From Daisy Duke Dreamin' to Jeep Livin': Backroad Bri's JKU Wrangler
If you talk to to American auto enthusiasts who grew during the last couple decades of the 20th century, the television show Dukes of Hazzard was an ever-present inspiration.
Whether they caught it on TV during its original early ‘80s broadcast run or as reruns during the ‘90s, I think we all dreamt of hopping into that bright orange Dodge Charger, sliding around some dirt roads and jumping over some creeks.
But the iconic Charger wasn’t the only vehicle in the show that helped create lifelong interests in cars. For Nitto Pit Crew member Bridget Brown, it wasn’t Bo and Luke’s Charger she fell in love with, it was Daisy Duke’s Jeep CJ-7.
Growing up with a gearhead father and brother, Bridget had always been around cars. But it was Daisy’s 4x4 that helped spark a love for Jeeps that continues today, and one that she now shares with her own family.
The Jeep Life
These days, the family fleet of Jeeps includes a CJ-7 a lot like Daisy’s, but Bridget can most often be found behind the wheel of the blue 2015 JKU Wrangler you see here.
Bridget has had her JKU since 2018 and it's served stints as daily driver, weekend trail toy — and most recently as a vehicle for her teenaged son to get practice behind the wheel.
While Jeep owners have a tendency to go a little wild, spec’ing out a fully loaded Rubicon with every optional available or going hog wild with aftermarket modifications, Bridget’s Jeep is not one of those “overkill” Jeep builds and she’s proud of that.
Instead, she’s focused on usable upgrades that boost the fun and capability of her rig while staying true to the Wrangler’s blue collar roots.
Keeping it Real on 37s
Chief of those upgrades are a set of Nitto Ridge Grappler Hybrid Terrain Tires. She’s run Nittos since day one, first starting with a modest set of 33-inchers before moving to the 37s she has now.
In addition to the Jeeps, the Brown Family also runs Nittos on their Ford Super Duty pickup and they’ll be going on their 1970 Ford Mustang Fastback project car once that build is ready for the road.
Bridget’s 37x12.50R18 Ridge Grappler tires are mounted on a set of KMC Rockstar wheels finished to match the Wrangler’s Hydro Blue body color, which is one of favorite things about her rig.
And in the sea of white, gray and black cars that dominate today’s roads we can see why the color is such a big deal.
Build Your Own Adventure
Apart from the wheels and tires, other upgrades to the Wrangler include a Rough Country lift kit, Fishbone Offroad bumpers, KC HiLites lighting, PRP seats and a Badlands winch.
As for what’s next, Bridget says she’d like to ugprade the axles as she’s finally starting to fine the limits of her stock setup.
As we hear so often from Jeep owners, Bridget says owning her Wrangler has lead to all sorts of opportunities and adventures she could never have imagined.
From becoming part of the local Jeep community in Southwest Missouri to going worldwide and sharing the fun on her @backroadbri Instagram account, it’s changed her life.
We think Daisy Duke would be proud.
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