1976 Jeep Cj 7 Front Dana 44 Axle - Photo 63620670

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The rear suspension uses 15-inch Eibach coil springs and Rubicon Express monotubeshocks in conjunction with a four-link and Panhard bar. The rear Dana 44 is offset to match the output of the Dana 18 transfer case and is filled with 5.38 gears, a Lockright locker, and Moser chromoly axleshafts.

The front suspension uses 15-inch Eibach along with a custom four-link and Panhard bar built from 11⁄4-inch solid cold-rolled steel and 3⁄4-inch rod ends. Scott also runs sway bars on the street for stability but disconnects them on the trail. The front axle is a Dana 44 out of Scott’s previous CJ-5. It uses 5.38 gears and an ARB Air Locker behind the chrome diff cover and custom diff armor. Moser chromoly axleshafts help make the front end live with the 37-inch Iroks.

Scott uses hand controls mounted to the steering column to drive his Jeep over trails like the Rubicon and Fordyce. He has become a master at crawling with the controls, which allow you to brake (push lever forward) and use the gas (tilt lever down) at the same time. Scott mounted a 1,000-pound Trakker winch to the rollcage in order to pull himself into the Jeep without assistance. The flat floor and recessed fuel cell allow him to slide forward and into the driver’s seat and leave plenty of room for his wheelchair.

The rear suspension uses 15-inch Eibach coil springs and Rubicon Express monotubeshocks in conjunction with a four-link and Panhard bar. The rear Dana 44 is offset to match the output of the Dana 18 transfer case and is filled with 5.38 gears, a Lockright locker, and Moser chromoly axleshafts.

Power comes from a 350ci Chevy V-8 with TBI fuel injection. Even with the proliferation of LS conversions it is hard to argue with the bang-for-the-buck of a traditional small-block Chevy. The engine is cooled by a five-row Peterbilt truck radiator. A custom battery tray under the hood holds dual Optima RedTop batteries. The inner fenders were removed for tire clearance, so everything under the hood is tied into the firewall and the relay rods that run to the grille.

A full belly skidplate protects the TH350 transmission, offset Dana 18 transfer case, and Warn overdrive. The skid provides a flat surface to slide over rocks and ties into the custom boxed tube frame built by Hendricks 4x4. The wheelbase is stretched out to 108 inches (15 inches longer than stock) to allow the Jeep to climb steep obstacles. Genright Comp Cut corners and the relocated fuel cell allow the rear axle to be pushed way back on the frame.