Southern Fried Taco
Traveling all the way from Tennessee, this super-clean 'Yota had its share of tough luck, but not even three ring-and-pinion swaps could kill Jonathan Cooper's great attitude. We're not sure if it was his love for the hobby or delightful co-driver Andrea Miller that wrenched alongside him every step of the way, but whatever it was this couple has wheeling flowing through their veins.
The Down & Dirty
Driver: Jonathan Cooper
Co-driver: Andrea Miller
Representing: You the reader!
Stomping Grounds: Tennessee
Vehicle: '01 Toyota Tundra
Engine: 4.7L
Transmission: A340F
Transfer Case: 3.8:1 Atlas II
Front Axle: Rockcrusher 44 high-pinion, Alloy USA and Dutchman inner and outer 35-spline shafts, Dana 60 outers, 4.88 gears
Rear Axle: Dynatrac ProRock 60, ARB Air Locker, 4.88 gears
Steering: Howe Performance hydraulic assist with high-steer
Suspension: Custom solid-axle conversion with Alcan springs front and rear
Tires & Wheels: 37x12.50 BFG KM2 M-Ts on 17x9 Allied wheels with Staun internal bead locks
Other Stuff: Tom Wood's driveshafts, dovetailed and bobbed bed, custom driver-side floorboard and boatsides, Power Tank, custom bumpers, Warn 9.5 XP winch
Built For: Everything
Bug Bites
No strangers to chaos or the U.A., Tom Boyd and Clifton Slay helped keep the trip lively and moving along. Usually found at the back of the pack playing tailgunner and making sure no rig gets left behind, Slay will be the first one to lend a hand and roll out the tool bag, while Tommy will keep you entertained. Hey, everybody has their strong suit.
The Down & Dirty
Driver: Tom Boyd
Co-driver: Clifton Slay
Representing: Professional Tailgunners
Stomping grounds: California
Vehicle: '05 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
Engine: 4.0L
Transmission: Auto
Transfer case: NP231
Front axle: Dynatrac Pro Rock 60, Detroit Locker, 5.38 gears
Rear axle: Dynatrac Pro Rock 60, Detroit Locker, 5.38 gears
Steering: PSC hydraulic assist
Suspension: Rubicon Express long arm
Tires & Wheels: 40x14.50 BFG KM2 M-Ts on 17-inch Poison Spyder bead locks
Other Stuff: Poison Spyder Customs cage, fenders, bumpers, and body protection
Built for: Rocks
Hardy 'Zu
Without a doubt the most abused (at least in the looks department) rig on the UA was driven by none other than the legendary Tim Hardy. With enough field fix know-how to make MacGyver look like an amateur, Tim is one of the greatest additions to the legends of UA team and each year he manages to pilot one of his Suzuki-powered rigs up and over obstacles that challenge even the most high-zoot buggies.
The Down & Dirty
Driver: Tim Hardy
Co-driver: Duct tape, dynamite, and zip ties
Representing: Suzuki enthusiasts across America
Stomping grounds: California
Vehicle: '88 Suzuki Samurai
Engine: 1.3L
Transmission: Stock
Transfer case: 4:1 gears
Front axle: 26-spline Suzuki housing with Birfield shafts, Detroit Locker, 5.12 gears
Rear axle: Suzuki housing with big-bearing Ford truck axles, E-Z locker, 5.12 gears
Suspension: Spring-over axle front, quarter-elliptical rear
Tires & Wheels: 35-inch Maxis Mudzillas on 15x10 American Racing
Other Stuff: Custom bodywork, Warn winch
Built for: Anything
OG Mcgee
When it comes to guys that know the magazine and the Adventure inside and out, you'll find few more qualified than Trent McGee. Once an integral part of the 4WOR team and one of two people who have attended every UA to date, Trent and his veteran co-driver, Sam Gillis, have seen their fair share of trails and have plenty of camp fire tales to prove it.
The Down & Dirty
Driver: Trent McGee
Co-driver: Sam Gillis
Representing: That friend that just won't go home.
Stomping Grounds: Arizona
Vehicle: '97 Jeep TJ buggy
Engine: 4.0L I-6
Transmission: AX-15
Transfer Case: Atlas four-speed
Front Axle: Dana 30 with Yukon chromoly shafts, Superior U-joints, Detroit Locker, Warn hub conversion, and 4.88 gears
Rear Axle: Ford 8.8, Eaton E-Locker, 4.88 gears
Steering: PSC hydraulic assist
Suspension: 4-inch Superlift long arm with flat bellypan
Tires & Wheels: 37x12.50 BFG KM2 M-Ts on 17-inch Poison Spyder bead locks
Other Stuff: Daystar differential guards, Mastercraft seats, K&N air filter, Warn compressor, Flowmaster muffler, TJ buggy kit by AFW Motorsports and Prindle Manufacturing
Built For: Anywhere with rocks!