going Legit 1976 Jeep Cj 7 - genright Tire Carrier - Photo 52343217

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The GenRight tire carrier fastens securely to the body tub and to a Desolate Motorsports rear bumper. The bumper curves upward at the corners, creating extra clearance while maintaining protection for the sheetmetal above. The tire carrier swings downward when needed and is securely in place the rest of the time.

1307 4wd 16+going legit 1976 jeep cj 7+cover photo

The steering system is like no other we’ve seen on a trail rig. In order to achieve longer lengths and shallower angles for the draglink and Panhard bar alike, the crew at Desolate Motorsports built a hinge-style idler arm that’s directly inspired by I-beam desert racing trucks. The draglink has two segments. First, it runs from the steering box over to the idler arm. Next, it travels from the idler arm (often called a “swinger” in desert racing circles) down to the driver-side steering knuckle. The tie rod was custom-fabbed to clear the draglink system. An AGR Rock Ram assists the steering box, producing an easier effort at the steering wheel and less stress on the frame.

Jaime turned to GenRight Offroad for Legend Extreme front and rear suspension systems. The front is a three-link, while the rear is a four-link with triangulated upper links. Big suspension travel and clean suspension geometry are securely in place on this CJ.

Jaime turned to GenRight Offroad for Legend Extreme front and rear suspension systems. The front is a three-link, while the rear is a four-link with triangulated upper links. Big suspension travel and clean suspension geometry are securely in place on this CJ.

The Legend Extreme suspension system is designed to be used with coilover shocks, and there’s a King 2.0 coilover at each corner. Bumpstops and limit straps protect the shocks and chassis from self-destruction, ensuring that all the components play nice with each other.

The Legend Extreme suspension system is designed to be used with coilover shocks, and there’s a King 2.0 coilover at each corner. Bumpstops and limit straps protect the shocks and chassis from self-destruction, ensuring that all the components play nice with each other.

The GenRight tire carrier fastens securely to the body tub and to a Desolate Motorsports rear bumper. The bumper curves upward at the corners, creating extra clearance while maintaining protection for the sheetmetal above. The tire carrier swings downward when needed and is securely in place the rest of the time.

Goodyear’s latest Wrangler MT/Rs were designed with direct input from desert legend Walker Evans and work every bit as well for Jaime as they do for Walker. Raceline Monster beadlock wheels look just right and securely grip the tires even at low psi.

Beard Super T1 seats comfortably cradle driver and passenger. Occupants are protected by a custom Desolate Motorsports rollcage, topped off by an aluminum roof panel that features quick-turn Dzus fasteners for easy removal, as needed.

This is a shift-for-yourself Jeep. The Borg-Warner T-18 four-speed has a granny-low first gear, and sends power downstream to a Dana 20 transfer case. You can see a Flex-a-lite Mojave heater just below the dash, and there’s a red MSD ignition box hiding in the corner. The inside of the body tub was coated with Line-X, which preserves the sheetmetal and helps deaden unwanted sound.

The 4.2 inline-six was rebuilt by L&R Engines and uses a Comp Cam to control the valves. A Weber carburetor mixes air and fuel and sends the vapors through a Clifford intake manifold. After an MSD ignition and distributor spark the air/fuel mix to life, spent exhaust flows out through a Clifford header. Dual Optima batteries ensure there’s plenty of juice to run the engine and power the winch. GenRight shock hoops are just visible up front, connected by a Desolate Motorsports crossbrace.

No, the bolts aren’t missing. The crossbrace is all one piece for now, but there are two-bolt quick-disconnect flanges already in place if and when the crossbrace needs to be cut.

Selectable traction comes in the form of front and rear ARB Air Lockers, which are powered by a pair of Viair compressors. There’s a Viair tank mounted behind the seats, ready to power the Air Lockers as well as inflate tires and run air tools.

We liked the view from this angle, too.

1307 4wd 16+going legit 1976 jeep cj 7+cover photo