JOE'S K5
Joe Wheeler of Eugene, Oregon sent us this photo of his '70 Chevy K5 Blazer, which is one of our all-time favorite rigs. This particular truck features a spring-over conversion with 6-inch blocks and a 3-inch body lift. A 350 small-block is outfitted with all Edelbrock components and a TH350 automatic gets help from a B&M cooler. A stock NP205 T-case splits the power between a pair of stock axles, each featuring Detroit Lockers to help keep the power to the ground. A set of 39-inch Swamper TSL SXs provide the traction. Other mods include a Flowmaster exhaust system, Hooker headers, a rollbar, racing seats with four-point harnesses, custom gauges, and a Grant steering wheel.
LAKESIDE SUPER DUTY
Kris Pazik of Chicago sent us a picture of his '02 F-550 out doing what Fords do best. A 4-inch Superlift and 35-inch BFG MTs on 16.5x9.75 Weld Scorpio wheels help out a stock drivetrain. ARB Air Lockers front and rear keep the power to the ground and a custom 3-inch dual exhaust provides a robust tone for turning heads.
CRAIG'S SUN-KISSED CJ
Craig Brown loves to 'wheel his '76 Jeep CJ-5, which sports a rebuilt AMC 304ci V-8 with all new gaskets and stainless steel bolts. To help the V-8, Craig added PaceSetter headers and a stainless steel exhaust system. A 4-inch Superlift suspension system, featuring Heckethorn shocks, gives clearance for 33x12.5x15 BFG Mud-Terrains mounted on Outlaw II wheels. Other mods include a Currie steering brace and Big Daddy steering bracket, a power-brake conversion, stainless steel brake lines and hoses.
RENTON'S RED RANGER
John and Mary Baumgaertner from Renton, Washington own this '94 Ford Ranger, which appears mostly stock-at least until you look at the axles. The front is a reverse-cut Dana 35 with 4.10:1 gears and a Trac-Lok. The rear axle is an 8.8 out of a '97 Explorer. It features 31-spline shafts as well as 4.10:1 gears and a Trac-Lok differential like the front. A 4-inch Superlift suspension lift makes room for 32x11.5x15 BFGs mounted on American Eagle wheels. A 130-amp alternator was also added to keep the Ranger's battery at full capacity.
BACKWOODS EXPLORER
Jamie Lee knows how to get dirty in his '94 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer edition. Modifications include a 2-inch Skyjacker lift, a Lock-Right in the rear and 31-inch Pro Comp X-Terrains on Rock Crawler steel wheels. Some minor cutting was necessary to clear the larger meats. The rear bumper is homemade. Gone are the vacuum-actuated hubs in favor of a pair of Warn manual units. Jamie also added a K&N replacement air filter and a Flowmaster after-cat exhaust system. Jamie likes to explore the muddy trails near his hometown of Sandusky, Ohio.
SHOW AND GO TJ
Jarod Morey of Denver, Colorado sent in his custom TJ via the Internet. Underneath the colorful sheetmetal lies an '00 4.3L Vortec V-6 and a TH350 automatic with a Lokar shift kit. The transfer case is an NP231 with an HD short shaft kit. A Dana 44 front axle sports 4.88:1 gears and a spool. Another Dana 44 handles the rear and houses 4.88:1 gears, a Detroit Locker, Moser axles and disc brakes. Jarod added a custom traction bar, stinger bar, shock towers, rocker guards, bumpers, a six-point cage and Baja SS seats with five-point seatbelts. A set of 38-inch Super Swamper TSL SXs are mounted on 15x10 black steel wheels. For suspension a spring-over features Skyjacker springs.
ONE CLEAN QT
Joe Ferrero of Bozeman, Montana began restoring his '78 CJ-7 back in 1988. Over the lengthy frame-off Joe was able to really put the time in and make every last detail perfect. Everything was rebuilt and cleaned up during the process, and the body was repainted Chili Pepper Red. A stock 258 I-6 is mated to a TH400 automatic and a Quadra-Trac transfer case. Both axles are stock aside from the addition of American Racing wheels and 31-inch Goodyear MTRs, which help Joe out when the roads are blocked by winter snowfall. A custom wood dashboard and a pair of Trailmax bucket seats complement the interior and a couple of Olympic front and rear bumpers round out the exterior features.
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.