2016 Jeep JK
Our goal with this build was to create a reliable trail rig capable of handling difficult obstacles while remaining comfortable on the road so we can still drop the kids off at school in style.
Every component was selected with a purpose:
More clearance. Less weight. Better performance. More confidence on the trail.
Armor & Bumpers
Why Upgrade Your Armor?
Factory bumpers and protection are designed for occasional off-road use. Once you start encountering rocks, ledges, stumps, or steep approach angles, they can quickly become a limitation.
Armor serves two primary purposes:
Protect critical components from damage & Improve obstacle clearance on the trail
The right armor can mean the difference between continuing your trip and ending it early due to vehicle damage.
We Chose GenRight
"When it came to armor, we wanted products that would improve capability, not just appearance. GenRight has built a reputation around lightweight, high-clearance designs that are made to be used. From the bumpers and rocker guards to the corner guards and fenders, every piece was selected to protect the Jeep while maximizing clearance and minimizing unnecessary weight. We'd rather spend our time on the trail than repairing body damage, and GenRight helps us do exactly that."
- GenRight Ultra Clearance JK Lo-Pro Winch Guard Front Bumper - Aluminum
- GenRight Jeep JK Rear Bumper w/ Tow Points - Aluminum
- GenRight JK Full Corner Guard set for Matrix LED, 4 Door
- GenRight Jeep JK 4 Door Rocker Guards - Aluminum
- GenRight Narrow Flare Jeep JK & JKU Front & Rear Aluminum Fender
For this build, we selected GenRight because of their reputation for quality, fitment, and real-world trail performance.
What stood out to us:
- Lightweight aluminum options available
- Excellent ground and tire clearance
- Strong recovery point integration
- Proven performance on difficult trails
- Made specifically with serious Jeep enthusiasts in mind
Many bumpers look aggressive in photos but sacrifice clearance or add unnecessary weight. GenRight focuses on function first while still looking great.
Benefits Seen On This Build:
- Improved approach angle
- Better departure angle
- Increased tire clearance
- Stronger recovery points
- Reduced risk of trail damage
Is It Worth Upgrading?
If your Jeep sees regular trail use, armor is one of the first modifications we recommend.
It's easy to repair or replace armor.
It's much harder and more expensive to repair body panels, frame components, or critical vehicle systems after a trail impact.
Suspension
Why Upgrade Suspension?
A quality suspension system does far more than create room for larger tires.
Benefits include:
→ Improved ride quality
→ Better suspension travel
→ Increased stability
→ Greater ground clearance
→ Better handling of additional vehicle weight
For this build we wanted a system capable of handling difficult trails while remaining comfortable enough to drive to and from the trailhead.
We Chose RPM
"As tire size and trail difficulty increase, suspension and steering become some of the most important components on the vehicle. We chose RPM because we wanted a system built around performance, strength, and reliability. Their suspension provides the travel and ride quality we were looking for, while the steering upgrades help eliminate weak points that often show up when larger tires and harder trails enter the picture."
- RPM JK 1 Ton Aluminum Tie Rod and Drag Link Steering Flip Kit
- RPM JKU Wrangler 4.5'' Ultimate Aluminum Long Arm Lift Kit
RPM focuses heavily on strength, geometry, and performance.
Their components are designed to handle larger tires and more aggressive off-road use without sacrificing drivability.
RPM 4.5" Ultimate Aluminum Long Arm Lift
This lift provides the height needed for larger tires while improving suspension geometry and articulation.
Benefits:
- Improved suspension travel
- Better articulation
- Increased ground clearance
- Lightweight aluminum components
- Improved trail performance
RPM 1 Ton Steering Flip Kit
As tire size increases, factory steering components become a weak point.
The RPM steering system was chosen to improve strength and steering geometry.
Benefits:
- Stronger than factory steering
- Improved steering angles
- Better durability
- Increased confidence on difficult terrain
Wheels & Tires
Why Upgrade Wheels & Tires?
If there is one modification that changes how a Jeep performs off-road, it's tires.
Traction, clearance, durability, and confidence all start at the ground.
Method Race Wheels
"Method wheels have earned their reputation in the off-road world. They're strong, proven, and designed for real-world abuse. We wanted a wheel that could handle difficult trails while still looking great and performing well on the road. Method checked all those boxes."
Method wheels are known throughout the off-road industry for balancing strength, performance, and weight.
Why we chose them:
- Proven off-road reputation
- Strong construction
- Excellent fitment options
- Trail-tested durability
Mickey Thompson Baja Boss
"Tires are one of the most important modifications you can make to any off-road vehicle. We chose the Baja Boss M/T because it offers impressive traction in a variety of terrain while still maintaining good road manners. Whether we're tackling rocks, mud, dirt, or driving to the next adventure, they've consistently performed exactly how we hoped they would."
The Baja Boss has become one of the most respected mud-terrain tires on the market.
What impressed us:
- Exceptional traction
- Strong sidewall design
- Surprisingly good road manners
- Excellent performance in rocks, mud, and loose terrain
For a Jeep that sees both road miles and trail miles, it's one of the best all-around mud-terrain options available today.
Driveshaft
Why Upgrade the Driveshaft?
As suspension travel and lift height increase, the factory driveshaft can quickly become a weak point. Increased operating angles, larger tires, and more demanding trail use put additional stress on components that were never designed for that level of abuse.
A failed driveshaft can end a trail ride in a hurry, which is why reliability was a major consideration for this build.
We Chose Tom Wood's
"A driveshaft isn't the flashiest upgrade on a build, but it can be one of the most important. With additional lift and suspension travel comes increased driveline angles, and we wanted something we could trust. There are cheaper options available, but a driveshaft failure can ruin a trip in a hurry. We'd rather install it once and have confidence every time we hit the trail."
Tom Wood's Custom Drive Shafts has been a trusted name in the Jeep and off-road community for years, known for producing driveshafts that can handle everything from daily driving to extreme trail use.
What stood out to us:
- Proven reliability
- Excellent reputation in the Jeep community
- Built specifically for lifted applications
- Smooth operation at increased driveline angles
- Quality components and craftsmanship
When building a Jeep that's meant to be driven and wheeled hard, reliability matters. Tom Wood's has earned a reputation for building products that simply work.
Benefits Seen On This Build - Improved driveline reliability
- Better performance at increased suspension angles
- Reduced concern about trail failures
- Confidence when tackling difficult terrain
Lighting
Why Upgrade Lighting?
Whether you're setting up camp after dark, making repairs on the trail, or navigating obstacles after sunset, quality lighting can make a huge difference.
The goal wasn't to turn night into day, it was to improve visibility where and when it's needed most.
We Chose Code 4 LED
"Visibility matters. Whether you're navigating trails after dark, setting up camp, or making repairs on the side of the trail, quality lighting makes a huge difference. We've used plenty of lights over the years and wanted something bright, reliable, and durable enough to withstand the abuse that comes with off-road use. Code 4 LED has been a great fit for this build."
For this build, we wanted lighting that could withstand the vibration, dust, mud, weather, and abuse that come with off-road use.
What we liked about Code 4 LED:
- High-quality light output
- Durable construction
- Reliable performance
- Multiple mounting and application options
- Designed for demanding environments
A lot of lights look bright in a product photo. What matters is how they perform after countless miles of washboards, mud, rain, and trail abuse.
Benefits Seen On This Build - Improved trail visibility
- Better campsite lighting
- Increased confidence during night rides
- Enhanced safety and awareness
- Reliable performance in harsh conditions
Why We Chose These Brands
"There are a lot of good products on the market, and no single brand is perfect for every build. For 50 Shades, we focused on products that delivered three things: reliability, performance, and real-world trail capability. Every brand on this build earned its spot because it solved a problem, improved performance, or increased confidence on the trail."
The 50 Shades Gallery
A build isn't just about the parts you install—it's about the memories you make with them.
Check out the photos and videos below to follow the evolution of 50 Shades, see how the upgrades perform on the trail, and get a behind-the-scenes look at the adventures, events, and projects that continue to shape this build.
Fair warning: build inspiration may lead to an empty wallet.
