When Fox Factory’s own marketing manager Nate Smith set out to build a Jeep, it wasn’t just for weekend wheeling. It needed to haul camera equipment, reach remote trailheads, and rescue stranded trucks on set. Brad (aka “Jeepin’ Bubba”) Cohron and his team at Black Bear Offroad were there to answer the call and bring Nate’s vision to life.
Nate needed his 2013 10th Anniversary Jeep Rubicon to be more than just a showpiece, but a fully-functioning, off-road capable remote office. “The shortcomings from my Raptor made me look back to the Wrangler platform to build a better offroad vehicle,” Smith says.
The Jeep’s smaller size made it ideal for tight trails and hard-to-reach areas. “I care a lot less if dents or scratches happen,” he added. “The overall cost to offroad is much lower and more capable with this build vs using a Raptor.”
Planning the Build - What it takes to film off the grid
Nate’s top priority was avoiding the worst-case scenario: being left stranded during remote shoots. In places where a rescue could take hours, reliability had to come first. With that in mind, he prioritized the powertrain first by giving the engine, transmission, and transfer case a good once-over. From there, it was all about preferences and priorities.
At the top of his must-have list was reliable suspension. “The JKS 3.5-inch J-Krawl setup was just that,” Nate says, “and had the optional FOX 2.5 PES shocks that allow me to adjust the damping for the different equipment we run for video shoots.”
The system delivers the better articulation needed to go off-road while not sacrificing highway or on-road comfort between locations.
Jeep Rubicon Build Breakdown
Suspension and Shocks
Along with the dual-rate springs, the Black Bear Off Road (BBOR) team removed the factory Rubicon disconnect to replace it with a JKS quick-disconnect. That change eliminates the risk of electronic failure, allowing Nate to manually disconnect the sway bar on demand, even in a remote setting.
When flexing over rough rocks and terrain, sometimes the OEM Jeep brake lines just aren’t long enough to handle stress. To remedy this, the team went with BDS stainless steel brake lines. While they were there, they also replaced the control arms with a set of fully adjustable J-Krawl control arms from JKS Suspension.
“They have flex ends. They're rebuildable. And they have lifetime warranties on them, so you know you have good peace of mind with those arms,” said Cohron in a video walkaround. “It's going to add a lot more flex, and also the ability to set your pinion angle, caster—things like that.”
(Check out Jeepin’ Bubba’s full walkaround of Nate’s Jeep! Watch it here )
Axles
With suspension dialed in, it was time to pay some attention to the driveline components. Nate chose the Ultimate Dana 44 up front and the new Ultimate Dana 60 semi-float in the rear.
These were a key component of the Jeep build to ensure a strong front-end, thicker housing and thicker mounts. “And to match that strength, it's got 4:88 gears and Eaton E-lockers,” Cohron adds. “So, we're not just two-wheel drive out here. We're actually able to lock up and get through some obstacles."
Steering & REcovery
With bigger tires and more weight, upgrading steering is a must. The BBOR team went with Steer Smart’s 1-ton steering, a huge upgrade over factory that helps avoid the dreaded Jeep “death wobble.”
To seal the deal, they installed a FOX ATS stabilizer and Spicer 1350 driveshafts to keep the Jeep stable and stronger. “[I]t's actually a narrower design, so you don't have to worry about it hitting your exhaust like the factory one does when you lift these vehicles up,” Cohron explained.
Tucked into the CrawlTech Inferno frame chop front bumper is a WARN 10-S winch with Factory 55 Fairlead and Ultra Hook for those dreaded days in the field where Nate has to rescue a feature vehicle out of the mud.
ARMOR
A matching CrawlTek Inferno rear bumper helps keep the frame tucked while improving departure angle and maintaining a clean look. “Armor was critical to not only protect the jeep from mother nature but also give it a better approach and departure angle,” Nate says, “Crawltek Revolution checked those boxes for me.”
They finished up the new armor setup with CrawlTek body cladding and rock sliders, mounted with “nutserts” for added strength.
Lighting Upgrades
When you're working off-grid, especially during early morning or late-night shoots, lighting can make or break the job. The first upgrade Nate made was to ditch the factory halogens.
He installed KC Gravity Series LED headlights for serious forward projection, paired with Recon LED turn signals for better visibility and signaling. These lights ensure he can safely navigate the trail, position feature vehicles and see his equipment in less than favorable lighting conditions.
“So, people often ask me, what is the first mod I need to do to my Jeep? And my first suggestion is always upgrade the lights,” explained Cohron. “Jeep basically provides you with horse and carriage lanterns.”
Connectivity & Power
When you’re filming in the middle of nowhere, staying connected is mission critical. To make Nate’s Rubicon a mobile command center, BBOR installed Starlink satellite internet.
“A lot of folks have used satellite phones and Garmin's over the years,” explained Cohron. “This is a much easier way to do that—shoot messages back and forth. It's absolutely a great safety feature to have.”
To support that connectivity, the team installed an Odyssey battery upgrade, JS Alternator 350 amp, and an EATON generator with solar backup. With all of that charging capacity, Nate can stay connected to Starlink or charge camera batteries even deep in the woods.
Interior & Usability Mods
On the inside, the 10 th Anniversary Rubicon red leather is the star of the show next to the Rock Hard 4x4 cage installed by the BBOR team. The cage has dual purposes: upgraded safety and more mounting options for lights and cameras. The more mounting points Nate has at his disposal, the more creative angles he can shoot.
How It Performs in the Field
This Jeep isn’t just for fun; it's a working production vehicle. It’s been put to work in off-road situations across the country, including a recent trip to Moab, Utah, where the build was put to the test. “Hard to say which upgrade helped most, everything works together,” Smith says. “But the suspension really stretched its legs in Moab.”
Whether it’s crawling over rocks or driving between locations with camera gear in tow, this Jeep has proven it can do the job and then do it again the next day.
Future Plans
Even though the Jeep is dialed in, Nate already has his eye on what’s next. With the original 3.6L V6 Pentastar engine creeping up in mileage, he’s weighing the long-term value of a new power plant. “It’s a big expense, so I’m planning that part out,” he says.
For now, the focus is on keeping the Rubicon reliable, but as any true enthusiast knows, a build is never truly finished.
A Jeep Built with Purpose
This build wasn’t about flexing on social or turning heads in a parking lot. Nate’s Jeep Rubicon was designed to solve real world problems: navigating unruly terrain, powering essential gear, and keeping his remote production crew connected.
From suspension and axles to armor, steering, and satellite internet, every choice serves a function. And at the end of the day?
“Honestly? I just smile when I see it in the garage,” Smith says.
WATCH THE BUILD IN ACTION
Want the full walkaround from Jeepin’ Bubba himself? Watch the video now.
BUILD YOUR JEEP RIGHT
If you’re planning your own Jeep build, start with parts you can count on. Nate’s Rubicon build features premium components from JKS Suspension and BDS Suspension, trusted by Jeep owners who put their rigs to the test.
