Roxxie: A Jeep Wrangler Built for Adventure by Julie Heyer

Because It Goes Over Rocks, See? 

Jolk Heyer, known as “aquajeepgirl” in the cyber universe (that’s still something people say, right?), has been exploring the great outdoors in her trusty 2018 Jeep Wrangler, affectionately named “Roxxie,” for a few years now. Her passion for Jeeps and off-roading began during her college days in Southern California, where she cherished every moment in her roommate’s Wrangler. Learning to drive stick, getting stuck in sand, and having endless fun solidified her love for Jeeps.

“Living in Arizona with limited seaside views, she decided on an eye-catching aqua wrap to remind her of the SoCal coastline.”

Her Jeep journey started in 2019 when she acquired Roxxie, a leftover 2018 model Wrangler JLU Sport S. While she had hoped to find one in a vibrant color, she found a black 6-speed at a killer price that she just couldn’t pass up.  Planning her build, she knew that she’d have to change one thing immediately—the color. Living in Arizona with limited seaside views, she decided on an eye-catching aqua wrap to remind her of the SoCal coastline.

“Her Jeep’s current buildsheet boasts a lineup of impressive upgrades: from the 40-inch Mickey Thompson Baja Boss ATs and custom-painted 17-inch Raceline Avenger Beadlock wheels to various mechanical enhancements …”

Bring On the Upgrades 

Initially a newcomer to off-roading, Julie didn’t anticipate requiring lockers or beefier axles with Roxxie. But, after venturing onto more challenging trails and discovering her passion, she couldn’t resist eventually making some upgrades—a classic Jeep owner move! Her Jeep’s current buildsheet boasts a lineup of impressive upgrades: from the 40-inch Mickey Thompson Baja Boss ATs and custom-painted 17-inch Raceline Avenger Beadlock wheels to various mechanical enhancements, such as the Dynatrac ProRock 44 front axle, Dynatrac ProFloat XD60 rear axle, Yukon gears, TeraFlex 4.5-inch long arm suspension, Falcon SP2 shocks, and more.

This Jeep has evolved significantly since her initial purchase. Beyond boosting its off-road capability, Julie has personalized it with other unique yet functional touches, including enhanced lighting from Baja Designs, Bestop Granite Series fenders, Jeep Junk custom fender liners, and a GenRight Offroad rollcage.

Julie’s Wrangler has been her ticket to numerous breathtaking destinations. Her passion for exploring the great outdoors and conquering new trails fuels her adventures. Beyond the trails, she cherishes the vibrant Jeep community, forging lasting friendships through her shared love for the off-road lifestyle. Always seeking new adventures and trails to explore, Julie embodies the spirit of an avid explorer with a passion for her trusty four-wheeled companion.

A Labor of Love

The process of transforming Roxxie from stock to the powerhouse she is today was a labor of love, but she’s far from done. Each subsequent modification brings her closer to her trusty Jeep, providing a therapeutic escape whenever the trails call. Her journey with Roxxie extends beyond the breathtaking landscapes and challenging trails, though. It’s connected her to fellow Jeep enthusiasts at off-road gatherings, sharing anecdotes and driving tips. She’s found a community that echoes her passion for exploring the unbeaten paths of her home in Utah.

The memories etched into Roxxie’s aqua body panels are quite tangible—not too long after this photo shoot, Julie was caught off-guard on an unpredictable trail, and she (and Roxxie) ended up flopping on their sides. Luckily, they’re both doing fine, and of course everything is documented on Instagram with Julie’s usual array of captivating photographs and engaging storytelling, sharing her tales with other enthusiasts. The silver lining is that with every temporary setback comes another barrage of new parts!

“In Roxxie, Julie has found not just a vehicle, but a steadfast companion for her ever-growing adventures in the great outdoors.”

Julie’s dedication to exploring the outdoors with Roxxie is more than a pastime—it’s a huge part of her life. Her Jeep represents freedom, adventure, and a spirit of resilience—a reflection of her unwavering determination to tread uncharted paths and savor life’s exhilarating moments. In Roxxie, Julie has found not just a vehicle, but a steadfast companion for her ever-growing adventures in the great outdoors.

And, oh yeah—check out her husband Matthew’s Gladiator (“Indominus”) somewhere else in this issue!


UPDRADES

2018 Jeep JLU Sport S

Owner: 

  • Julie Heyer
  • Saint George, UT

Chassis & Suspension: 

  • TeraFlex Alpine RT4 4.5-inch long arm suspension lift kit
  • Falcon front and rear shocks
  • TeraFlex 1-inch body lift
  • Dynatrac ProRock 44 front axle w/5.13 Yukon gears and ARB air locker
  • Dynatrac ProFloat XD60 rear axle w/5.13 gears and ARB air locker
  • TeraFlex Delta front big brake kit
  • Quadratec skidplates
  • Tapped and ported factory steering box
  • RPM 2.5-ton aluminum steering rod kit
  • PSC hydraulic ram steering assist

Wheels & Tires: 

  • 17×9 Raceline Avenger Beadlock wheels
  • 40×13.5R17 Mickey Thompson Baja Boss MT tires

Engine & Drivetrain: 

  • Stock 3.6L Pentastar V-6 engine
  • 6-speed manual transmission
  • Centerforce II clutch
  • 4:1 transfer case from 2019 Jeep Rubicon
  • Adams Driveshaft 1350 driveshafts

Body & Paint: 

  • GenRight Offroad ultra clearance bumpers
  • Baja Designs lighting on front bumper and cowl
  • Bestop Granite Series fenders
  • Jeep Junk custom fender liners
  • 3M Key West Satin vinyl wrap by ProVinyl in Tempe, AZ

Interior & Stereo: 

  • GenRight rollcage
  • PRP Enduro Crawl suede and vinyl seats

Editor’s Note: A version of this article appeared in TREAD Mar/Apr 2024.

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