Testing a product can take many forms, but nothing beats real-world experience. That’s the lesson Energy Suspension is applying to Project Cheap Jeep – a red 2007 Wrangler JK – and it’s being applied over the next week out at the 2018 Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah.

“In a nutshell, we are taking a high-mileage JK that handles like a hay-wagon, replacing every piece of rubber with polyurethane, and sending it to Moab,” explained Energy’s Pete Williamsen. “It’ll be much more pleasant on the street, and should have the same trail performance as a rubber bushed vehicle. The polyurethane will not degrade over time, and the new control arm bushings will not crack or disintegrate with hard use. The factory rubber bushings handle fine and flex well when in good condition, but are only really good for a year or two of hard off-road abuse.”

Polyurethane is, of course, the signature building material that Energy Suspension has built its name on. Its long-lasting durability is its chief benefit, and we found it to be a boost to the ride quality on a 2013 JKU during an installation last year.

“We are hoping that after reworking this vehicle, we will be able to take it up an RTI ramp and get a high score,” said Williamsen. “This will help us prove that if you have a factory short arm vehicle, a set of our bushings will give you HUGE gains in the handling department, while not degrading your off-road capability.”

It will be interesting to see how the Jeep does out in Moab, but you can bet it won’t be affected by a bushing going bad. You can find out more about Energy Suspension by visiting its website and Facebook page.