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Projects: Plain Vanilla |
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This old Jeep had been everything. Several different motors, lots of transmissions, and a couple of different lift kit and axle combinations. None of them was ever just right, but it was all a learning experience. When the Jeep took a little spill and was going to need alot of work just to get back on the trail, it was decided that it was time to get it right. Bigger tires, no more leaf springs, more wheel base, lighter weight, and more horse power were on the agenda. |
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A custom frame was fabricated to accommodate all of the needs of the new project. Special body mounts we made to properly space the tub. The coil cups were made into the frame to keep the width down. Shock hoops, motor mounts, winch mount and cross members were all in, time for the suspension and drive train. |
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A triangulated 4 link rear with Sunray Twisties keeps the rear 35 spline 9" in check, with with the help of Pro-Comp MX6 shocks and a set of custom coils. The front is a simple radius arm set up with Twisties, custom coils, and another set of MX6's. The front axle is a dual splined, dual yoked, Sunray 609, with a Detroit and 5.43's to match the rear. |
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The tub from the old Jeep was pretty wore out so it was next to get some attention. It was lengthened in the cowl 4.5 inches and dovetailed in the rear to help get around trees and rocks. The new wheel base is 106" so some creative cutting was done to fit the 42" Swampers on Sunray Bead locks. The old cage was way to heavy so it was put aside and a new one was fabricated from chromoly. A set of tube fenders, and a radiator hoop was also bent up out of the same material. |
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The Jeep had a great motor and transmission combo from its former life so the LT1 and 4L60E were retained and a NP208 was put in place of the Dana 300. A set of custom full length headers and many hours of custom computer programming were added to make the new set up really scream. |
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The Jeep was put right back into service. Since its completion in February, its already been to Clayton, Las Cruces, Moab, and Montrose to take on the toughest trails around. |
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It wasn't long till it was decided that Plain Vanilla was just to plain, so it was time for some flames and a few new accents. |
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But the new paint didn't slow this Hot Rod Rock Crawler down any. The paint was barely dry when it hit the trails the first time after its new face lift. |
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Projects: Plain Vanilla |
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