1997 Jeep TJ - Four Wheeler Magazine

In a world saturated with heavily modified TJs, it seems possible that Jeff Fink's '97 could get lost in the shuffle. But this is not so. When you cast your votes you obviously recognized that in addition to tried-and-true trail upgrades, this machine sports a number of unique, fascinating mods that are screaming to be tested at one of the most demanding competitions on earth.

In addition to a stretched wheelbase, gobs of unwanted fat have been removed from the exterior of Fink's rig. What couldn't be removed was heavily protected. The body sits on a 2-inch lift and sports a slew of rugged Poison Spyder accessories. In addition, there's a Warn 9.0Rc winch and the rig rolls on 46x19.50 Mickey Thompson Baja Claws on 15x12 Marsh bead-lock wheels.
In addition to a stretched wheelbase, gobs of unwanted fat have been removed from the exte
The rear axle is a high-pinion Dana 60 and it has been beefed with a custom truss. It sports Moser 35-spline axleshafts, an ARB Air Locker, disc brakes (from a Lincoln), and a Wagoner Machine Shop diff cover. The rear suspension is a custom four-link long-arm system with triangulated upper and RaceRunner remote-reservoir coilover shocks.
The rear axle is a high-pinion Dana 60 and it has been beefed with a custom truss. It spor
Fink knows that a 'wheeler can't go wrong with a good ol' high-pinion Dana 60, so that's what also resides under the front of his rig. Like the rear, it sports Moser 35-spline axleshafts, an ARB Air Locker, disc brakes, a WMS diff cover, and 5.38:1 Yukon gears. The flexy front suspension consists of a custom long-arm three-link setup with wishbone upper, RaceRunner remote-reservoir coilover shocks, and a Currie Anti-Rock sway bar. Pointing the big 46-inch Mickey Ts is easy thanks to a full hydraulic steering system.
Fink knows that a 'wheeler can't go wrong with a good ol' high-pinion Dana 60, so that's w

Under the hood lurks a Grand Cherokee 5.2L V-8. The engine internals remain mostly stock, but it has been fitted with a performance-inspiring Pro Charger supercharger. This helps the engine spew an estimated 350 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. Other underhood mods include an engine-driven air compressor, a pair of Blue Top Optima batteries, 2.5-inch exhaust, and a 40-Series Flowmaster muffler. Nestled behind the engine are a trail-proven NV4500 transmission and a crawl-happy Atlas II 4.3:1 transfer case.
Under the hood lurks a Grand Cherokee 5.2L V-8. The engine internals remain mostly stock,
Inside the TJ there's a Poison Spyder six-point rollcage, an Auto Meter oil pressure gauge, Sony head unit and a custom shifter console.
Inside the TJ there's a Poison Spyder six-point rollcage, an Auto Meter oil pressure gauge
In case Fink gets in over his head, there's a Warn 9.0Rc winch with synthetic rope mounted to the Poison Spyder bumper.
In case Fink gets in over his head, there's a Warn 9.0Rc winch with synthetic rope mounted

Owner name/city: Jeff Fink/Cherryvale, Kansas
Vehicle model: '97 Jeep TJ
Occupation: Small business owner
Engine/aspiration: 5.2L V-8/Pro Charger supercharger, 2.5-inch exhaust, Flowmaster muffler
Transmission: NV4500
Transfer case(s): Atlas II 4.3:1
Suspension (f/r): Three-link long-arm with wishbone upper, RaceRunner coilover remote-reservoir shocks, Currie Anti-Rock sway bar/Four-link long-arm with triangulated upper, RaceRunner coilover remote-reservoir shocks
Axles (f/r): High-pinion Dana 60, ARB Air Locker, Moser 35-spline axleshafts, Tom Wood's driveshaft with 1350 U-joints, full hydraulic steering/Trussed high-pinion Dana 60, ARB Air Locker, Moser 35-spline axleshafts, Tom Wood's driveshaft with 1350 U-joints
Axle ratio: 5.38:1
Wheels: 15x12 Marsh bead locks
Tires: 49x19.50-15 Mickey Thompson Baja Claws