There is a process that brings us to our place or purpose in life. This is the story of TeraFlex and the extended family that helped build a lifestyle.

Many of you have wondered who is TeraFlex? And how did my favorite Jeep Premium Equipment company get its start? TeraFlex roots began with the start of MEPCO (Military Equipment and Parts COmpany) in 1959.

Cecil Whiting approached Don Falkner about buying military surplus from an auction at the Tooele Army Depot. Although the duo was outbid, the winner of the 100-ton lot asked them if they would be interested in buying it. They told him they would buy a piece at a time. Eventually, Don and Cecil bought a storefront and created MEPCO where they sold new, used, and rebuilt Jeep parts.

Although MEPCO sold all things 4x4, Jeep parts are where they made the most money.

MEPCO didn’t just sell 4x4 parts; the guys would go to Jeep and off-road events to look for ways to improve the vehicles.

“Find a need and fill it.”

They realized they could use the limited slip differentials (LSD) out of the MUTTs, a unibody version of the Jeep with independent suspension used by the Marines. They pulled the LSDs out of the MUTTs to sell to customers who would install them in their Jeep for increased traction. They looked for ways to improve other inherently weak areas such as engines, transmissions, and front and rear axles.

MEPCO engineered the TeraLow 4:1 low-range gearing for the transfer cases. It was so successful, Chrysler approached MEPCO to supply them with the 4:1 low rang gear sets so it could be an option on factory vehicles. This is where the concept of the Rubicon materialized.

Don convinced his son, Mark, to move back up to Salt Lake to help run the business. Mark was working in the service department at a Chevrolet dealership where he learned the business side of the new car industry. Mark’s son Ben began hanging around the shop as a youngster helping install lift kits on CJs.

TeraFlex came about because customers were asking for a lift kit for the new TJ Wrangler with its coil spring suspension. None of the regular suppliers had an idea when they would produce one. MEPCO decided to build one until the big companies came out with one.

After some trial and error, they realized the control arm bushings were the limiting factor for proper flex. Mark came up with the idea for an adjustable control arm that could pivot. That changed everything. It only took them three months to come out with the first kit. TeraFlex began on October 1, 1996. They showcased the first lift kit at SEMA 1996 to much excitement. By Easter Jeep Safari in the spring of 1997, they were “totally swamped.”

Check out this video to learn about "Our Story" from many of the key players of how TeraFlex began as well as its growth over the past 2.5 decades.

Check out all our TeraFlex Suspension Lifts, Off-Road Performance Parts, and Jeep Accessories HERE!

— — — SKUs, components, and pricing are subject to change. See the website descriptions for the latest information. — — —

— Words by Jason Udy