Perfect 10
Owner/Hometown: Unknown, but we know a Tech Editor who would trade a prized Willys for it
What it is: 1984 Jeep Scrambler
The dirt: Wow. We want to see more rigs like this. Not only does it look amazing, but a quick read of the spec sheet shows that this CJ has the proper credentials to unleash an endless stream of drool from just about any Four Wheeler staffer. Let us start with the 377ci Chevy stroker engine, complete with Edelbrock heads and Ram Jet injection, backed by a built 700R4 tranny. Or we could mention the Atlas II 3.8, high-pinion Dana 60s, 4.88:1 gears, and ARB lockers. How about that custom rollcage, Beard suspension seats, or spring-over suspension? We could go on, but we aren't prepared for the inevitable thoughts on how to acquire or build such a vehicle that would follow.
Oh, and ...: This beauty was built by Overbuilt Customs in Jacksonville, Florida.
Weekend Warrior
Owner/Hometown: Spencer/Kentucky
What it is: 2000 Chevy S-10 ZR2
The dirt: This clean S-10 ZR2 has a total of 4 inches of lift, two from the body, 2 from the suspension, and 33-inch tires on Eagle Alloy rims. The front pushbar has a set of auxiliary lights to help for those impromptu night-wheeling sessions and the bed is lined in Rhino liner with an aluminum toolbox. Next up are a winch and interior upgrades.
Oh, and ...: This is Spencer's daily driver.
Yellow Submarine
Owner/Hometown: Dan Cronan/Dayton, Ohio
What it is: 2006 Jeep Wrangler X
The dirt: It looks nearly submerged, and it doesn't even have a snorkel! Maybe this is because Dan Cronan has built this TJ right with a 3-inch Black Diamond lift and a set of 31x10.50 Goodyear MT/Rs. The Super 30 front axle and Super 35 rear axle have been further upgraded with 4.11:1 gears and Auburn ECTED traction aids. The stock 4.0L and five-speed manual benefit from a K&N FIPK (obviously high in the engine bay). TKH bumpers and rock sliders further round out the package, but we'd add some more waterproofing.
Oh, and ...: Some refer to this TJ as the Electric Banana.
Military Mishap
Owner/Hometown: US Government/Washington, D.C.
What it is: AM General HMMWV Humvee
The dirt: SPC Hardman sent this picture in from Iraq. This is a M1114 up-armored Humvee with a 6.5L turbodiesel that is used for convoy security. During training exercises, they climbed one of the highest hills they could find in the desert and ended up getting high-centered. Oops. See, it happens to the best of us, even in really cool rigs.
Oh, and ...: SPC Hardman says he'll be sending more pics our way, and we can't wait.
Trail Blazer
Owner/Hometown: Josh Adams/Blissfield, Michigan
What it is: 1994 S-10 Chevrolet Blazer
The dirt: We never did like S-10s with the factory IFS much, and by the looks of it, neither did Josh Adams, who ripped it out and replaced the factory suspension and axles on his S-10 Blazer with a Dana 30 front and Ford 8.8 in the rear, with 4.56:1 gears and 37-inch Boggers, giving the little Blazer a monster 13 inches of lift over stock.
Oh, and ...: Josh never did make it out of this hole, so he is going bigger with a Dana 60 front and 14-bolt rear axle.
Backwoods Yota
Owner/Hometown: Heath Mullins/King George, Virginia
What it is: '91 Toyota Pickup
The dirt: The engine and transmission remain stock, though the factory axles feature cryogenically treated gearing from Longfield Super Axles. The front axle is trussed, plus it has a differential from an FJ80 (high-pinion variant) equipped with a Lock-Right locker. A pair of stout drivelines by Tom Wood's features 1310 U-joints. The 35-inch Pro-Comp Xterrains mounted to Champion bead locks provide traction, while dual transfer cases allow for the perfect crawl ratio.
Oh, and ...: Bilstein 5150 piggyback shocks dampen the rough stuff, and a Ramsey 9500 winch helps keep Heath out of trouble while out and about.
FJ Crawler
Owner/Hometown: SPC Charles Miller/Currently in Mannheim, Germany
What it is: 1972 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ-40
The dirt: While it is mostly stock, this FJ sports some elements that make it more functional on the trail, like 5.29:1 gears, a Detroit Locker out back, along with custom bumpers and protection. SPC Miller has big plans for the FJ, such as a 4-inch lift, a front locker, 35-inch tires, and some more body trimming.
Oh, and ...: This photo was taken in Red Canyon near Canon City, Colorado.
Muddy K5
Owner/Hometown: Barry Jordan/Lutz, Florida
What it is: '77 Chevy Blazer
The dirt: Formerly one of Skyjacker Suspension's corporate vehicles, Barry found it on eBay in 2005. The rig is powered by a built 383 stroker with flat-top pistons, a 270 Comp camshaft, 441 heads, a Holley 770-cfm Truck Avenger carburetor, and Hedman headers. The power flows through a TH400 and an NP205 transfer case. The Blazer sits on 38-inch Super Swampers on 15x12 Allied Rock-a-Thon steel bead-lock wheels. A Skyjacker 6-inch suspension lift allows plenty of flex, while an Off-Road Design rear-shackle flip kit provides additional clearance.
Oh, and ...: Up front, there's a Dana 44 equipped with an Ox Locker and MileMarker stainless-steel locking hubs. The rear axle is a GM 12-bolt with a Detroit Locker.