MambaFlex: How One Man's Jeep Sparked a New Life of Outdoor Adventures
One of the great things about the off-road and 4x4 hobby is how it often serves as starting point for other hobbies. Maybe hiking, camping, photography, climbing, or other forms of outdoor adventure.
Yes, the rigs and the four-wheeling can be immense fun in themselves, but many newcomers often find that the lifestyle soon goes far beyond just upgrading their vehicle and hitting the trails.
This was the case for Nitto Pit Crew member Jose Vasquez, who purchased his 2019 Jeep Wrangler Sport Unlimited which he’s since dubbed “MambaFlex” almost exactly five years ago.
From Tuners to Trails
Having already modified some of his previous vehicles, Jose figured he’d start upgrading his Wrangler and dip his toes into the off-roading scene at some point. And then 2020 happened.
This was of course, the year of the pandemic. When so much of our normal routine was interrupted by restrictions on events and gatherings - especially in Los Angeles where Jose lives.
But rather than staying locked in the house and going crazy, Jose used this opportunity to do the opposite. He started taking his Wrangler outside of the locked down city to enjoy the tranquility of the outdoors.
The more he ventured out with the Wrangler, exploring new trails and discovering its capabilities, the more he enjoyed it. And with that, the modifications started.
In the years since, the Wrangler has evolved into a tough-looking, go anywhere rig with a lot of personality. But also one that can still handle everyday driving with ease.
Trail Grappler Forever
The list of mods is expanisve, and includes upgraded Rubicon axles, Falcon shocks and MetalCloak coils, GenRight bumpers, KC HiLites and a lot more.
And for tires, Jose runs the Nitto Trail Grappler Mud Terrain, sized 40x13.50x17 and giving the Wrangler an extra beefy stance.
The Trail Grapplers have been paired up with a set of 17”x9 KMC Grenade Crawl wheels, and the combination quickly suggests this isn't one of those parking lot queen "off road" Jeeps.
The Grapplers have helped tackled off road journeys all over Southern California as well as to Sedona, Arizona and Moab, Utah. Next on the bucket list? The famed Rubicon trail.
The Adventures Continue
Getting involved in the off-road community has also ignited a new spark for taking pictures. As he’s continuously upgraded the Wrangler while gaining experience on the trail, Jose has gotten heavily into the art and gear of photography.
Even bigger than that, the Jeep has unlocked new relationships, helping him to make lifelong friends from fellow enthusiasts he’s met on the trails. And that’s something we hear from nearly every off-roader we talk to.
Beyond the machine and beyond the trails, Jose’s journey with Mambaflex has taken his life in a rewarding, adventurous new direction and stories like his are why the hobby continues to thrive.
Hard Facts
| Vehicle: | 2019 Jeep Wrangler Sport Unlimited "MambaFlex_JLU" |
| Owner: | Jose Vasquez |
| Engine: | 3.6 Liter V6 |
| Drivetrain: | Rubicon Dana 44 axles w/ 4.88 gears, drive shafts by Adam's Drive Shaft |
| Suspension: | Falcon Shocks SP2 3.3 shocks, MetalCloak 3.5 dual rate coils, RockJock front sway bar, PSC steering assist kit, R1 Concepts slotted brake rotors and pads |
| Wheels: | 17x9 KMC Grenade Crawl |
| Tires: | 40x13.50 R17 Nitto Trail Grappler M/T |
| Exterior: | Oracle Oculus LED headlights, KC HiLites Flex Era 4 lights, KC Cyclone rock lights, Icon rock sliders and body armor, GenRight front and rear bumpers |
| Interior: | American Adventure Lab overhead shelf, touchscreen aux switch, Element fire extinguisher |
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