Quadratec 30th Anniversary Jeep Wrangler Sahara YJL

The Story Behind the YJL Build

This build story began 30 years ago in a small southeastern Pennsylvania garage where Quadratec Founder Ted Wentz Jr. fell in love with a 1989 Khaki Metallic Wrangler YJ Sahara.

30th Anniversary YJL Walkaround

Quadratec

In the ensuing 30 years, as Wentz Jr.’s children grew up next to that 1989 Wrangler Sahara — falling just as much in love with the thing as dad, learning how to drive with it and enjoying sizzling summers with the top down — his company also grew from a small garage-based one that bought ads in the back of four-wheel-drive magazines, into something that is now the largest independent aftermarket Jeep parts and accessories supplier in the world.

Quadratec geared up to celebrate its milestone 30th anniversary this year. The company would take a 2020 Wrangler JL and paint match it exactly to reflect that Khaki Metallic 1989 Sahara which first helped start the company.

But as the story of this build continued to evolve, it became so much more than just a paint-matched reflection.

Behind the skilled craftsmanship of nationally-renown vehicle builder Greg Henderson, owner of Unofficial Use Only, the Wrangler underwent a facelift and acquired square headlights and period correct front bumper. It also saw that same flat-style YJ bumper attached in the rear along with bumperettes. And yes, even the back license plate folds down to reveal the period correct gas filler.

The changes did not stop there. Henderson skillfully pulled out the JL's 3.6L Pentastar engine and dropped in a stroker straight-six powerplant, and then mated it with an AX-15 transmission from Advanced Adapters. With the YJL slated to be a much more than just a show vehicle, the additional power and torque from this larger engine will no doubt provide a great trail experience.

Throughout the build process, numerous vendor partners joined the build process for this Wrangler, now dubbed YJL, and helped transform it into an ultimate trail weapon behind numerous top-of-the-line performance components. Henderson, along with Quadratec Build Manager Eric Ammerman, also sourced several YJ original parts that added amazing visuals to the vehicle, including a dash, steering column and steering wheel. The column and wheel were borrowed from the personal vehicle of one of the YJ's original engineers, Phil Toney.

SEMA 2021 Press Release

LAS VEGAS (November 3, 2021) – Quadratec, Inc., the world’s largest independent aftermarket parts and accessories retailer for Jeep® vehicles, today debuted its one-of-a-kind Jeep Wrangler YJL at the 2021 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nev. The build was inspired by Quadratec Founder Ted Wentz II’s 1989 Jeep Wrangler YJ Sahara that kick started his vision for the company and pays homage to Quadratec’s roots with classic YJ styling while numerous modern touches highlight the company’s revolutionary products.

“With the absence of an in-person SEMA Show in 2020, we decided to take the YJL build to the next level and complete a unique engine swap as well as fit an original YJ dash into it,” said Quadratec CEO Ted Wentz III. “This is Quadratec’s first year at the SEMA Show as an exhibitor and we wanted to make a splash. In addition to the YJL reveal, we debuted over 50 innovative new products at the show.”

A custom YJ front-end conversion and period-correct rear bumper with bumperettes gives the YJL its authentic, one-off aesthetic. The Quadratec YJL is outfitted with the all-new Teraflex RT4 Long Arm Suspension Lift Kit and Falcon 3.5 Adapt Shocks which provide 3.5-inches of lift and superior performance over rugged terrain. The additional ride height offers clearance for the vehicle’s 37-inch Mickey Thompson Baja Boss Tires mounted on paint-matched Quadratec CJ Retro Wheels. Custom Tom Wood’s Drive Shafts accommodate the additional lift with their signature Double Cardan design.

Quadratec’s YJL is trail-ready with the company’s signature QRC Side Armor Guards and tubular doors, both custom painted to match the vehicle. Above the wheels, Rock Slide Engineering Fender Flares allow for superior tire clearance and are built from 11-gauge aluminum for maximum durability. A MasterTop Bimini Top provides protection from the elements and an unmatched open-air feel for occupants.

Premium Heated LED Projector Beam Headlights from Quadratec illuminate both road and trail with up to 3,200 lumens of light output and their heated lens design craftily prevents ice or snow buildup. Quadratec 6-inch Round LED Auxiliary Lights contribute additional brightness when needed, each producing 5,000 lumens for improved trail vision in low-light conditions.

The YJL’s interior features Alpine audio components including a hidden PWD-X5 subwoofer with built-in four-channel amplifier, weather-resistant rear soundbar upgrade kit and four-inch two-way speakers in the original YJ dash location, all controlled via Bluetooth. Custom Corbeau Trailcat Seats pair with Overland Outfitters’ Seatback Bags for premium function and a unique Wrangler YJ throwback aesthetic. Quadratec’s Ultimate All-Weather Floor Liners fit seamlessly and protect the Jeep’s floor from dirt and debris.

Other upgrades on the YJL include steering upgrades from Steersmarts, a Painless Performance wiring harness, gauges from Autometer, AX15 manual transmission with Atlas II transfer case and transmission conversion adapters from Advance Adapters, engine upgrades from 505 Performance, a Flowmaster exhaust and fresh paint from Red’s Paint Works.

The engine itself is a powerful stroker six-cylinder designed for more power and torque, and will be a welcome addition when the YJL trades in the show floor for rocky trails.

Quadratec partnered with all these iconic brands and nationally renowned vehicle builder Greg Henderson, owner of Unofficial Use Only in Lennon, Mich., to bring this retro-inspired wheeling machine to fruition.

“All the partners we contacted were more than excited to be a part of this Jeep build that calls back to the early days of not only Quadratec but also the Wrangler itself,” said Quadratec YJL Project Manager Eric Ammerman. “This YJL not only pulls design cues from the YJ, but we also pulled actual parts from the personal YJ of Phil Toney, one of the original engineers of the YJ back in the 80’s”.

The Quadratec YJL was recently on display at the 2021 SEMA Show in the Quadratec booth (Booth #55167 in the Las Vegas Convention Center's West Hall), and competing in the prestigious 2021 SEMA Battle of the Builders competition. The vehicle will soon make its way across the country to Los Angeles for several West Coast events such as King of the Hammers in February, before heading to Moab, Utah for the 2022 Easter Jeep Safari.