Want to see your vehicle in Readers' Rigs? Of course you do. So go ahead and send a description of everything you have done to your rig, and include a good photo of it. No, you don't need no stinking application. Just go ahead and send it to:
Readers' Rigs
Four Wheeler
6420 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90048-5515.
Or send your description and high resolution digital photos to us via www.fourwheeler.com.
Bases Covered
This sweet-looking '99 TJ belongs to Nick Barbieri of Ukiah, California. What isn't already modified has Nick planning his next visit to DC Customs. The rig sports an LS1 crate engine mated to a 4L60E automatic, and from there, power splits via an Atlas II transfer case before plunging outward to a pair of ARB-locked Prorock 60s. King coilover shocks and 2-inch hydraulic bumpstops reside at each corner, and a Rubicon Express long-arm suspension keeps it all connected. A Poison Spyder sport cage protects occupants, while Sparco racing seats keep rearends happy on the trail; 37-inch BFG Krawlers are locked to Mickey Thompson aluminum wheels. A custom bright blue paint job increases drool factor, while a heat-reduction hood by AEV aids in cooling the rig.
Excursionator
Kim Schwint of Willits, California, loves his '02 Excursion powered by the 7.3L Power Stroke diesel. The rig features a Banks Big Hoss Bundle, an ATS turbo, Stage Two injectors, and a built-to-the-hilt ATS automatic transmission to get the power to the 35-inch Toyo MTs on 20-inch Weld wheels. Firestone airbags allow Kim extra load capacity, while a Fabtech 4.0 coilover conversion smooths out the bumps. A BD exhaust brake aids in stopping heavy loads, while 4.56:1 gearing at both ends affords the rig adequate highway manners. Road Armor bumpers adorn the truck front and rear, and a trick-looking Cervini hood tops off the truck's look.
Black Widow
This '06 Rubicon TJ is the pride and joy of Matt Bogner of Ukiah, California. The rig features a stock engine and drivetrain, though Matt did swap in a Full Traction long-arm suspension to clear 35-inch Goodyear MT/Rs on bead-locked wheels. A whole assortment of Poison Spyder Customs' body armor keeps damage under wraps, while a Warn 9500ti winch is on hand for extraction duties. Nice Jeep, Matt.
Duramaximus
This clean '07 Chevy 2500 is owned by Jason Sparks of Latonville, California. It features a CST 8-inch suspension system, 37-inch Toyo MTs, 20-inch Weld wheels, and Amp Research running boards. Most of the time this truck keeps clean, although Jason assured us it has seen the trail before. Future mods include a Trail Ready front bumper with winch, an ORU solid front axle conversion, and a BD automatic transmission.
Take Home Tundra
This '08 Toyota Tundra was purchased as shown from the dealer by Roy Bennett of Clear Lake, California. Roy enjoys the fact that all he has to do is drive his rig while friends and co-workers spend their time wrenching. The truck was lifted by a Pro Comp 6-inch drop bracket kit, which makes room for 35-inch Toyo MTs on Moto Metal 20-inch wheels. An ARB winch bumper protects the front, while housing a Warn 9,000-pound winch. Otherwise, the truck is all stock. Not bad, considering Roy didn't have to turn a wrench.
Rockclimber Special
This clean '86 CJ-7 Laredo is about as clean as they come, yet that doesn't stop owner Wendy Inman of Minden, Nevada, from tackling the mild trails leading to her local rockclimbing spots. Sporting all original factory specs, this Jeep looks almost exactly like it did when Wendy's father drove it out of the dealership in 1978. Wendy intends to keep her classic Jeep the way it is for now, citing that old saying, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it". Silly girl, Jeeps are for boys.
Ol' Yeller
This '77 Scout has a 304 V-8 stuffed under the hood. There's also a TorqueFlite 727 automatic mated to a Dana 20 transfer case. Dana 44 axles front and rear get help from factory limited-slip differentials. Other upgrades include electronic ignition, a 4-inch Rough Country suspension lift, and 33-inch BFG A-Ts on steel wheels. Owner Loren Walding, of Texas City, Texas, says he's fairly happy with it for now.