G2's Project Cut Throat Jeep JK Build

Photography: Boyd Jaynes

We will admit to being jaded. In our line of work, we’ve seen plenty of Jeep builds. As the most popular Wrangler ever made, there are lots of Jeep JKs running around. And, with more aftermarket support than possibly any vehicle on the planet, there are tons of built ones out there. When it comes to Jeep JK builds, we thought we’d seen it all.

Occasionally, we have to swallow our pride and admit we are wrong. That is precisely what G2 Axle & Gear’s unique Project Cut Throat made us do. We naively thought there was nothing left to do with the Jeep JK. But Cut Throat proves the JK’s platform is more versatile than ever. The options to modify it and build something unique are genuinely endless.

One of the most significant benefits of the JK platform has always been the vast aftermarket support for it. You can radically expand upon its capability with off-the-shelf parts that simply bolt into place. Project Cut Throat does just that with a blend of parts from Rubicon Express, Pro Comp, Smittybilt, and G2 Axle & Gear, making Cut Throat capable of taking on almost any trail out there.

The build team wanted Cut Throat to stand out too so some customization was in order. The stock interior was completely gutted and removed, along with the factory roll bar, top, and windshield. A custom rollcage was fabricated, integrating mounts for new seats along with a trick spare tire holder. Covering the new rollcage and providing shade to the JK’s occupants is a custom roof skin fabricated from aluminum. A one-off windshield was also hand-crafted. All of it helps to keep Cut Throat from getting lost in the sea of built JK Unlimiteds.

It is hard to miss the custom full-width front G2 CORE 44 axle, powder-coated candy red. Inside rests G2 5.38 gears and 35-spline Placer Gold chromoly axle shafts. A CORE Locker provides traction and sends 100% of power to the ends of the axle, equipped with Super Duty knuckles. Also visible, the Rubicon Express 4-Link long arm system with Fox 2.0-inch coilovers and hydraulic bump stops. Completing the front is a full Rubicon Express steering setup with an HD tie rod with forged ends, a forged drag link, a forged track bar, and a NFS steering stabilizer.

Cut Throat wasn’t just built to look good and take on the trail, but to be a testing platform for products as well. One of these is G2’s new CORE DRS Dual Rate Sway Bar system. It is a pneumatic sway bar setup that can be coupled and decoupled with the flip of a switch. This allows non-Rubicon owners to enjoy the benefits of a sway bar when it’s needed on the pavement. Once on the trail, a flick of a switch decouples the sway bar allowing for maximum articulation. One never has to deal with monkeying with sway bar disconnects again.

Products we used in this article

G2 CORE Dual Rate Sway Bar System

From $1,299.99

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Pro Comp Xtreme MT2 Tires

From $189.99

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Pro Comp Vapor Pro 2 Beadlock Wheels

From $178.50

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In the rear of Cut Throat is another custom CORE 44 axle. It is full-width and a full floater with G2 5.38 gears. Like the front, a CORE Locker is used for maximum traction and sends power through 35-spline G2 chromoly axle shafts for plenty of strength. Solidly mounted to the one-off axle are Fox 2.0-inch coilovers that are part of the Rubicon Express 4-Link suspension system.

It’s not often we get to peer under our feature vehicles, but a look under Cut Throat reveals a ton of protection. Every Rubicon Express skidplate for the Jeep JK was put into place to protect its vulnerable underbelly. This allows Cut Throat to take on the trail without having to worry about popping a hole in the oil pan, fuel tank, or transmission.

Products we used in this article

G2 CORE 44 Axles

From $1,745.99

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Rubicon Express Front/Rear Coilover Upgrade Kit

$4,407.99

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Rubicon Express Skid Plates

From $102.99

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We really love the clean and mean looks of Cut Throat. A big improvement was completely removing the factory B pillars. An aluminum top made by Scott Kell of Alloy Studios keeps the sun off occupants and adds to the unique looks. Smittybilt XRC GEN 2 flares clear the 40-inch Pro Comp Xtreme MT2 tires on Pro Comp Vapor Pro 2 beadlocks. Half doors from Smittybilt and a custom windshield turn plenty of heads.

Pro Comp’s R&D team built the custom cage designed by Ricardo Ramirez. It provides way more protection than the factory sport cage ever could. Adding to both safety and comfort are Smittybilt XRC seats, tying in directly to the cage. Mastercraft Safety harnesses keep occupants secure in their seats no matter the Jeep’s orientation.

The cage is well thought out with lots of clever details. Ditching the factory tailgate not only saved weight, but allowed for the spare tire and mount to be pushed out further. This gives plenty of room to fit four passengers. Spare water and gas can mounts are integrated into the roll cage along with a fire extinguisher and trail jack. Those with keen eyes can spot the spare driveshaft too.