. 🤞🤞

[@AdventureLab]

@jamesiversen good to hear. Hopefully that will go in tomorrow in raw. We'll see if there are any changes we can make. If not, it'll get pulled back out and sent to powder. I'll get measurements while it's in there.

[@FOUO88]

Really excited about this build. I have been looking for a company to use for my entire drawer/storage system.

[@AdventureLab]

Thanks! We have already started working on some all new modules specifically for the 2-doors. We're pretty excited about it as well. We will have a new rear seat delete that is 2-door specific as well. Is there anything specific you're looking for?

[@overland_dadsfl]

Definitely need a set of roof bars or rack. The new kind it went on Brittany Bronco.🤘🤘

[@AdventureLab]

agreed!

[@recon20671]

Thanks. 2 door jeeper here.

[@kmcgraw65]

This is awesome been looking for 2 dr stuff for awhile very excited to see what all you come up with. Me personally I like the Milwaukee packout type stuff, would love to see some mounting options for that

[@AdventureLab]

Packout is definitely happening. We have a ton of their stuff on our other builds. It's great for how we use the vehicles.

[@davethrasher4124]

I'd like to see the ability for the storage to be concealed under something like a Tuffy or Diabolical Inc enclosure. I'd also love to see the under seat air compressor paired with something like the Kraken from Epic Adventure Outfitters or Made for Rocks systems. If your MOLLE panel works with S TEch and S Pod systems, it'd be hugely beneficial for you as well.

[@AdventureLab]

Our current Overland Shelf is adjustable in height, but I am not sure how close it comes to tailgate "secure" level. I will check that next week. That being said, I respect both of the companies you mentioned very much. We try to build our own products that fill a gap in the market. I don't like stepping on the toes of other companies, in hope that they do the same for us. Our under seat bracket will be almost identical to our JL version. americanadventurelab.com/product/arb-tire-pressure-control-connection-kit-jl-under-seat-mount/ We have developed some RAM ball mounts for the Overhead MOLLE Shelves that work really well with the controllers for S Pod, etc. americanadventurelab.com/product/hd-ram-mount-bracket/ Here's how we use it with the Auxbeam system. We could build the adapter plates for the various control panels with enough interest. americanadventurelab.com/product/jeep-jk-auxbeam-brackets/ Thanks for the feedback!

[@oderojas]

Yes! This exactly I've been looking for my 2dr JK!!! I halted my DIY winter project and looking forward to see this build. Any plans or ideas for a secure placement of a Powertank? My Jeep's interior is bare tub, without carpet and without all the plastic coverings.

[@AdventureLab]

That's great to hear! Thanks for your interest. I'll get an update video out very soon. We have huge plans for it! As for the PowerTank, I had not planned on doing that, but with the new Overland Shelf we have installed in it now, there's a ton of room for a PowerTank. I'll make sure to address that in the update video for reference. We'll throw a bottle up there for proportions.

[@sirmaddogx2346]

Im interested in what you are doing cause I have a 2008 2-door jk

[@AdventureLab]

We've got a lot of cool things coming for "Itty Bitty" haha.

[@techi3075]

Welp, had my Jeep a year and just learned the seats slide fwd AND UP 😂 not that I use the back seat but who knew

[@martindavis8487]

Awesome as i have two door jk

[@AdventureLab]

Same here. Been a bucket list vehicle for me for quite a while. Those pesky kids just keep getting in the way. 😂😂😂

[@wildskyoverland]

Overland Shelf!

[@AdventureLab]

Should happen next week!

[@seantabar211]

Again I was extatic to see you at SMJI! I was serious when i said you were one of two vendors i was really hoping to see. Cant wait to buy it all for my 2013 2 dr jk manual. I know you are toying with the shelf. Some of us who did the rear seat delete have a dog so hopefully...for those adventures where we have a second rider and our dog...that we still have an option for them to be able to poke their head out and not have the 100% coverage to the seat. Also...have you thought about creating a MOLLE panel to work with the gear shift console? Something to surround it - especially with a manual? I have pew pews and things that would work awesome in that spot

[@AdventureLab]

thanks! Glad you stopped by the booth. It was a great show. Soooo many people there! We have made a couple of small changes to the shelf since we posted the photos of it on the IG account. The new one should go in tomorrow, but it is the same as the previous one at the rear of the seats. However, there is definitely room for dogs to poke their head through from the back. I'll test it out with my boxer when we get it installed and try to snap some photos. He's only 15 weeks old, though. 🤣 We haven't done much with MOLLE around the console yet. I would definitely like to, but that just hasn't made it up on the list yet.

[@AndrewBrown-o3j]

A problem I see with those who wish to sleep in a 2 door jeep is space. If someone could build an OEM front seat, (for any vehicle), which could fold down to be flush with the centre console, the sleeping platform from the back could then fold over and touch the glove box on the passenger side for a single person and if two were to sleep in the Jeep, touch the steering wheel on the drivers side creating enough room to enjoy a good nights sleep. A basic chair is sometimes better.

[@AdventureLab]

We actually did a front passenger seat delete in a 2 door Bronco a couple months back. It allowed the Deep Sleep mattress to fit perfectly along the passenger side. If there is enough want we'd love to do it for the 2 door JK's as well!

[@pujabelgian]

We have the 2 dr jk soft top 6spd.. my goal was to sleep one or two "inside" keeping the build strong yet light. I'm able to drop the seat into a 74x30" bed with 25" clearance beneath the bar. Can widen it out to 48" sharing the 30" footwell like a v-berth on a boat. When folded flat the seat is the same height as the platform, has ample storage under. A piece of ply bridges the gap from the stotage box to the top of the seat which is then ratchet strapped to the seat mechanism to keep it flat. The seat is puffy, forcing it flat doesn't affect the foam, it quickly reshapes itself. The seat has a hinge plate with 4 bolts both sides. Unhook the wire cables (2).. remove the top bolt from each side then remove the headrest, the seat now functions like seats in a 2 dr always did before the nanny state got involved. It takes no more than 15 minutes, put the 2 bolts in the gove dash. You can choose to leave it as is, which we do, or put it back. It's an easy job. Best mod I've made on the 2 door which now functions as a weekender and it's totally reversable. The whole interior can be removed in 3 sections in less than an hour. 👍👍

[@ZephyrRandD]

I love 2 doors! The rear floorboard area never seems to be considered for legit storage. The JKloud rollbar hammock seem to be the only in cab sleeping solution for the 2 door. You might be able to find a set of 2dr Mopar JK Highline fenders. 35"s stock like a JL. Nitto/Toyo make a few 35X11.5R17 in a C load that seem to work like a dream on a Jeep. Lastly, the suspension geometry is much more noticable in the 2dr. Just don't think front caster; front control arm angle, and roll center of the rear based on the trackbar braket height seems to make a dramatic impact on the driving dynamics in the 2dr.

[@AdventureLab]

Ha ha. It's funny you mentioned suspension geometry. The previous owner put on a spacer lift without adjustable arms, so it is quite entertaining to drive. 😂 We have some really cool things planned for the suspension on this one, but I want to wait for confirmation before I share that plan. It will most likely get 37's. I didn't even know those highline flares existed. Not sure how I missed that. I like that option a lot. Thanks! Yes, I think the floorboard storage will be nice, especially if we build the storage modules to where they leave access from above.

[@ZephyrRandD]

@@AdventureLab Sounds like a good start! This is going to be controversial; Adjustable control arms only address 2 of the 3 geometry concerns in the front. Everyone seems to give control arm brackets a bad name, if they only new and actually tired them. If you hitting them on the trail, in a 2dr nonetheless... You might want a SXS or a buggy, lol! Forget everything i just said and put it back to stock and let's get you a 74 Weld sponsorship. 🤙

[@AdventureLab]

@@ZephyrRandD I have some lofty plans for the axle/suspension setup on this one. Rest assured, we won't be worrying about geometry correction. 🤣

[@JonWynn-u3l]

Any updates on this build?! Thanks!!

[@AdventureLab]

SEMA and the LA Auto Show kicked my tail. I haven't had time to do an update video yet. We have installed quite a few of our exisitng products on this Jeep and I have the new 2-door specific platform designed. I'll try to get an update video out in the next couple of days. Thanks for your interest!

[@JonnyBgooD007]

❤❤