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CONTENTS SEPTEMBER 2022, VOL.59, NO.9
COVER SECTION 58
STALKING UTAH!
14 2022 MOAB
EASTER JEEP SAFARI
Flatfender Jeeps, fullsize trucks, and all
4x4s in between return to the red rocks
20 CAPTIVATING CONCEPTS
Seven new creations from the
mad scientists at Jeep
FEATURES & EVENTS
36 FJ5.3
Danny Solis’ LS-powered
1963 Land Cruiser FJ40
44 GROUND-UP, THUMBS UP
Project update: Catching up with
a popular Jp Magazine project CJ-5
14
48 20
48 ROOM TO MOVE 64 68
Preston Gladd built the fixtures of an RV, DEPARTMENTS
and more, into his pop-top camper
4 FIRING ORDER 8 RPM 78 TECHLINE 82 TRAIL’S
58 CHICAGO MACHINES 6 INBOX 10 PARTS RACK 80 CALENDAR END
ON THE COVER:
Highlights from the 2022 Chicago Auto Show
Thousands of wheelers
64 THE ROAD TO RELIC RUN made the annual trek to
Moab, Utah, for the Easter
Part 2: We trust a new-to-us CJ-5 Jeep Safari, and the 2022
for 1,600-plus miles event was a rockin’ good
time. We have full coverage
68 2 WAYS TO 4RUNNER beginning on page 14.
Photo by Jered Korfhage
Trevor Takara and Thomas Piccolo
have different takes on Toyota’s
stalwart off-road SUV
74 FROM THE BACKCOUNTRY
This land is your land
TECH & HOW-TOS
30 DENTSIDE
Part 2: Replacing worn parts and a new look
40 GOING THE DISTANCE
How to increase an Intermediate
CJ-5s fuel capacity
54 SHAKEDOWN RUN
Will our Explorer excel or explode?
fourwheeler.com FOUR WHEELER SEPTEMBER 2022 3
FIRING ORDER
Long-running
4WD events
T his issue of Four Wheeler includes coverage of the Easter Jeep Safari from Moab, Utah. Easter Jeep Safari, commonly known as EJS, celebrated
its 56th event in 2022 and that’s a pretty darn impressive number of decades. Imagine how much has changed in the off-roading world and the
Moab area since 1967. The growth of the event and the town is incredible, and kudos need to go to the Red Rock 4-Wheelers, who have run EJS
since 1983, for the great job it does with the event.
EJS’ long history got me thinking about Above: This photo was taken more than a decade ago on Black Bear Road during the incredible All-4-Fun
4WD events that have been around for a long event in Colorado. The year this photo was taken the event was based in Silverton. Below: This photo was
time. For example, the Mile-Hi Jeep Club’s taken about 10 years ago during the Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah. Time flies. EJS is now celebrating its
All-4-Fun event in Colorado. All-4-Fun is 56th event in 2022.
celebrating a darn impressive 56 years of the
event in 2022. This event is unique in that it’s Off-Road Rally in Dresser, Wisconsin, which is together a well-tuned event that offers the
held in a different location each year, utilizing put on by the Minnesota Go-4 Wheelers. The participants the opportunity to chug through
local trails. The last All-4-Fun I attended was event marks an impressive 53 years in 2022. snow. In 2022, Sno*Blind celebrates its 28th
in Silverton and it was an impressive, finely I’ve always enjoyed this event, which combines annual event. I’ve had great times at Sno*Blind
tuned event that offered some incredible trails, racing, camping, and more into its five and the most memorable is the year a major
wheeling on legendary Colorado trails along days, all in a great location. snowstorm hit during the event.
with a robust collection of features.
A long-running winter event is the Sno*Blind Other events with long-running histories?
Gravelrama is another long-running event and Expedition in West Branch, Michigan, that’s put Sierra Trek (55 years), which takes place in
it’s put on by the IOK 4 Wheelers. It celebrates on by the Mudchuggers Four Wheel Drive Club. California’s Tahoe National Forest; Jeepers
its 51st year in 2022. The six-day event in The club stops chugging through mud and puts Jamboree (70 years!), on the Rubicon Trail; and
Cleves, Ohio, has a rich history, capitalizing the Willys Reunion in Aurora, Ohio (29 years).
on racing in various forms. I had a blast at
Gravelrama a few years ago and I think I’m still Of course, there are many more off-roading
pulling pea gravel out of my camera bag. events with long histories and there are many
that are on their way to becoming long-running
Dakota Territory Challenge, put on by the 4WD events.
Black Hills 4 Wheelers, is celebrating its 40th
event in 2022. I have great memories of this Do you have a favorite long-running 4WD
South Dakota event and the trails are epic. event? Or have you attended an event that you
I recall going on one of the harder trails and think is going to be around for the long haul?
it was a lot of fun. In a way, it reminded me Drop an email to the address below and tell
of the Rubicon Trail, right down to the rocks me which event it is and why you dig it!
and trees.
–KEN BRUBAKER
Another long-running event is the Total
[email protected]
PHOTOS: KEN BRUBAKER
4 SEPTEMBER 2022 FOUR WHEELER fourwheeler.com
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fourwheeler.com
Inbox
BY KEN BRUBAKER [email protected]
SUVOTY PRICE FACTOR slipping and sliding in the mud, but when it’s all
over the snow melts and your rig is basically clean.
I wholeheartedly agree that Four Wheeler provides the most thorough, comprehensive, and practical
testing and evaluation in the industry when rating vehicles for SUV of the Year! This year’s test Also included is a photo I took while test-fitting
(“2022 Four Wheeler SUV of the Year,” Apr. ’22) was no exception, but it did leave me with one tire chains in the garage. It’s better to know how
burning question: Is it time for the judges to start considering vehicle price in the overall ranking? to use them ahead of time.
The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 is the halo car for Jeep enthusiasts. It also costs $83,695! I RANDY
would imagine that this price puts it out of reach for many readers (certainly this reader). Just like VIA EMAIL
performance, most consumers consider price when choosing a new vehicle.
MANUAL T-CASE FAN
On the final scorecard, the winning Wrangler tallied 82.39 points. The Ford Bronco (in Third
Place) scored 75.12 points but did so at a price point of $49,475. Is that 7-point difference worth As I am sure you know, a lot of us Jeep (Wrangler-
$34,330? To me, this makes the Bronco look like the most bang for the buck … and possibly SUV type) owners are also RVers. We flat tow (four
of The Year. wheels down) because trailers are very hard to
park somewhere in a crowded RV park or camp-
Four Wheeler does an excellent job of reporting budget-friendly projects and awesome home ground, such as Moab in the spring. By far, the
builds. Why not extend this same sensibility to SUV of the Year testing? Price, like the other metrics, most popular tow car is the Wrangler-type Jeep for
is an objective finding that can be weighted in the overall score. In this era of six-figure trucks and a couple of reasons; they are so useful when you
SUVs, adding price levels the playing field while making the results even more useful to the reader. get somewhere and they hook up and tow so well
thanks to having always had a manual transfer
NOAH case. There are no fuses to pull, driveline discon-
VIA EMAIL nects, or lube pumps necessary. Just hook up, put
the transfer case in neutral and transmission in
We totally agree and that’s why the price of each vehicle is factored into the Empirical category park (auto) or in gear (manual). I have owned and
of both SUV of the Year and Pickup Truck of the Year scoring. So, the highest priced vehicle in towed for many miles CJ3-Bs, TJs, JKs and JLs
each test accrues the lowest number of points for the “price” category The least expensive vehicle and they all have one thing in common, a manual
gathers the most points. transfer case! I still own three of these Jeeps, and
they are all ready to tow.
SNOW WHEELING THUMBS UP
I became concerned with the recent issue
Snow is so much fun! (“Snow Wheeling: of Four Wheeler (“2022 Four Wheeler SUV of
Thumbs Up, Or Thumbs Down?” Apr. ’22) the Year,” Apr. ’22) in the description of the
It is as slippery as mud, which makes trails Rubicon 392 where the transfer case is a full-
more challenging and fun. The scenery is time MP3022 Selec-Trac. Does Jeep still approve
AWESOME. Snow-covered trees are just this vehicle for flat-towing? I am an old guy and
magical. Plus, you can have snowball fights, much prefer the good old ways, but I have been
make snowmen, slide down hills … all the fun expecting Jeep to make some bad moves toward
snow stuff. I do pack more survival gear when modernization, as with this transfer case, which
I go snow wheeling. Just in case. I have two makes it more like the ordinary family SUV. Please
sets of Pewag snow chains, which fit my 35s. tell me that the manual transfer will not disappear
Rarely use them, but if conditions are ice, from new model Jeeps!
they are great to have, front and rear. Here
is a photo of my Jeep at a ski area, which GREG
was closed for the season. I’ve been partway VIA EMAIL
through the Rubicon in the snow, too.
ABSCONDING T-CASE LINKAGE
Oh, the best part of snow wheeling: It’s like
I have an ’06 Power Wagon that I’ve been
WHERE TO WRITE wheeling since November 2005. I can tell you my
linkage has failed two times (“Where’s My T-Case
Address your correspondence to Four Wheeler, 831 S. Douglas St., El Segundo, CA 90245 or send Linkage?” May ’22). First time it fell off while
an email to [email protected]. All letters become the property of Four Wheeler, and we wheeling and was stuck in 4-Lo. I was able to use
reserve the right to edit them for length, accuracy, and clarity. The editorial department can also be reached zip ties to temporarily function as the linkage.
through the website at fourwheeler.com. Due to the volume of mail, electronic and otherwise, we cannot Now I always keep a spare in the glovebox.
respond to every reader, but we do read everything.
ROBERT
VIA EMAI
6 SEPTEMBER 2022 FOUR WHEELER fourwheeler.com
Saying “see ya” to summer is never easy, but a vehicle upgrade will help you look forward to
all fall has in store! Laser-measured FloorLiner and custom-fitting Cargo Liner offer a sleek
look for a new car feel all year round. Answer the call of fall when you shop WeatherTech.
Made in USA Auto. Home. Pet. Find Your Fit. 1-800-441-6287
© 2022 MacNeil IP LLC
In the News
Q If you’re a fan of both Land Rover vehicles Q The next generation of EarthCruiser Overland Q Or perhaps you’re craving this: Expedition
and horses, you best sit down, because your Vehicles EXP, FX, and CORE will use the Class 4 Motor Company’s newest version of its Wolf
day is made. The automaker and the U.S. Isuzu NPR Series platform. Gelandewagen is the ’22 1991 250GD. The
Equestrian Federation have launched a bunch Q Rocket Auto did some surveying and learned G-wagen total restomod features a 0M602 diesel
of equestrian-themed doodads and wearables. 80.6 percent of drivers said backup camera was engine with Mercedes-Benz five-speed 722.6
The horse package includes a custom horse the No. 1 feature they’d pay more for. Similar automatic transmission and original gear-shift
cooler and mudflaps (we’ll take “odd bedfel- number for millennials wanting a USB fast- lever from an S-Class. Write that check in the
lows for $500”), for a $5,000 price tag. charging outlet. amount of $120,000.
Q Not truck related, but shoutout to Toyota for Q $383 million is what Toyota will invest in four of
sticking a manual transmission into its 2023 its U.S. manufacturing plants for producing four-
Supra. cylinders (a hybrid electric is one such type).
Q Ground has been broken for the expansion of Q If you’re craving a convertible Land Rover,
Navistar’s 110,000-square-foot powertrain plant Heritage Customs out of the Netherlands is doing
in Huntsville, Alabama. it to the Defender 90.
Is It True? Your Government at Work
• Ford is working on tank-turn tech for the • One of the names on the list to design Environments with Resiliency–Simulation
electric F-150 Lightning? NASA’s moon-stalking crewed Lunar Terrain (RACER-Sim) program that intends to
• Did Klaus Zyciora, the head of Volkswagen Vehicle? Nissan North America. That’s for “create the next generation of off-road
Group Design, post a rendering of an ID. its know-how on things like autonomous- simulation platforms to significantly reduce
Buzz pickup on Instagram because ... it’s driving tech. the development cost and bridge the gap
actually happening? • The Department of Energy has given between simulation and the real world.”
• Someone in the Middle East spent almost $4.09 million to Borg-Warner to develop a • The U.S. Postal Service bought thou-
$10 million at auction to get the license plate cost-effective, advanced direct-current fast sands of trucks for its fleet, but now it’s
AA8? charger for EV-related infrastructure. being sued by the United Auto Workers
• Dodge Hornet EV SUV? • DARPA has awarded Federal Intel Federal and environmental groups (and also states
• A crash on Interstate 70 in Missouri on 4/20 “the opportunity to develop advanced simu- that include California). The issue? USPS
ended with 500 pounds of packaged mari- lation solutions for off-road autonomous bought gas-powered trucks, not just EVs,
juana strewn about the highway? ground vehicles,” according to Intel Labs. and allegedly signed the contract before an
• Hot Wheels live action movie? It’s for the Robotic Autonomy in Complex environmental review.
8 SEPTEMBER 2022 FOUR WHEELER fourwheeler.com
What’s Happening
in the Industry
Q Advance Auto Parts is now joined at the hip to the L.A. Dodgers, signing off-road and outdoor recreation. Examples of this include dealing with
a multiyear agreement to become the team’s official auto parts retailer. Who damaged and closed roads in the Delta National Forest.
among us doesn’t wonder hourly what would be the official car battery of Q Tread Lightly! again: Quadratec’s new 50 Cleanups in 50 States
baseball? (For the Dodgers, it’s DieHard, so end your wonderment.) Stewardship Grant Fund is in partnership with Tread Lightly!. According
Q onX Offroad is doubling down on efforts to help improve and conserve to Quadratec, “The ‘50-for-50’ program will fully support one stewardship
public land access nationwide and will do so in various ways, including project in each state over the next 24 months that enhances or improves
through grants, partnering with off-road organizations, and raising aware- off-road or public land access. The ‘50-for-50’ stewardship grant fund will
ness with the public and policymakers about off-road access. help project managers pay for equipment, fees, volunteer support, food,
Q Tread Lightly! and Nissan are working together to promote responsible fuel, signage, and other miscellaneous costs.”
“HAVING TO TELL CUSTOMERS THEY’RE FACING WEEKS OF DELAY BEFORE THEY GET
THE CONVERTERS AND CAN USE THEIR VEHICLE [AGAIN] HAS BEEN THE HARDEST
PART OF MY JOB IN MY 19 YEARS HERE.”
—ADAM HANER, HELFMAN MOTORS IN HOUSTON, TO AUTOMOTIVE NEWS ABOUT THE
MASSIVE INCREASE IN CATALYTIC CONVERTER THEFT, NOT TO MENTION WAIT LISTS AND
INCREASING COST OF MATERIALS FOR THE REPLACEMENT
2023 NISSAN 2023 GMC Canyon AT4X
PATHFINDER and Yukon Denali Ultimate
ROCK CREEK
The AT4X trim from the ’22 GMC Sierra is headed for the ’23 GMC Canyon. Details were still
The buzzwords are in full swing here for somewhat of a secret as Four Wheeler went to press, but rocker protection and 17-inch “beadlock-
this new Pathfinder in the lineup: “off-road– capable” wheels are expected.
inspired,” “buyers seeking a higher level of
fun and adventure,” and “has both the style Meanwhile, the all-new Yukon Denali Ultimate is the vehicle for you if 1. You’re dying for a never-
and hardware.” Translation: Tuned suspension before-existed premium trim and/or 2. You’re always griping to everyone about the hassles associated
with 5⁄8-inch lift, all-terrain rubber, and a slight with using your hands to change lanes and tow. As in, Super
bump in performance numbers over the regular Cruise technology is available for automatic lane changes and
Pathfinder—295 horses (versus 284) and 270 hands-free towing (prepare for a giant asterisk that denotes
lb-ft of torque (compared to 259). The fine print the list of perfect-storm conditions needed to actually use
on those numbers? “When using premium fuel, those conveniences). You’ll also get a lot of numbers: 6.2L
due to revised fuel mapping.” The ’Creek is avail- V-8 or 3.0L Duramax with 10-speed automatic transmission,
able in four-by form only. 22-inch ultra-bright machined wheels, 16-way power seats,
and 18-speaker Bose system, among other goods.
fourwheeler.com FOUR WHEELER SEPTEMBER 2022 9
Parts Rack
BY JERED KORFHAGE [email protected] PHOTOS: COURTESY OF THE MANUFACTURERS
BOOST YOUR BRONCO
Lift your non-Sasquatch Ford Bronco
with USA-made steel components from
MetalCloak. The company’s lift braces bolt
into the factory components to reduce risk
of unwanted rattles. Two-inch lift braces
are made of thick, laser-cut 3⁄16-inch steel
and are fully welded and then finished
in MetalCloak’s signature Gold Zinc for a
long-lasting finish. MetalCloak includes
lift braces for the front and rear of the
’21-up non-Sasquatch Bronco as well as all
necessary hardware. INFO: MetalCloak,
916/631-8071, metalcloak.com
BRIGHTER TUNDRA
ZROADZ can help add more forward-facing off-road light to your ’14-’21 Toyota Tundra with
the Baja Bumper Bar. The bar installs using factory bolt locations and features a low-gloss
powdercoated finish with space to mount up to four LED pods. Kits can be had complete
with ZROADZ LED pods and a wiring harness or with only the Baja Bumper Bar and its
mounting hardware. INFO: ZROADZ, 966/483-7744, zroadz.com
STRONG SLEEVES HIDDEN STORAGE
Add strength to the tie rods of your ’21 Tuffy Security Products has intro-
Ford Bronco with this sleeve kit from JKS duced its Model 368, a compact
Manufacturing. The sleeves fit around the Underseat Lockbox for ’20-’22 Jeep
factory Bronco tie rods and are said to help Gladiators. The security lockbox
measures 6.75x12.75x5 inches to
resist bending on the trail. JKS discreetly fit under the rear seat
Tie Rod sleeves have a 1-inch within the OEM plastic fence and
outer diameter, allow for full provides over 400 cubic inches
toe adjustment, and are made of out-of-sight lockable storage to
from cold-rolled 1215 steel. conceal documents, electronics, and
INFO: JKS Manufacturing, other valuables. The contents of the
517/278-1226, jksmfg.com compact Underseat Lockbox are protected by Tuffy’s Pry-Guard Locking System with a 10-tumbler
double-bitted security lock with 1⁄8-inch-thick welded steel components. Constructed of welded steel
with a durable, textured black-powdercoat finish, Tuffy’s Model 368 lockbox has a weather-resistant
lid design that incorporates an exclusive Pin-Lock hinging system for added security. It secures
to existing OEM Jeep Gladiator mounting points using the supplied hardware and easy-to-follow
assembly instructions. Installation is said to be quick with standard hand tools and no drilling is
required. INFO: Tuffy Security Products, 800/348-8339, tuffyproducts.com
VINTAGE SEATS
Quadratec Heritage Premium Front Seats are designed to replace factory seats on the ’76-’95
Jeep CJ, the Wrangler YJ, and can also fit the ’97-’06 Jeep Wrangler TJ with the use of adapters
(sold separately). Heritage Premium Front Seats feature a high-back vinyl construction that is said
to improve comfort and add style with an integrated headrest, fixed back support, and reinforced
side bolsters to keep the driver centered in the seat while driving off-road. Each premium seat
comes standard with a double-stitched pattern in three custom colors that are said to enhance
the look of classic Jeeps. The Heritage seats from Quadratec use a UV-resistant vinyl covering,
which is ideal for open-air driving scenarios, and come with high-density, flame-resistant
foam for maximum durability and safety. Installation is said to require basic tools.
INFO: Quadratec, 800/745-6037, quadratec.com
10 SEPTEMBER 2022 FOUR WHEELER
RISE, RANGER!
With upper metal strut spacers, lower strut spacer rings, upper control
arms, differential brackets, rear lift blocks, and U-bolts; Skyjacker’s lift
system has what it takes to help your ’20-’22 Ford Ranger rise to the
occasion. The kit is designed to maintain proper suspension geom-
etry while not interfering with the vehicle’s electronic stability control
systems. Factory wheels are said to be compatible with the kit and the
components are designed to prevent overextension of the CV axles.
This kit is not compatible with the Ranger Tremor or vehicles equipped
with aluminum steering knuckles. INFO: Skyjacker, 318/388-0816,
skyjacker.com
PACK THE BACK
Pakmule’s cargo carrier is a TIG-welded aluminum tray boasting almost
12 square feet of space. The tray weighs 42 pounds and has a weight
carrying capacity of 500 pounds. The Pakmule’s outside dimensions
are 69x28x8.25 inches and fits 2-inch receivers. INFO: Pakmule Cargo
Carriers, 830/387-4330, pakmule.com
JUMP UNLIMITED COOL
STARTED
Design Engineering has what you need to insulate the hardtop of your
The Jump Starter 800A ’04-’06 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. Design Engineering’s five-piece peel-
from Cobra packs the and-stick kit is said to provide sound deadening and thermal insulation
punch you need to start to LJ Wranglers fitted with factory hardtops. The pieces are made
your vehicle when it’s of high-quality, marine-grade acoustical foam that resists mold and
stricken with a dead mildew, and the kits come in two finishes: Original and Leather. INFO:
Design Engineering, Inc., 800/264-9472, designengineering.com
battery. The 27.75 Wh
lithium-ion powered
jump starter is said to
hold its charge for up to
365 days and the inte-
grated fast-charge USB-A
and USB-C ports make it
easy to use the device to
recharge handheld elec-
tronics. INFO:
Cobra, 800/964-3138,
cobra.com
FORTIFIED FORD
Warn Industries has added the Ford F-150 to
its American-made Ascent Bumper lineup. The
new, lower-profile Ascent Front Bumper fits the
F-150 with minimal overhang. It will accommodate
Warn mid-frame winches, including VR EVO,
Zeon, and Zeon Platinum, up to 12,000 pounds
in capacity. The Ascent bumper features welded
recovery points that are ready for D-shackles (sold
separately) and provisions to mount a modular
prerunner Baja-style grille guard tube (also sold
separately). The bumper’s design helps increase
approach angles and is said to accommodate
tires up to 37 inches in diameter. The bumper
has ports for up to four 3-inch LED lights and
installation of the bumper is said to be simple
with pre-drilled bolt holes and cutouts to facilitate
mounting a winch.
INFO: Warn Industries, 800/543-9276, warn.com
fourwheeler.com FOUR WHEELER SEPTEMBER 2022 11
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MOTORTREND.COM/MECUM2022
FEATURE
2022
MOAB EASTER
Flatfender Jeeps, fullsize trucks, and all
4x4s in between return to the red rocks
By Jered Korfhage [email protected] Photos: Four Wheeler staff
F or the 56th year, seven-slotted machines POINT YOUR
invaded southwest Utah for the annual PHONE CAMERA
Moab Easter Jeep Safari. The event traces AT THIS CODE
back to humble beginnings—Jeep Safari TO SEE A MEGA
was once a Saturday-only affair with only GALLERY OF TRAIL
a handful of trail rides and it was run by PHOTOS FROM THE
the Moab Chamber of Commerce. In 2022 EASTER
recent years, the event has been coordinated by the JEEP SAFARI
Red Rock 4-Wheelers, a local off-road club, and it
has grown in a big way. Now, it’s common to meet fourwheeler.com
off-road enthusiasts who have made a pilgrimage
from across the United States and even from coun-
tries abroad to enjoy the Jeep Safari, an experience
that now spans more than a week.
To cap it off, the Jeep Safari Expo returned to
Moab’s Spanish Trail Arena. This two-day attrac-
tion within the safari was an incredible way for
enthusiasts to see the latest and greatest builds and
products off-road vendors had to offer. While Jeep
was undoubtedly the theme for the week, all breeds
of off-road vehicle could be found enjoying Moab’s
wonders throughout the safari—and the Four
Wheeler team was hubs-deep in the action. Read on
for a look at some of the highlights from the 2022
Moab Easter Jeep Safari.
14 SEPTEMBER 2022 FOUR WHEELER
R JEEP SAFARI
fourwheeler.com Seasoned off-roader, modifier
of Jeeps, and former Editor
of Four Wheeler, John Cappa,
works his Flatty through
Hamburger Hill, one of the
notable climbs on Moab’s
Kane Creek Canyon trail.
FOUR WHEELER SEPTEMBER 2022 15
Feature 2022 MOAB EASTER Jeep SAFARI
Adam Pfeifer’s ’14 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
climbed Potato Salad Hill after a few tries.
Matt Anderson’s ’77 Ford F-250 was shortened just enough to be nimble among the red rocks and
narrowly avoided damage in this extremely tight canyon squeeze.
Christian Hazel refused to trailer the UACJ-6D, built for the 2017 Ultimate Adventure, to Moab.
Instead, he loaded the Cummins R2.8 turbodiesel-powered machine to the gills with his safari gear and
braved the open interstate with nary a hiccup.
Pat Hemard, of Mandeville, Louisiana, put on a
show in his TJ Rubicon before putting the tires back
onto the rock and climbing the ledge.
This Bronco put its Skyjacker suspension components
and 37-inch tires to work climbing the red rocks. Another
Bronco drops down a stairstep obstacle with ease.
16 SEPTEMBER 2022 FOUR WHEELER
Pat Soffee’s ’56 Willys Pickup was unashamedly inspired by Verne Simons’ Chris Durham’s ’12 Jeep Wrangler is motivated by a 6.2L LS V-8 and shows
Wicked Willys project. Pat powered his Willys with a 5.3L V-8; shifts with a off a custom bed and Gladiator frontend conversion, among other hard-core
TH400; and sends power through an NP203/205 doubler, 1-ton axles, and add-ons.
40-inch Milestar mudders.
Dave Chappelle, of Motor
Trend’s Dirt Every Day, wheeled
the Mazda Grande up Rock
Chucker, an obstacle on Moab’s
Metal Masher trail.
Georgia Jackson’s rectangle-
rated and bass-boat-size-metal-
flake-coated Wrangler slayed some
of Moab’s toughest obstacles
while preserving its paintjob.
We witnessed two 4x4s going belly up on this obstacle. Here’s your reminder to wear a seatbelt, install a rollcage, carry a fire extinguisher, and pack your rig so that
cargo does not go flying during a tipover.
fourwheeler.com FOUR WHEELER SEPTEMBER 2022 17
Feature 2022 MOAB EASTER Jeep SAFARI
This is one rig among a crew of Samurais
that hailed from New Jersey.
Leaf springs, heavy-duty axles, and an
NP203/205 doubler all helped this first-gen
TrailBlazer get through the trails.
These folks from Fort Collins, Colorado, had this Toyota back
on the trails in no time after shearing a center pin in the front
leaf pack.
Using its stock of battery power, this
Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe hummed
almost silently across the slickrock.
If you know this obstacle, then you know how uncomfortably Dale Barnes, of Castalia,
high your passenger front tire needs to ride that wall to avoid a Ohio, fixed up his daily-driven
wheelstand on the subsequent ledge. ’83 Chevy K30 with a fuel-
injected 454, disc brakes at
18 SEPTEMBER 2022 FOUR WHEELER all corners, fresh paint, and
an aluminum tray bed with a
rear winch.
fourwheeler.com
This ’22 Nissan Frontier came to
the Four Wheeler crew loaded with the Pro-4X
package that made it more than ready for chasing
down the action around Moab. The new nine-
speed transmission paired with the 3.8L V-6 kept
the truck in its powerband on the highways and
the electronic locking rear differential, Bilstein
monotube dampers, and additional skidplating
(among other things) came in handy on the trails.
Even when faced with snow and mud, the Frontier
got the camera crew everywhere it was pointed.
No camera tilt here—Potato Salad Hill is
steep, and all kinds of 4x4s line up to test their
mettle on its array of climbs. Stick around long
enough and someone will surely go up it backwards.
If you visit Moab, we implore you to find
this large rock and drive the trail that leads
beneath it. No matter which direction you
choose, you shouldn’t be disappointed.
Bonus points if done in a flatfender.
Cora and Erik Jokinen wheel their FOUR WHEELER SEPTEMBER 2022 19
’05 LJ Wrangler all across the United States,
including to the top of the Top of the World trail.
That’s Slick!
Slickrock is, in fact, not slick at all to 4x4 enthusi-
asts. However, for the horses pulling wagons over
it in the times of the area’s early settlers, the rocks
offered little traction to their metal horseshoes,
earning the rock its unique name. FW
fourwheeler.com
FEATURE
BY FOUR WHEELER STAFF [email protected] PHOTOS: KEN BRUBAKER AND JEEP
20 SEPTEMBER 2022 FOUR WHEELER fourwheeler.com
Seven new creations from
the mad scientists at Jeep
O ne of the most anticipated parts of the annual Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah, is
when the mad scientists at Jeep unveil the latest collection of concept vehicles. For
2022, the Jeep brand and Jeep Performance Parts trotted out seven vastly different,
captivating concepts. The collection contained Wrangler Unlimited, Gladiator, and
Grand Cherokee models, each bearing a laundry list of mods and in some cases one-off
custom parts. The 2022 collection is also noteworthy because four of the seven Jeeps had
either full electric or hybrid-electric powertrains. This is the most ever in the history of
Easter Jeep Safari Jeep concepts, and an indicator of the rapid shift to electric power.
fourwheeler.com FOUR WHEELER SEPTEMBER 2022 21
Feature CAPTIVATING CONCEPTS Jered Korfhage, Staff Editor, Four Wheeler:
I don’t dig EVs for any green reasons, it’s how
the power is delivered that gets my attention.
All of it to the wheels—all at once. Mix that
with how Jeep maintained the beam axles, coil
springs, lever-shifted transfer case, and other
bits that make Jeeps, well … Jeeps, and I’d say
Magneto 2.0 suggests an exciting future for
hard-core off-road EVs. Now I really wanna
drive it over some obstacles.
Backstory Bits
“I don’t know what we’re going to do with it
next, we’re trying to figure that out. I think
we’re going to do a third version of it.”
-Mark Allen, Head ofJeep Design, Stellantis
North America
JEEP WRANGLER fourwheeler.com
MAGNETO 2.0
T he Jeep Wrangler Magneto all-electric powertrain concept dropped in 2021 and it floored
the wheeling world. We noted at the time that we felt it’s the future of off-roading, and a year
later we still stand by that opinion. Magneto featured an “axial flux electric motor” where
the internal combustion engine once sat, and it delivered 285 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. The
motor was powered by four lithium-ion battery packs that had a combined power of 70 kW/h on an
800V system and this helped Magneto accelerate from a standing stop to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds.
The motor was mated to an old-school manual gearbox and the stout Rubicon running gear.
For 2022, Magneto has been significantly reworked and rebadged as “Magneto 2.0.” Among the
highlights: Peak amperage in the propulsion system has been doubled to 600 amps, which translates to
625 hp and 850 lb-ft of torque; First gear in the manual transmission has been changed from 5.13:1 to
3.36:1; an additional 12 inches were added to the wheelbase; there’s a 3-inch suspension lift kit; 40-inch
tires; a Dynatrac ProRock 60 front axle; a Dynatrac ProRock 80 rear axle; 5.38:1 diff gears; diff
lockers; and much more. Shocker: It’s claimed that Magneto 2.0 will do 0-60 mph in 2 seconds.
Our Opinions
Ken Brubaker, Editor, Four Wheeler:
I was darn impressed by Magneto when it
debuted in 2021. Jeep definitely took the harder,
groundbreaking route with the rig, including
pairing the electric motor to a manual transmis-
sion. Magneto 2.0 is a monumental leap forward.
Example: It’s horsepower and torque outputs
dwarf those of the mighty Wrangler 392, and its
claimed 0-60 time means Magneto 2.0 would
leave the Wrangler 392 in the dust. Incredibly,
Magneto 2.0 is docile and controllable on the trail.
Sean P. Holman, Content Director, Four Wheeler:
Magneto is not the same vehicle it was last year.
More burley, more powerful, more capable, more
of everything. It drives a lot more like a rock buggy
than its previous iteration and it’s damn cool. We
all know the OEs are being forced into EVs, at
least Jeep is responding with something that shows
they haven’t forgotten about the enthusiast, and
that we are still a core part of their business.
22 SEPTEMBER 2022 FOUR WHEELER
JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE Our Opinions
TRAILHAWK 4XE
Ken Brubaker, Editor, Four Wheeler:
I n another big move for Jeep, the company will offer the first electrified Grand Cherokee in
2022. It’s called the Grand Cherokee 4xe and it offers up to 25 miles of all-electric range and It’s amazing what a set of wheels and tires can do
56 mpg equivalent (mpg-e). It’s a big deal, so it makes sense that Jeep took a Trailhawk model for a 4x4. Not only from the functional standpoint
and gave it a few creative mods. With a nod to overlanding, Jeep says, the company added but also for the visual perspective. I’ll admit I’m not
BFGoodrich mud-terrain tires, custom Neutral Gray metallic matte wheels, and custom widened the new Grand Cherokee’s biggest fan, but I really
fender flares. Other mods include a custom Industrial Blue exterior, Lagoon Blue towhooks, black- dig what Jeep did to this Grand Cherokee Trailhawk
painted Rhino Liner roof, Mopar rock rails, LED projector foglamps, custom vinyl side graphics, 4xe concept. The LT295/55R20 (almost 33-inch)
and saddle-colored upholstered seats with “Rodney” houndstooth inserts. BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain KM3s pair well with the
vehicle’s size and the meaty look of the tires is an
Like the production Grand Cherokee 4xe, the concept is powered by a pair of electric motors, a interesting juxtaposition to the Grand’s smooth lines.
400V battery pack, 2.0L turbocharged engine, and a TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmis-
sion. The suspension is the adjustable Quadra-Lift air suspension, and it has a class-exclusive sway- Sean P. Holman, Content Director, Four Wheeler:
bar disconnect system to improve front suspension articulation.
This one was a win for me. I am already a big fan of
the Grand Cherokee Trailhawk 4xe and it’s a very
capable wheeler out of the box. The first time I drove
one, I thought it would be quietly impressive as an
overlanding rig, just needed a little more wheel and
tire and some aftermarket support. Well, Jeep deliv-
ered on that thought by carving out the wheelwells on
the concept and fitting a bigger wheel and tire pack-
age. The fear of pinch flats is real, though, so I would
have stuck to an 18, but it is proof that the platform
itself has the ability to be very good.
Jered Korfhage, Staff Editor, Four Wheeler:
The Trail Rated badge on the independently sus-
pended Grand Cherokee Trailhawk 4xe concept gave
me pause, and the wheel-to-tire ratio seemed to favor
the metallic matte than it did black rubber, but there
was more to the concept than that. This wasn’t about
making a rockcrawler, it was about highlighting how
far a few upgrades can take an already exciting SUV.
There was a lot to like about the articulation offered
by the air suspension and how the grabbier tires held
the rock.
Backstory Bits
“That particular car had just finished doing Rubicon
Trail and they were not kind to it. It was beat to
snot. But it’s a good, solid car. Underneath of it was
pretty ugly, we had to replace a number of body
panels and stuff, but it’s a veteran of the Rubicon
Trail. Looks like a brand-new car. I think it’s one of
my favorites. For different reasons than Wrangler.”
-Mark Allen, Head of Jeep Design,
Stellantis North America
Feature CAPTIVATING CONCEPTS
JEEP ’41
T he Jeep ’41 retro concept is Jeep’s latest too subtle to realize all the little touches. I Backstory Bits
nod to its longstanding military heritage appreciated the wheel style and overall looks,
and the Willys. It rides on 35-inch and I like the touch of digital camo on the seats “It’s pointing toward a production release of some
mud-terrain tires that fit perfectly without throwing camo in your face to scream sort along those lines, but won’t be exactly like that.
thanks in part to a Jeep Performance Parts “because military theme!” So maybe subtle was But that’s something we want to do. I will tell you
2-inch suspension lift. The exterior color is the wrong term, maybe its restraint that is the that as a young designer inJeep studio when I first
olive D.R.A.B., and it covers even the fender key to this one. started, I kept drawing and coming up with things
flares, mirror caps, and 17-inch Fifteen52 that were sort of military inspiredJeeps, and we
Analog HD aluminum wheels. There’s black- Jered Korfhage, Staff Editor, Four Wheeler: were not allowed to do that, and I do not know why
powdercoated steel bumpers, a Warn winch, that was.This would’ve been middle to late ’90s
Jeep Performance Parts bumper hoop and half Not my favorite military inspired Jeep concept, when I was a designer on the board. I got tired of
doors, a tan soft top, accent-colored towhooks, that award goes to the cardboard-beige JK2A asking and just started doing it and we’ve done
and a custom stenciled graphics package from Staff Car from 2015, with its NDT tires, blackout a few military things like the Willys package
the Jeep Graphic Studio. Inside, ’41 sports lights, canvas top, and other items. However, if and stuff that we do now.”
canvas-colored seats with digital camo inserts any part of the Jeep ’41 concept makes it into -Mark Allen, Head ofJeep Design,
and Serafil 1043 stitching, Rhino-lined heavy- the hands of Jeep enthusiasts, let it be that olive Stellantis NorthAmerica
texture floor in D.R.A.B., along with many D.R.A.B. color scheme.
other custom mods.
The Jeep ’41 concept is based on a Jeep
Wrangler Unlimited 4xe, so its retro styling
cues belie its high-tech foundation. The concept
has two electric drive motors, a high-voltage
battery pack, 2.0L turbocharged I-4 engine,
and Torque-Flite eight-speed transmission. The
Jeep’s plug-in hybrid powertrain offers a range
of up to 21 miles of electric-only propulsion and
49 mpg-e.
Our Opinions
Ken Brubaker, Editor, Four Wheeler:
Is it wrong that the first thing I noticed on Jeep
’41 was the vintage-looking 17-inch wheels? Jeep
couldn’t have chosen a better wheel for this concept
in my opinion. Everything about Jeep ’41 works
for me, from the interior and exterior color choices
to the BFG Mud-Terrain 35s. In my opinion, Jeep
threw a curveball by powering Jeep ’41 with the
plug-in hybrid system and not the diesel.
Sean P. Holman, Content Director, Four Wheeler:
This one was cool enough, but it was almost
24 SEPTEMBER 2022 FOUR WHEELER fourwheeler.com
Feature CAPTIVATING CONCEPTS Sean P. Holman, Content Director, Four Wheeler:
While it’s not production intent, I have it on good
authority that there are some very real hints that
you will see on the upcoming 20th anniversary
Rubicon. I can’t and won’t tell you what they
are, but I am sure if you stare at the pictures long
enough, you can figure it out. Overall, the look is
freshened with that sculptured grille and the 3D
graphics, and I am especially drawn to the 37-inch
tires and the on-board air. I mean, with everything
a Rubicon comes with today, it’s hard to imagine
one that’s even better. Unless it came from the
factory with 37-inch tires and onboard air.
JEEP RUBICON Jered Korfhage, Staff Editor, Four Wheeler:
20TH ANNIVERSARY
Even the V-8 and two choices of exhaust tone
T he Rubicon Trail is legendary and so is Jeep’s Rubicon option package. It’s hard to believe for the Rubicon 20th Anniversary concept don’t
that so much time has passed since Jeep introduced the fabulous Rubicon package on the drown out the voice in my head that’s pining for
2003 model year Wrangler two-door, yet here we are. The Rubicon package took the off-road the slower-than-you-can-walk 4.0:1 gear reduc-
world by storm and included Dana 44 axles, front and rear lockers, disconnecting sway bar, tion in the transfer case and the option to select
rock rails, and 33-inch tires. To celebrate the milestone of the Rubicon package, Jeep has trotted out 2WD. How can I be underwhelmed by a Jeep
the Rubicon 20th Anniversary concept. that’s so powerful?
The concept is based on the incredible Wrangler Rubicon 392 with its 6.2L supercharged V-8. To Backstory Bits
improve the Jeep’s performance, a Jeep Performance Parts 2-inch suspension lift, Mopar beadlock-
capable wheels, and 37-inch mud-terrain tires were installed. The exterior was treated to some “I think the Rubicon is so special to us. It changed
custom touches, including steel bumpers, Warn winch, steel bellypan, custom-built half doors, the industry. It really did. We were on a trail the
performance hood with center scoop, Granite Crystal vinyl wrap, gold towhooks and badging, other day and every vehicle on it was a Rubicon.”
Rubicon 20th anniversary hood decal, American flag fender decal, and Mopar rear swing gate. -Mark Allen, Head ofJeep Design,
Stellantis NorthAmerica
Our Opinions this concept should’ve been based on a two-door
Wrangler, like the original Rubicon in 2003. And
Ken Brubaker, Editor, Four Wheeler: it shouldn’t have a top on it, let alone a hard top.
Heck, even the little center caps on the wheels
While I appreciate the look, airy feel, and show a two-door topless Jeep.
ample power of the Rubicon 20th Anniversary
concept, I feel Jeep missed the boat on this one
in a couple of major ways. It’s my opinion that
26 SEPTEMBER 2022 FOUR WHEELER
JEEP BOB
J eep says the Bob concept was designed to blur the lines between the Wrangler and Gladiator.
“Bob” is a reference to “bobbing,” or shortening the beds of pickup trucks to enhance their
off-road utility, and in this case also a subdued reference to an early ’90s scandal. Bob started
as a standard Jeep Gladiator Rubicon before its bed was bobbed by 12 inches, the B-pillar was
removed, the hardtop was modified, and orange canvas was stretched overhead to protect passengers
from the elements.
Suspension components from EVO Manufacturing and King Off-Road Racing Shocks allow
the Dynatrac ProRock 60 axles, 40-inch tires, and 20-inch beadlocks plenty of room to flex.
Custom work on the fenders helps to accommodate the big rubber and both bumpers are tailored
to improve approach and departure angles. The bed still has space to mount a fullsize spare tire, it
shows off unique placements for auxiliary switches and air chucks and has storage up above with a
cargo rack. The carbon-fiber hood is vented, and a turbodiesel V-6 lives underneath.
Our Opinions more? There is not a better Easter egg than that. add to this one is scuffs on the armor because I
Shortening jokes aside, this one is done right and truly want to wheel it.
Ken Brubaker, Editor, Four Wheeler: is the ultimate trail Gladiator. To the Bob, I say
“Yes, please.” Backstory Bits
Yes, please! I dig how this Gladiator looks with
12 inches lopped off the bed, and I’m an even Jered Korfhage, Staff Editor, Four Wheeler: “The working title for that was Lorena.And maybe
bigger fan of how it helps make the truck more you’ll get that. Nobody did in my group. Ms. Bobbitt …
capable on the trail. I imagine that after all the Jeep might as well have dressed this one in boots she’s on the keychain by the way, and we cleaned it
mods Jeep had to show restraint by fitting Bob and a cape because it’s an off-road superhero— up to Bob. It was funny because I work with a bunch
with “only” 40s because it appears the truck and there’s lots to be entertained by here, all the of 22-year-olds, and they had no idea what we were
could handle bigger meats. I’d love to have way down to the Bob Doff (say it slowly) dealer- talking about with Lorena Bobbitt.That was a brand-
this Gladiator in my garage, though I’d need to ship license plate frame. We have what appears new truck, I think it had 50 miles on it, a brand-new
replace all that annoying orange. to be the departure angle of a modified Wrangler, diesel we cut up which is pretty cool.” -Mark Allen,
a bed that can still do truck bed stuff, and the Head of Jeep Design, Stellantis North America
Sean P. Holman, Content Director, Four Wheeler: down-low torque of the EcoDiesel. All that I’d
The keychain is Lorena Bobbitt, need I say FOUR WHEELER SEPTEMBER 2022 27
fourwheeler.com
Feature CAPTIVATING CONCEPTS
Our Opinions
Ken Brubaker, Editor, Four Wheeler:
I think that D-Coder is a creative way to highlight
what’s available for the Gladiator from Jeep
Performance Parts. In the end, I pictured the truck
with no QR codes, and all the red parts painted
flat black and, in my mind, it was a cool rig.
Almost all the parts on the truck from JPP serve a
functional purpose and that’s a good thing.
Sean P. Holman, Content Director, Four Wheeler:
Brilliant way to show every part you have in your
catalog in a way that people can engage with
the products and vehicles, while showing them
attached in real life. As a marketing exercise it
gets an A+, as a Jeep I’d want to put in my drive-
way and take on the trail, I’ll plead the Fifth.
JEEP D-CODER Jered Korfhage, Staff Editor, Four Wheeler:
D -Coder is designed so you can point your mobile device’s camera at any of the 35-plus QR Wow, that’s a ton of red. I’m looking past
(quick response) codes found on the Jeep Gladiator D-Coder concept to learn more about the codes and colors and taking a moment to
this rolling high-performance parts catalog. To make parts spotting even easier, most of the appreciate the breadth and depth of the Jeep
add-ons are painted in Maraschino Red. Each part has been thoroughly tested at the factory Performance Parts catalog. Disappointed the JPP
and they are all available for purchase. Gorilla Glass windshield didn’t follow the color
scheme, so I could see the trail through rose-
D-Coder rolls around with Jeep Performance Parts (JPP) 17x8.5, five-spoke, beadlock wheels colored … never mind, I’ll see myself out.
while 37-inch BFGoodrich mud-terrains grip the trails. There’s a JPP snorkel to keep water and dust
out of the 3.6L V-6 and the cold-air intake and cat-back dual exhaust system from Mopar enhance Backstory Bits
performance. Other exciting parts in red include JPP steel rock rails, JPP tube doors and mirrors,
color-matched Katzkin leather seats, a three-piece modular front bumper, a trail rail system, above- “When we came up with the D-Coder idea we started thinking
bed cargo basket, and a Warn winch. what colors can we contrast it with and we talked about
should it be blue, like Mopar blue, should it be green, people
associate green withJeep, and then we said let’s go super
high contrast and that’s how we came up with the red, so
high contrast red and black on it, and then putting all the QR
codes on there, cool military fonts on there as well, there’s
some Easter eggs thrown in there too that customers will be
able to find on their own, so it’s a pretty cool way I think to let
customers interface with the product as well.”
-MarkTrostle, Head of Design, RamTruck and Mopar
28 SEPTEMBER 2022 FOUR WHEELER
JEEP BIRDCAGE
F olding down the windshield can only open up your trail experience by so much, so the Jeep
Performance Parts (JPP) team did away with it all together, and then some. Wide open and
extreme were at the core of the Jeep Birdcage concept and the lack of front glass was only the
beginning of the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe-based machine.
Birdcage showcases JPP’s 2-inch lift kit, which features coils and Fox shocks specifically
tuned for the Wrangler 4xe, and the Jeep rides on 37-inch BFGoodrich mudders with 17x8.5 JPP
five-spoke beadlocks. The flat fender flares on Birdcage integrate the factory DRLs and above
the header you’ll find a trio of JPP TYRI 14-inch LED lights. Out back, Mopar’s Add-A-Trunk
concept decklid panel creates a secure storage space for gear while the roof is off, and it is said to be
spacious enough to stow a full-size cooler. Additional storage space is offered by the Rhino-Rack
cargo basket mounted to the top of the rollcage. Surf Blue towhooks out front bookend the custom
high-clearance bumper/skidplate combo and the recovery points match the accent stitching found
inside Birdcage, as well as decals throughout. Hues of Tobacco Leaf and Cocoa Brown are used on
the leather seats and on Birdcage’s dash panels.
Our Opinions Sean P. Holman, Content Director, Four Wheeler: Jered Korfhage, Staff Editor, Four Wheeler:
Ken Brubaker, Editor, Four Wheeler: Cool Jeep, bro. Seriously though, this one is Really digging Birdcage from the front and the
much more interesting and imaginative than a back. For example, the custom work on the grille
I think Birdcage is one of the most fascinating catalog build. I love that JPP is using it to test that envelops the Warn winch and the stubby-yet-
Jeeps that JPP has trotted out in Moab in a few new ideas and products in front of their custom- sleek bumper help nail that approach angle. Also,
years. The sheer number of custom features and ers. It shows a level of imagination that rivals the swinging out the tailgate, there’s some inspiration
creative ideas are amazing. Some mods, like the design guy’s builds, despite more constraints on to mount your onboard air system behind the
lack of windshield glass and windshield wipers, the JPP team. spare tire.
are simply design exercises, but it looks cool, and
I found that on a windy day in the desert goggles Backstory Bits
are needed to drive or ride in Birdcage. On that
alone I give thumbs up. “The fenders are concept fenders that we are
actually trying to get customer feedback on at this
event.This will be at Walker Drug on display in the
Jeep Performance Parts exhibit. Same with the rear
what I call add-a-trunk on it. It’s a concept but the
depth of it is that we want to make it, but we want
to make it as long as people want it, so this event is
a great way to us to get that feedback on it.”
-MarkTrostle, Head of Design,
RamTruck and Mopar
fourwheeler.com FOUR WHEELER SEPTEMBER 2022 29
POINT YOUR PHONE CAMERA fourwheeler.com
AT THIS CODE TO READ PART 1
OF THE DENTSIDE SAGA
30 SEPTEMBER 2022 FOUR WHEELER
By Ryan Kennelly [email protected] Photos: Ryan Kennelly
I n the previous issue of Four Wheeler
we shared the saga of finding, buying,
and driving our ’75 Ford F-100 from
Reno, Nevada, to SoCal. Well, the story
has just begun. Now we’re making a few
upgrades to replace worn parts while
giving the old Ford a bold new look.
Wired
Think of wiring as the nervous system of a 4x4. Small wires complete
circuits to operate everything from headlights to the vehicle’s igni-
tion. The driver is the brain of the operation and a simple flip of a
switch or the turn of a key produces a flow of electricity to a light
or a coil. Sometimes these currents are disrupted by broken wires
or corrosion. Our Ford decided that it didn’t intend on offering
working turn signals or brake lights. Just under the steering wheel
is the turn signal switch and this is the first place we looked to solve
this problem. In this instance, a previous owner had fiddled with
the switch rendering it useless, but a replacement switch brought the
blinking lights back to life. Since we had the steering wheel off, we
replaced the cracked and worn original wheel with a nice reproduc-
tion unit from Dennis Carpenter Ford Restorations.
FOUR WHEELER SEPTEMBER 2022 31
Tech DENTSIDE
Battery Gauges Tell the Story
Equally as important as the wiring is the battery. Having a securely One of our pet peeves are nonfunctioning gauges. The old Ford had
mounted battery that produces plenty of power could be the heart of no dash lights and the dash cluster lens was heavily discolored. This
the electrical system. We installed an oversized Group 27 deep cycle was like having no gauges at all. After a quick search, we found that
marine battery. This battery does a great job providing 85Ah and 800 Dennis Carpenter Ford Restorations had a replacement bezel lens
cca and it’ll work great for things like 12V fridges and hard winch pulls. to virtually restore the dash cluster to new. Careful dusting with
To secure the oversized battery we built a custom mount, ensuring the compressed air made each gauge brilliant in color again. Finally, we
battery couldn’t get free during hard or off-camber wheeling. changed all the dash bulbs out to LEDs for a sharp, clean look at night.
Flooring Has Multiple Jobs Suspension
We see so many awesome builds where the interior seems to be left in the With the cockpit sorted out, it was time to move under the truck.
dust and that’s too bad because flooring is the first line of defense for heat Suspension is the key to a great riding truck. Bushings, springs, and
and sound deadening. It also finishes out the interior with an inviting, shocks are all subject to fail over time, so it’s important to use components
clean look. In this instance we chose to use OC Auto Carpets’ Essex that stand the test of time. Since Skyjacker Suspensions has been lifting
Ultra-Plush Carpet. We also opted for the “Mass Backing” for additional Dentside trucks since they were new, we went to the experts. The team
heat and sound reduction. While the factory flooring was out of the at Skyjacker love vintage Fords and make a variety of kits with different
truck, we sealed up the floor with a rattle can bedliner material. Before heights and spring rates. This allowed us to tailor our suspension to carry
we installed the new flooring, we added Reflectix insulation that can be all the camping gear for a week of backcountry camping, increase wheel
found at your local hardware store. This stuff works pretty good as a first travel, and maintain a comfortable ride while traversing hard sandstone
line of defense against heat soaking the floor on long drives. ledges as we work our way down to the best hidden fishing spots.
32 SEPTEMBER 2022 FOUR WHEELER
Let’s break down the components we used on the F-100 4x4 from Wheels & Tires
Skyjacker, beginning with radius arm drops. These parts are often
overlooked. When lifting a radius arm truck, the arm angle goes from Many builders will tell you that their design of a vehicle is based off the
a relaxed position absorbing bumps to a loaded position that jams the wheels & tires. There is so much truth to that statement from perfor-
suspension into the hard-edge-faced obstacles like speed bumps and mance to style. On this build we reached out to 4 Wheel Parts and picked
curbs or those sandstone ledges we spoke of. Lowering the pivot point of up a set of the company’s Factory T-Series wheels. The 17x8.5 wheel had
the radius arm relaxes the suspension with its new spring height. the perfect backspace of 4.75 inches so the tires would clear the fenders
at full bump. A set of 35x12.50R17LT Milestar Patagonia X/T tires filled
No matter what shocks are bolted under a 4x4, poor spring choice will out the wheelwells of Dentside perfectly, as if Ford intended it that way.
ruin a vehicle’s ride quality. Skyjacker is constantly refining spring tech-
nology to make sure the end user gets the best bang for the buck. In this
instance, we chose Skyjacker’s 174VS front coil springs. These springs,
based on our testing, had a variable rate of 290 pounds to 305 pounds.
This is a nice feature. The vehicle rides down the highway on the lower
rate, and the rate gently increases the more travel you use. Simply put,
when you jam into ditches at high speed you use the higher rate, which
reduces the time spent smashed against the bumpstops.
Leaf springs not only serve as the linkage that couples the axle to
the frame, but they also flex and conform to the road bumps to keep the
vehicle compliant. Skyjacker provides multiple rates of leaf packs at
multiple heights. For this build, we chose a 6-inch-lift spring so we could
remove the factory 2-inch block for a net lift of 4 inches. At the time
of ordering, we had planned for a camper in the bed so the extra height
would be zeroed out with the additional weight.
Shock absorbers have a primary goal of damping road force and
keeping the occupants comfortable along the way. Shocks come in
many forms and aftermarket units are often purchased as a cosmetic
upgrade more so than for the intended use. In this application we needed
soft, comfortable shocks that needed no service for a very long time.
Skyjacker sent us a set of Nitro 8000 shocks that complement the ride
quality of the springs. The twin-tube design carries oil in an outer reser-
voir, which does three things: It adds a coolant jacket around the main
shock body, stores additional oil for prolonged use, and meters the low-
speed bumps as the oil passes between chambers.
Tech DENTSIDE
The Whole Package We Couldn’t Make This Up If We Tried
Once the truck was on its new suspension, wheels, and tires, we had The terrible fuel mileage and high gas prices forced us to park the F-100. As parts
a few more details to go. The F-100 no longer looked like Uncle trickled in for the next leg of Dentside’s journey, we set them in the bed of the
Jessie’s truck, so we felt it needed a little period-correct tribute to truck. Occasionally we would go to lunch or the parts store to make sure the truck
the oil & gas industry. A local shop designed the logos with patina was running well. After a long weekend, we rolled into the shop and saw the F-100
to match the truck. We scrubbed the truck with Ajax cleaner to was no longer there. We asked around and found that the shop next door to ours
get all the oxidization off then applied the decals. A coat of wax was broken into and the thieves stole Dentside and its contents to move the stolen
brought the original paint to a satin finish. And with that, we felt the goods. The good news is that the F-100 has been recovered. The bad news … well,
aesthetics were complete. the associated photo of the recovered truck tells some of the story and we’ll have
the rest of the story in Part 3 of Dentside in next month’s issue of Four Wheeler.
Road Test
What’s Next? We’re happy with the chassis and classic look of the
With the truck looking like it rolled straight off the oil fields it
was time to go for a drive, so we headed out to a local desert using F-100, but the drivetrain could use some modernization. The 360ci engine
all backroads. The first thing we noticed was the ride quality. settled in at about 7 mpg after the lift. The C6 transmission shifted great but
The Skyjacker suspension was compliant and never touched the the front seal developed a puddle at every parking spot and the NP203 transfer
bumpstops during normal driving. The additional travel soaked up case never had a chance. We plan to upgrade all those parts in search of better
everything on the roads. The Skyjacker Nitro 8000 shocks were fuel mileage and better on- and off-road driveability, so stay tuned. FW
evenly matched to the springs, each taking part in damping the ride
as partners, sharing the responsibility of keeping us comfortable
in the cab. The Factory T-Series 17-inch wheels rolled smooth and
true, keeping the tires tight to the feature lines of Dentside. The
Patagonia X/T tires added to the compliant ride, silently soaking up
cracks and texture in the pavement. Once we reached the dirt, we
aired the X/Ts down 15 psi. The X/Ts are incredibly grippy, so much
so that the 360ci engine could hardly spin the tires. The suspension
quietly did its job as we rolled through obstacles placed in our way.
The newfound ground clearance made short work of dirt berms we
drove to access test areas. As the sun set, Dentside’s lights worked
perfectly and the LED lighting in the dash cluster was a nice treat as
we monitored the gauges for any changes during the ride home. The
insulation of the Essex Ultra-Plush Carpet and other sound dead-
ening additions kept road noise to a minimum. So far, so good.
34 SEPTEMBER 2022 FOUR WHEELER fourwheeler.com
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FJ5.3FEATURE
DANNY SOLIS’ LS-POWERED
1963 LAND CRUISER FJ40
E ven if the Toyota Land Cruiser
FJ40 wasn’t the first mass-
produced, open-top, body-on-
frame 4x4, it is arguably the
world’s best. These durable SUVs,
along with their predecessors
(the FJ25 and the truck-based
FJ45), are probably the most
widespread and globally recognizable
4x4s on the face of the earth. Toyota did
a great job of mimicking many great
designs from other automotive manufac-
turers to build a bulletproof 4x4 that has a
hard-earned reputation for durability, capa-
bility, and reliability. Built between 1960 and
1984 (and between 1968 and 2001 in Brazil),
hundreds of thousands, if not millions,
of these venerable 4x4s were produced.
Daniel (Danny) Solis’ ’63 FJ40 is simple the driver seat) of his dad’s Jeep, but when POINT YOUR
yet effective. With GM LS power, a reliable it came time for him to build himself an PHONE CAMERA
TH350 transmission, dual Toyota mini-truck off-road machine, he decided he wanted to AT THIS CODE
transfer cases, a built FJ40 front axle, and be different and went with the Toyota. After TO SEE A COOL
a shaved GM full-float 14-bolt rear axle, following Danny during some recent 4x4 BIG-BLOCK–
this thing is anvil-tough in the dunes and as dune surfing, we knew we had to get more POWERED FJ40
reliable as a Toyota or GM product can be. details on the FJ40 so we could share this
Danny grew up riding in the back (and later, simple yet effective rig with you. fourwheeler.com
By Verne Simons [email protected] Photos: Verne Simons
36 SEPTEMBER 2022 FOUR WHEELER
fourwheeler.com FOUR WHEELER SEPTEMBER 2022 37
Feature fj5.3
Toyota FJ40s can be found off-road around the
world. Danny’s ’63 is a fine example that’s built with
care and vetted, reliable parts that excel in the dunes,
paved roads, or trails. In fact, there isn’t much we
wouldn’t do different from the formula Danny followed.
We love the simple spring-over suspension up front
with the well-thought-out four-link in the rear.
The front axle in this FJ40 started as a stock housing that Danny
converted to use Toyota mini-truck disc brakes. An Eaton Detroit Locker spins
chromoly axleshafts via 4.88 gears. The Cruiser has an FJ60 steering box for
power steering. The suspension consists of factory front leaf springs, a spring-
over with shackle reversal, and Bilstein 5160 shocks. RuffStuff Specialties forged
six-lug wheel hubs for the GM Corporate full-float 14-bolt rear axle allow the front
and rear wheels to match. The disc brakes on the 14-bolt were also sourced from
RuffStuff Specialties.
The 14-bolt’s housing was shaved and filled with a spool and 4.88 gears. Danny built the axle truss and the rear fourwheeler.com
four-link suspension. King 2.5x14-inch shocks damp the rear. Danny did all of the fabrication on the cage, bumpers, tire
carrier, and more. Dual gear-driven Toyota mini-truck transfer cases allow for two low-range ratios behind the GM TH350
transmission. Tom Wood’s driveshafts spin the axles’ internals.
38 SEPTEMBER 2022 FOUR WHEELER
Danny spent 10 years as a GM Advanced ASE
Master Technician, so when it came to choosing a
powerplant, a GM 5.3L LM7 was an easy choice. The
engine-powered, modified York A/C compressor for
onboard air sits on Goat Built brackets.
Everything under the hood is very well pack-
aged, including this side-mounted Optima RedTop
battery. Honda Prelude and PRP seats offer enough
seating so the whole family can enjoy Danny’s Toyota.
The interior is clean and includes Auto Meter gauges for telemetry and a Winters Sidewinder shifter to
control the TH350. A Summit Racing-sourced fuel cell holds the go-juice behind the back seat.
AT A GLANCE
GENERAL
Vehicle: ’63 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40
Owner: Daniel Solis
Stomping grounds: Southern California
Build time: About 4 years
DRIVETRAIN
Engine: GM 5.3L LM7 V-8
Transmission: TH350
Transfer case: Dual Toyota mini-truck
Low range ratio: 2.28:1 x 2 = 4.56:1
Max crawl ratio: 56.1:1
Front axle/differential: FJ40, chromoly axleshafts, 4.88
gears/Eaton Detroit Locker
Rear axle/differential: Shaved GM Corporate 14-bolt, disc
brakes, 4.88 gears/spool
SUSPENSION
Front: FJ40 springs, spring-over, shackle reversal, Bilstein
5160 shocks
Rear: Four-link, triangulated uppers, Enduro joints, King
2.5x14-in coilovers, Locked Off-Road bumpstops
TIRES/WHEELS
Tires: 37x12.50R17 Goodyear Wrangler MT/R
Wheels: 17x10 Pro Comp steel Rock Crawler
MISCELLANEOUS
Cool stuff: Re-covered Honda Prelude seats, PRP seats,
Tom Wood’s driveshafts, Maaco $400 paintjob, Winters
Sidewinder shifter, Summit Racing fuel cell fw
fourwheeler.com FOUR WHEELER SEPTEMBER 2022 39
Tech
GOING THE wanted more. So, we nearly doubled the fuel
DISTANCE range using mostly factory replacement parts
from Omix-ADA.
How to increase an Intermediate CJ-5’s fuel capacity
Truth is, we got this idea from our friend and
longtime Jeep guy Mike Tarvin. The idea is
pretty simple. Intermediate CJ-5s (and CJ-6s)
have the same driver-side seat bracket as earlier
CJ-5s with a gaping space underneath where
in an early CJ-5 there would be the factory
10-gallon under-seat fuel tank. The recess for the
fuel door is still stamped into the Intermediate
body tub and the space is basically asking to be
used. All one has to do is gather some factory
new or used replacement parts, a fuel selector
valve, some extra fuel hose, and do some trim-
ming to get a 10-gallon under-seat tank added to
an Intermediate CJ-5 (or CJ-6).
By Verne Simons [email protected] Photos: Verne Simons POINT YOUR PHONE
CAMERA AT THIS CODE
I ntermediate CJ-5s are a bit of a conundrum from a fuel capacity standpoint. The fuel- TO READ TIPS ON HOW
sipping 134ci I-4 that the original CJ-5s had was replaced with a thirsty AMC 304ci V-8 TO BUY A VINTAGE CJ-5
or similarly thirsty AMC I-6, but the fuel capacity of these early Jeeps did not grow on the
same scale as engine displacement. That was the situation with our ’74 CJ-5. It didn’t have SOURCE
great fuel economy and the factory fuel tank seemed to only hold 14-15 gallons. At 9-11
mpg the range was low, really low, making fuel stops frequent and inconvenient. Omix-ADA
This problem is as old as Jeeps, and we’ve solved it to some extent by the addition of a 5-gallon
jerrycan and mount. That seemed like a decent way to get about a third more fuel range, but we 800/328-9512, omix-ada.com
40 SEPTEMBER 2022 FOUR WHEELER fourwheeler.com
The first step is to remove the driver seat from the Jeep. That gives access to the space where the tank will live. Next, we had to cut a hole. To start the cut,
we took the Omix-ADA fuel filler neck and held it in the factory stamped location and traced it. Our cut line was about 1⁄2-inch inside this line.
We made the first piercing cut with a cutoff wheel in a 41⁄2-inch angle grinder and then finished the cut with an air saw and a cordless reciprocating saw. We then
cleaned up the edges with a file and a drum sander in a pneumatic grinder. We got a new steel replacement tank for an early CJ-5 from Omix-ADA. We have used the
plastic tanks and although they work, too, and won’t rust, they don’t look quite as factory original. The tank is shown here in the box with the Omix-ADA gas cap in place.
With the window for the fuel filler
cut, we test-fit the tank to see how
things were going to work.
fourwheeler.com FOUR WHEELER SEPTEMBER 2022 41
Tech going the distance
There are two nipples on the bottom of the tank that will need holes for clearance. One is for the fuel outlet and the other is a drain that sits a bit lower than the
fuel outlet. Just to be difficult, we blocked off the port for the fuel outlet with a plug from the local parts store, a 1⁄4-inch inverted flare plug with 7⁄16-inch fine threads. This
gives us a little more volume from the tank. We then added a 1⁄4-inch NPT to 5⁄16-inch barb to the drain for our fuel line. We later added a 90-degree elbow to this barb. We
used a hole saw and a step drill bit to make holes in the floor for these two recesses. With these holes, our Jeep’s floor is basically like an early CJ-5 floor from the factory.
The gas tank needs to be held up off the floor. In the past we’ve used lengths of 1⁄4-inch fuel hose to do this job, but Omix-ADA has an original-style felt kit. The bits of felt
hold the tank off the floor just like the factory did it on early CJ-5s.
With the tank roughly in place in the Jeep, we installed the fuel tank sending unit and gasket using #10-32 screws from the hardware store. The gasket and
the sending unit have to be clocked properly for the holes to line up. Also shown is the fuel tank selector valve we used for this project. It should be available at any
boat supply store, as it’s a part borrowed from the marine industry. Our buddy Mike also pointed out that we could use an electric selector valve (like Standard Motor
Products’ FV1) usually used on dual tank setups in older fullsize trucks. Just add a switch that gives the wire to the valve 12 volts and figure out which port is open all
the time and which two turn on and off with the switch.
We ordered the wrong kind of fuel
tank retaining strap from Omix-ADA, but
we found the correct part number and it’s
included in the parts list with this story.
In a pinch, we were able to make a strap
to hold the tank down with a piece of
1-inch-wide galvanized steel we got at the
hardware store. Two bolts tighten to the
floor and step up in the tub to retain the
tank. We cut some 5⁄8-inch hose, slit it down
the middle, and slipped it over the 1-inch
strap to isolate the tank and reduce any
harmful rubbing.
42 SEPTEMBER 2022 FOUR WHEELER
With the tank held in place you can add the Omix-ADA fuel neck grommet to the replacement fuel neck housing and slide that over the neck on the gas tank. We
then secured the replacement fuel neck housing to the tub with some 1⁄8-inch pop rivets once it was centered on the neck. We then drilled a couple of holes to mount the
selector valve in between the tank and the toolbox that resides under our passenger seat. The rest of the install needs to be done under the Jeep.
Routing the new hoses so they don’t rub on anything that moves or gets hot is important. It’s also a bit of a game to figure out what hose to attach to which port on
the valve. We figured out how to do this so that the paddle switch on the valve will either point back (fuel comes from the rear, factory tank) or forward (fuel comes from
the under-seat tank). When we drain the 14-15 gallons in the stock tank, we should be able to switch to the 10-gallon under-seat tank before the engine stalls out … we
hope. The last thing we did is cut the 5⁄16-inch fuel hose that originally ran from the rear tank to the metal fuel line that runs along the frame. To keep from bathing in fuel,
you can use special tools for closing off fuel lines, but we closed off the line with a small pair of locking pliers. With that done, we connected the two loose ends from the
selector valve to the feed and engine sides of this hose.
How Did It Work? Omix-ADA Parts List
With the Jeep ready for more adventure, we hit the trail. Pretty quickly we realized that •Replacement ’55-’68 CJ fuel tank: PN 17720.06
the under-seat tank either needs a separate tank vent or a vented gas cap. As a quick fix •Gas Tank Felt Kit for ’41-’69 CJ: PN 12021.87
we drilled a tiny hole in the center of the non-vented gas cap to allow the system to vent. •Fuel Tank Strap Kit for ’41-’71 CJ: PN 12025.28
The best long-term solution would be to add a vent line and some hose that runs in a loop •Non-Vented Gas Cap for ’45-’69 CJ: PN 17726.02
over the rollbar to the new tank’s filler neck or to add a rollover vent valve. •Gas Tank Sending Unit for ’55-’66 CJ: PN 17724.02
•Gasket, Fuel Sending Unit for ’54-’67 CJ: PN 17725.02
All in all, the new tank was a great addition to the Jeep. We now have 25 total gallons •Fuel Filler Neck Housing for ’46-’71 CJ: PN 12025.25
of fuel capacity, and at an estimated 9-12 mpg we can go somewhere around 225-300 •Fuel Filler Neck Grommet for ’45-’71 CJ: PN 12025.23
miles, on- and off-road.
Additional Parts
fourwheeler.com
•Five 1⁄8-inch aluminum rivets and rivet tool
•Manual Marine Fuel Selector Valve (or if you want to get
fancy and add an electric selector valve: Standard Motor
Products FV1)
•8-10 feet of 5⁄16-inch fuel hose
•Two 5⁄16-inch brass barbed fuel splices
•Eight band clamps for the fuel hoses
•Four male 1⁄4-inch NPT by 5⁄16-inch fuel barbs for the
selector valve and fuel tank
•One to three 1⁄4-inch NPT 90-degree elbows (may need these
for clearance depending on where you place the tank) FW
FOUR WHEELER SEPTEMBER 2022 43
L ong ago, one of the staffers at our sister fourwheeler.com
publication Jp magazine had an idea …
either that or he accidentally bought a ’56
Willys Jeep CJ-5 body with a title as part of
an ongoing off-road vehicle addiction. Many
current Four Wheeler readers were readers
of Jp and you know the staff had many
project ideas. The Jp staffer who built the popular
Project Ground-Up CJ-5 says that most of his project
ideas never came to fruition for lack of a few things:
self-confidence, time, and money. Today, that
same staffer will admit that he’s not
sure why he thought Project
Ground-Up was a good idea
but looking back he has to
admit that it was definitely
one of the best ones.
POINT YOUR
PHONE CAMERA
AT THIS CODE
TO READ MORE
ABOUT PROJECT
GROUND-UP
44 SEPTEMBER 2022 FOUR WHEELER
The Plan
The idea behind Ground-Up was to take the mostly
complete CJ-5 body, build a frame, add axles and
a drivetrain, and make the old derelict CJ-5 whole
again. That was facilitated by finding a ’98 Jeep
Cherokee SE 4x4 two-door with the AMC 2.5L
engine and a five-speed transmission. That Jeep
donated its engine along with its transmission,
T-case, axles, wiring, and some steering parts. Add
in several sponsors, including BFGoodrich, Summit
Racing, Quadratec, Dynatrac, Borgeson, Rubicon
Express, M.O.R.E., Warn, Tom Wood’s Custom
Drive Shafts, and more. Mix that up into seven
stories on the build and two stories summarizing the
reborn Jeep on the Rubicon Trail and suddenly it
was real.
fourwheeler.com FOUR WHEELER SEPTEMBER 2022 45
Feature ground-up, Thumbs Up
And Then It Was Sold added. Jason made more room for the PRP seats by carefully notching the
rear wheeltubs. The Jeep has also been re-geared to 5.38:1 (it was originally
In the years after finishing Ground-Up, it languished and became less running the stock 4.11 gears in the axles). Both axles have received an Eaton
important editorially than new projects, so it was reluctantly sold. It passed Detroit Locker and a 2-Lo was added to the SYE’d and 4.10-geared NP231
through a few different owners, eventually ending up being purchased by transfer case. The front axle also received a Warn manual locking hub con-
Jason Tharp of Greenville, South Carolina. Jason is a friend of Ultimate version. Jason has been plagued (like we were) by self-ejecting baby moon
Adventure Crony Ken Smith, and recently Ken told us that Jason and hub caps, five of which have had to be replaced since he’s had the Jeep.
Ground-Up were heading west to King of the Hammers 2022. That meant
we could catch up with Jason and Ken and also catch up Ground-Up. As it Ground-Up On The Trail
turns out, the old Jeep is still going strong, with only a few small issues.
Once reunited with Ground-Up, we all ran up Turkey Claw out in Johnson
Ground-Up Today Valley. Jason, with Ken riding shotgun, proved the old Jeep still gets used
hard off-road, hitting tougher trails around the country (we can attest that
When Ground-Up was sold, the new buyer wasn’t excited about the Bestop Turkey Claw is hard in a short Jeep on 33s with a four-banger).
low-back seats. Those stayed with the builder and new PRP seats were
More Ground-Up!
Many Jp magazine readers are now Four Wheeler readers and will recall the Project Ground-Up series. If you want to revisit Ground-Up in even more detail,
or if the project is new to you, the entire seven-part build series, along with the two-part series on the CJ-5’s trek over the Rubicon Trail, is available on
fourwheeler.com so go check ’em out! FW
46 SEPTEMBER 2022 FOUR WHEELER fourwheeler.com
TO START YOUR FREE TRIAL GO TO:
MOTORTREND.COM/MYTHBUSTERS
FEATURE
Presented By
SPONSORED BY
ROOM
TO MOVE
Preston Gladd built the fixtures of an
RV, and more, into his pop-top camper
By Jered Korfhage [email protected] Photos: Four Wheeler staff
fourwheeler.com POINT YOUR PHONE
CAMERA AT THIS
CODE TO SEE A
HUGE GALLERY OF
PHOTOS FROM THE
FINAL DAY OF THE
2021 FOUR WHEELER
OVERLAND ADVENTURE
PRESENTED BY JEEP
FOUR WHEELER SEPTEMBER 2022 49
Feature room to move
t’s not for the looks—it’s pure functionality. Preston Gladd cut his teeth operating
HMMWVs in the military, crawled the trails with his ’91 Jeep Wrangler, and eventu-
ally found that with a growing family and more gear, he needed a 4x4 with fewer
flashy modifications and a lot more room to move.
“Stock 2500 trucks are plenty capable,” Preston told us, and he cited attributes
like fuel range and longevity when it came to selecting his ’17 Ram 2500 Mega Cab.
I The 6.7L diesel had the grunt he needed whether it was hauling a trailer or a payload
of adventure gear, and the truck’s heavy-duty platform was more than capable of
handling the rough tracks he had on his agenda. With “Mega Cab” in its name, the
truck was more than spacious enough for additional occupants to join him on journeys and Preston
began planning out upgrades to make off-grid recreation in his 4x4 even more comfortable.
Preston finds just about as much joy in tinkering as he does in exploring—and the Ram is a prime
example. From the cab to the pop-up truck camper, he has built, torn down, and rebuilt a system (or
three) for most backcountry tasks from morning coffee and power management to bedding down
at night and that oh-so-refreshing middle-of-nowhere shower. No matter the duration of a trip, be it
a three-day weekend or a multi-month expedition, Preston can adjust the truck’s loadout so that no
niceties are spared when traveling away from civilization.
Preston will tell anyone that the Ram’s factory
axles and gears do an exceptional job of handling the
37-inch Falken Wildpeak A/T3W tires and AEV Katla
wheels. There’s a limited slip in the rear differential
and Preston maintains he hasn’t been in any situation
where he’s wished for a different gear ratio or lockers.
Bilstein’s 5112 leveling kit with heftier coils and
2.5-inch shocks keep the Ram riding smooth and
gives the tires room to work between the truck and
the trail. Air Lift airbags in the back paired with the
Thuren Fabrication front sway bar keep Preston’s
adventure payload in check no matter the terrain.
“Bumpers just add weight and cool-guy factor,”
Preston says. For him, a Westin winch tray and X-Bull
12,000-pound-capacity winch with synthetic line
are a fine combo for recovery tasks. Amazon-sourced
amber LEDs at each end of the tray spread light down
low on the trails and if either of them bites the dust,
Preston will have no trouble replacing them.
Preston experimented with a rack-mounted,
above-the-bed tent; ground tents; in-bed tents;
and a camper shell before opting for his Snap!
Outfitters pop-up. Mere moments before
committing to a different company’s pop-up
shell, Preston discovered a smokin’ deal on this
one, with options better suited for his needs
and for a more enticing price, to boot.
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