Automotive enthusiasts are quite a passionate bunch and the same can be said about the off-roading community. Jeff Hiltz (also known as the “Pirate”) is one such off-roading enthusiast. The Nova Scotia resident recently uploaded a video on his Facebook page that features an exciting 2003 Jeep Wrangler X-based off-roading rig.

We recently got in touch with Jeff, who shared details and specifications of his formidable off-roader. Jeff bought the Jeep so he can go fishing, and picked up off-roading as a hobby, which resulted in this impressive build. The car was of course christened “The Pirateship” and features a wide range of modifications.

Jeff sourced the rear axle of his build from a 1988 Jeep Cherokee, and the front axle came from a 1978 scout. Both axles are Dana 44s, and Jeff also installed 5.13:1 gears on the axles. The vehicle also received an RCV performance axle shaft at the front and an Alloy USA axle shaft at the rear.

This build also had its fair share of challenges. Initially, the hub bolts that Jeff used would come off on difficult terrains. This meant that the vehicle would spin its tires and shear off all the hub bolts every time they came loose. Jeff used Stage 8 Locking Fasteners and claims that he has never faced any problems again.

Jeff explained, “I’d spin my tire and shear off all my hub bolts. So you have to drill out the hub bolts, take them all out, and redo everything and put it all back together. It was frustrating, because my Jeep’s built really well, and I never break.”

He added, “The Stage 8 locking hub bolts, once I found out about those and replaced my hub bolts, I’ve never had a problem again. So I can go out, I spin my tires all day and all night long in the mud, on the rocks, and I never ever shear off a hub bolt again. They are an amazing product because they saved me from having to start over on the axles.”

Well, we are glad Jeff found the solution to his problem in the nick of time because we wouldn’t want to see this gorgeous build any other way. Be sure to check out Stage 8 for locking fasteners that can keep your rig rolling out in the wilderness. Visit the company’s website, and don’t forget to follow them on Facebook, too.