A GOLDEN EAGLE
We see lots of built equipment, but Rodney Eppes' '79 CJ-7 is interesting because it still has its original paint and decals. Other original parts include the T-18 four-speed manual transmission, a 304ci V-8, and the stock axles. New parts include the Granite Suspension lift with Rancho RS 9000 shocks that clear the way for 33x12.50 Swamper SSRs on 15x10 chrome steel wheels. A Rupp bumper sits up front and provides a mounting spot for a Superwinch 8500 winch. A Detroit Locker can be found in the rear axle, which helps Rodney cruise the trails around his hometown of Mt. Holly, North Carolina.
DIESEL POWER
Nick Kingsley, of Seaman, Ohio, owns this '98 Dodge Ram 2500. Under its hood there's a 5.9L Cummins diesel that inhales through a K&N air filter. A 3-inch Skyjacker lift was used to get the truck up in the air to make room for 33-inch BFGoodrich Mud-Terrains on Eagle 589 aluminum wheels. To protect the bed, a thick coat of Rhino Lining was laid down.
BIG BRUTE
Sperry, Oklahoma resident Clifton Hudson is the proud owner of this '74 Ford 3/4-ton pickup. Starting with this rig gave Clifton some stout equipment as part of the basic deal, but even more strength was desired so out came the original front Dana 44 axle. That was replaced by a Dana 60. A Sterling 10 1/4-inch is found in the rear. Power comes from a 390ci V-8, which runs through an NP435 four-speed manual tranny and an NP205 transfer case. The big Ford rolls on 39.5-inch Mickey Thompson Bajas.
RAISED RIGHT
It is not too often that we see a lifted late-model Ford, but Kevin Jennings of Jacksonville, North Carolina, supplied us with a nice one. First to go on this high Blue Oval was a 5-inch Rancho lift and a 3-inch body lift. This new altitude made enough room for 37-inch Super Swamper TSLs on 15-inch Prime Racing wheels. The stock gears were ditched in favor of 4.56 gears to help turn the bigger tires. A K&N air filter kit, along with a Raven exhaust, helps provide a little more power.
FAST AND FURIOUS
Matt Acker, of Warrenville, Illinois, must own one of the fastest 2000 Chevy Silverado 2500s around. A Whipple supercharger, NOS nitrous system, Granatelli mass airflow sensor, Hypertech chip, headers, and a custom exhaust all are strapped onto the 6.0L V-8. Other mods include an 8-inch Whiplash lift kit along with a 3-inch body lift. Tires are 36-inch Super Swampers mounted on 16.5x12 Weld Outback wheels. To help spin the big tires, 4.56 gears were put in both pumpkins, along with a Detroit Locker in the rear. Everything that could be powdercoated has been, and a huge audio system lives in the cab.
BLACK BEAUTY
Jonathan Duty likes to roll around Hoover, Alabama, in his '96 Chevy Tahoe, and he's made several changes to make the rollin' more stylish. First to go on the truck was a 4-inch Rancho lift kit that made room for 35-inch Mickey Thompson Baja Claws on 15x10 Eagle aluminum wheels. Next, the 350ci V-8 was outfitted with a K&N air filter and a dual-exhaust system. Westin nerf bars were put into place, along with a Warn Enforcer grille guard and a Warn 9,000-pound winch. Finally, a Rockford Fosgate audio system was installed to provide tunes.
Want to Submit Your Reader's Rig?
It's easy! Send us a high-quality photo print (lab process prints preferred), color slide, CD, or floppy to:
Reader's Rigs - Four Wheeler Magazine
6420 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90048
If you want to submit a digital photo of your Rig by E-mail, you can send it to robin.stover@primedia.com. Images should be high-resolution JPEGs (No TIFFs or RAW images by E-mail, please) no larger than 600 KB. Please only submit one image by E-mail. If you have multiple images you'd like to submit, please send us a CD-ROM by mail. Submitted media become property of Four Wheeler, and cannot be returned.