2002 Top Truck Challengers 1972 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40

He calls his 4x4 "The Wolf," and for Calgary's Tim Dzaman, 35, the Wolf's creation is a testament to his undying determination and affinity for doing it yourself. "The Wolf was personally built in my garage with the help of some close friends," says the mild-mannered computer store general manager. The project took the better part of a decade. Indeed, the time, energy and effort invested in the Wolf are clear to see.

This '72 Land Cruiser FJ-40 found its way into Tim's hands in a truly primitive state. The first upgrade Tim made involved bolting in a GM Performance 502ci big-block. Balanced and blueprinted, the engine offers an 8.75:1 compression ratio. Air is inhaled using a 900-cfm Holley EFI throttle body. Hedman headers and 3-inch dual exhaust give the Wolf its growl.

Up front, the 'Cruiser employs... 

   

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Up front, the 'Cruiser employs a Dana 60 axle with 5.86:1 gears and an ARB locker. Sway-A-Way dual-rate springs, a four-link system and a Panhard bar reside behind and beside the front wheels. A 2-inch dropped pitman arm and 2x8-inch hydraulic ram assist aid steering.

Inside the burly engine, sparks fly courtesy of an Electromotive direct-fire ignition, MSD 8.5mm super conductor spark plug wires and a Howell wiring harness. A couple of Optima batteries help get the party started and keep a strong, steady stream of juice supplied to the Wolf's accessories. Tim estimates the Wolf generates approximately 470 hp and 560 lb-ft of torque at 2,400 rpm. The engine relies on a TH400 transmission with custom clutch packs. Tim handles a B&M shifter to make his Wolf run. With an Off Road Design doubler adapting its NP203 and NP205 transfer cases, the Wolf gets power to the wheels via an ARB-fitted Dana 60 up front and a Dana 70 with a Detroit Locker in the rear. Both axles offer 5.86:1 gearing and 1 1/2-inch 35-spline axleshafts. Tim also beefed up his driveshafts with 1410 U-joints front and rear.

Up front, the 'Cruiser's suspension rides on 2-inch Sway-A-Way dual-rate coilover shocks with a four-link system. In the rear, Tim installed 4-inch-lift Pro Comp springs and a three-link system consisting of lower trailing arms with an upper wishbone. To help out on those bumpy trails, he mounted Rancho 5000 shocks in the rear. The Wolf's steering modifications consist of a 2-inch dropped pitman arm and 2x8-inch hydraulic ram assist. All this aims a set of 44-inch Boggers on 16.5x12 custom Hummer bead lock wheels.

The frame was boxed and lengthened in the front. Tim chopped the rear. Overall he added 2 inches of height with a body lift. He also integrated a custom rollcage into the Wolf's frame.

With an eye towards comfort, Tim equipped his Wolf with a Grant steering wheel, Auto Meter speedometer, voltmeter, tachometer, water temperature gauge, oil pressure and fuel gauges.

Extraction was delegated to a Warn 12,000-pound winch with its controls nestled in the Wolf's dashboard. To help with really serious stucks, Tim travels with a 60-inch Hi-Lift jack. The front bumper of the Wolf features a pair of Hummer D-rings. At the rear, the Toy is fit with a pair of tow hooks from a Ford Super Duty. A pair of tow straps, a shovel and 10 clevi round out the extraction equipment.

Does all this make the Wolf the leader of the pack? We'll have to wait and see. -G.S.

The Wolf uses a heavy-duty...        read full caption The Wolf uses a heavy-duty driveshaft and 1410 U-joints. An ORD doubler was used to combine NP205 and 203 transfer cases.

With a Dana 70 stuffed with...        read full caption With a Dana 70 stuffed with a Detroit Locker, 5.86 gears and 1 1/2-inch, 35-spline axles, the Wolf has some serious bite. Tim employed a three-link suspension at the rear with lower control arms and an upper wishbone configuration. The frame was chopped at the rear

Tim Dzaman's GM Performance...        read full caption Tim Dzaman's GM Performance crate motor displaces 502 ci. It's topped by a 900-cfm Holley TBI, and gets juice through an Electromotive Direct Fire ignition and 8.5-mm MSD wires. He estimates his engine yields 470 hp.