Quadratec JTe: Custom Single-Cab Plug-In Hybrid Jeep Pickup Coming to Clean Up a Trail Near You
The Quadratec JTe is a custom-built two-door 4Xe Jeep pickup that is not only an impressive show vehicle but will also be out helping clean up trails across the country with Tread Lightly soon.
Jeep parts goliath Quadratec revealed one of the coolest builds at the 2022 SEMA Show. It’s called the JTe and is a two-door, two-seat, long-box Jeep pickup that started life as a four-door Wrangler Rubicon 4Xe.
We think Jeep needs to hurry up and build one for production, but we aren’t holding our breath.
Quadratec JTe: Jeep Truck Electric
Instead of starting with a stock Jeep Gladiator, builder Greg Henderson from Unofficial Use Only’s jumping-off point was a four-door 2022 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Rubicon. The frame used on Unlimited models like the 4xe Rubicon is shorter than the one used on the four-door Gladiator pickup, making it one of the few parts that didn’t need to be remade for this build.
The Wrangler’s coil-sprung suspension was retained as well, for a quality ride on and off-road, versus the Gladiator’s rear-leaf springs, which don’t give as plush a ride.
The build team cut the Wrangler body behind the front doors to remove the back seats and the original Jeep’s rear cargo area. They then used Factory replacement body panels to bring the back of the cab forward and turn this into the ultimate single-cab Jeep.
Even the top works like a stock Jeep. Henderson said a factory hard top was cut up into nine different pieces and then reassembled to create the single-cab truck. So the Jeep Freedom Panel (what Jeep calls the removable roof sections) is intact, and you can take it off and toss it in the box.
Shorter Cab Means Longer Bed
A 10.5-inch stretch to the stock Gladiator pickup box filled the extra frame space left by the single-cab conversion. The modified box uses Mopar replacement sheet metal just like the cab, making sure the body lines are replicated perfectly. One of the coolest parts of this build is that aside from the obvious Quadratec parts, it looks factory.
The JTe was painted in Quadratec’s custom green finish once the metal work was done. Then, custom graphics were applied to show off the company’s 50-for-50 initiative. The 24-month program with Tread Lightly will see Quadratec work with local clubs and enthusiasts to clean and improve off-road trails in all 50 states.
Because the Quadratec JTe is based on Jeep’s 4xe plug-in hybrid driveline, the builders expanded on the Jeep 4xe surf blue theme. This includes surf blue trees and other details in the design of the graphics, but the highlight is inside.
Henderson said this is the first appearance of the new electric stitching design on the Kaztkin leather seats. The seats get a special design in the center panels as well as a surf blue accent stitch.
JTe Comes Loaded With Quadratec Parts
Quadratec loaded up the JTe with parts from its accessory catalog. Covering the JTe from bumper to bumper with Quadratec parts. Literally, since it has Quadratec’s Carnivore winch-ready bumpers at both ends.
Other big deals on the build from Quadratec’s catalog include the Baja HD plastic front and rear fenders. They open up the stock Jeep’s wheel wells to help fit larger tires.
The JTe is just 2.5 inches higher than stock thanks to its Lynx suspension lift. Still, there is room for 37-inch Nitto Recon Grappler tires under the expanded arches. Henderson said there’s room for even taller rubber if you want.
Quadratec projector headlights in the front grille and a J5 50-inch LED lightbar mounted inside the windshield light up the night. To match the longer box, the retro roll bar is longer than the normal Quadratec piece. The spare tire has been moved from the Gladiator under-bed position to a new mount in the box.
This is more than just a show truck build for Quadratec. The JTe will be handed over to Tread Lightly after the SEMA show. The group is planning to put the Jeep to work to help complete some of its 50-for-50 trail cleanup projects.
2020 Jeep Gladiator: The Solid-Axle, Open-Air Truck of Your Dreams
The post Quadratec JTe: Custom Single-Cab Plug-In Hybrid Jeep Pickup Coming to Clean Up a Trail Near You appeared first on GearJunkie.