Making 2-Doors Great Again: The RPM Steering 2-Door Stretch Kit Tested at King of the Hammers
If you’ve spent any time in the Jeep community lately, especially online, you’ve likely seen the phrase “Make 2-Doors Great Again.” It’s not just a catchy tagline. It’s becoming a reality thanks to the latest 2-door stretch kit from RPM Steering, and the unforgiving terrain of King of the Hammers in Johnson Valley, California, is where it’s proving its worth.
What Is the RPM Steering 2-Door Stretch Kit?
The new 2-door stretch kit from RPM Steering reimagines what a 2-door Jeep can do off-road and stretches the rear 10” and the front 3.75”. The core of the system centers around the JK/JKU Steering Box Stretch Kit, which relocates the steering box forward about 2" on a two-door Jeep, bringing improved geometry and durability for extreme wheel travel and suspension articulation.
Beyond the steering box stretch itself, RPM’s 2-door platform incorporates rear long arm options, corner armor, and other stretch-specific components that make the overall chassis geometry conducive to larger wheelbases — offering better stability and handling on rough terrain.
Why Stretch a 2-Door Jeep?
Two-door Jeeps have always been beloved for their short wheelbase and nimble off-road nature, but that same compactness can become a hindrance in super rough or high-speed conditions. Stretching adds wheelbase without sacrificing the platform’s original spirit, giving more stability, predictable suspension behavior, and better traction on obstacle-rich lines.
Our approach leans heavily into 7075 T6 aluminum components (the same high-strength alloy used throughout our steering products) so drivers get strength and movement meaning parts can flex and return without permanent deformation.
Tested in the Ultimate Playground: King of the Hammers
RPM’s latest 2-door stretch platform made its public debut right on those trails, where suspension geometry, steering response, and frame strength are put under extreme conditions that most weekend trails rarely match. Riders and builders who drove the stretched 2-door through rugged washes and rock gardens in Johnson Valley reported exceptional articulation, improved tracking on fast sections, and a confident feel in technical rock sections, all attributes that wouldn’t have been possible without rethinking steering placement and chassis stretch.
Real-World Results and Community Buzz
At King of the Hammers and in the broader Jeep community, the conversation around RPM’s 2-door stretch kit has been overwhelmingly positive. Builders appreciate the strength and flexibility of the aluminum builds, and the fact that this kit doesn’t just look good on paper — it feels capable when the terrain hits hard. Enthusiasts at KOH have shared videos and photos of stretched Jeeps tackling lines that might have seemed improbable for 2-door rigs just a few years ago.
What’s more, seeing a product perform at King of the Hammers instantly gives it credibility. That’s because KOH doesn’t forgive weak links — whether that’s in the suspension, steering, drivetrain, or frame. Finishing the course (or even just surviving a rock garden or desert wash) is a badge of honor in and of itself.
Final Thoughts
The new RPM Steering 2-door stretch kit represents a meaningful evolution for 2-door Jeeps. It fortifies the steering, improves overall geometry, and prepares the vehicle for the kinds of obstacles that make events like King of the Hammers legendary. If you’re building a 2-door Jeep that’s meant to see serious terrain — from desert racing to rock crawling — this isn’t just another bolt-on upgrade … it’s a move toward real performance enhancement that’s already been put to the test where it matters most.
We have tons of content from our 2-door stretch build, so check back soon for our build blog, where we go into detail about how we built ours!
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