Jeep purists lust for the T1, an extended-wheelbase TJ powered by the Liberty's VM 2.8L diesel. Unfortunately, the vehicle was only sold for military use, primarily in Egypt.
Superlift lead engineer Kevin Dill got interested in the T1 for a few reasons, but mainly for its 116-inch wheelbase (the same as the four-door JK). Plus, it has a factory diesel and manual transmission. Following months of phone calls, Dill located a T1 through a family friend with petroleum-industry connections in Egypt. Once the vehicle was stateside, Dill stripped the Jeep to its frame in Superlift's R&D shop afterhours. To fit big tires with the lowest possible center of gravity, he used an AEV Highline front clip/fenders and an AEV Brute top. A Daystar 1-inch body lift was cut in half to help with tunnel clearances.
Dill liked the VM diesel and NV3550 five-speed. However, the rest of the powertrain was upgraded with an Atlas II transfer case (Kevin engineered the original Atlas while working at Advance Adapters) and Dynatrac/Mopar Performance JK axles. For the suspension, Dill modified a Superlift 4-inch long-arm TJ kit to fit the extra wheelbase. He also used the Superlift/Black Diamond rear coil-correction kit, high-clearance bellypan, and rear shock-relocation kit.
Although this vehicle can't realistically be bought, it could be replicated-especially if Mopar releases a VM 2.8L CRD crate-engine kit (see "Diesel Crate Engine," July '08).
Tech Specs
2007 Jeep Military T1
Drivetrain
Engine: '05 VM 2.8L CRD, Edge EZ Module, Hushpower muffler, custom stainless exhaust
Transmission: NV3550
Transfer case: Atlas II, 4.33:1 low-range, Twin-Stick cable shifter
Front Axle: Mopar J8 Dana 44, JK Rubicon E-Locker, Alloy USA shafts, Mopar Big Brake Kit, Alloy USA 5.13 gears, Superlift Bulletproof brake hoses, Black Diamond JK Swap Brackets
Rear Axle: Mopar J8 Dana 60, Detroit Locker, Mopar Big Brake Kit, Alloy USA 5.13 gears, Superlift Bulletproof brake hoses, Black Diamond JK Swap Brackets
Suspension
Springs & Such: Superlift TJ 4-inch long-arm kit extended 22 inches, rear coil, shock, and Trac Bar Correction kits; Gen-Right Sway bars, Bilstein Rock Crawler coilover front shocks, Bilstein 7100 remote-reservoir rear shocks
Steering: Dynatrac high-steer, Black Diamond JK Swap Brackets
Tires & Wheels: 39x13.50R17 BFG Krawler Red Labels on 17x8.5 Hutchinson DOT military-spec Mopar JK beadlocks
Other Stuff: Daystar body lift; Black Diamond Torque Fork traction bar, High-Clearance Skidpan; Neapco 1350 CV driveshafts by Jackson Powertrain; customized Hanson Off-Road bumpers; Delta HID headlights, off-road lights, bumper lights; ORO DOT LED taillights, X-Line fairlead, synthetic line; AEV Highline hood/fender/flare kit, Brute top; DuPont OD, flat black paint by Jaime's Body Shop (Point, LA); graphics by Superlift's Jason Bradley
Special thanks to: MetalForms for the metal fabrication; Jeff Marzula at Superlift for his welding skill
The project began with a military...
The project began with a military T1 bound for Egypt. It's basically a 116-inch-wheelbase TJ with the 2.8L CRD.
The VM 2.8L CRD gets extra...
The VM 2.8L CRD gets extra fueling from an Edge EZ module. A custom aluminum shroud is bolted to the stock radiator.
Dual Optima YellowTops were...
Dual Optima YellowTops were mounted in the bed to help power the Ramsey Patriot 9500 winch. Dill made a custom spare stand for the 39-inch Krawler.
The interior is part military,...
The interior is part military, part luxury. A Viper steering wheel and Mastercraft Baja RS seats supply comfort. Mastercraft five-point harnesses and a Gen-Right Sport Cage kit add peace of mind. A Daystar vent-mounted switch panel is trick, and an Edge Attitude monitor displays EGTs.
The front axle is a Mopar...
The front axle is a Mopar military J8 Dana 44, similar to the JK Dana 44 but with a 5-on-5 1/2 bolt pattern that has been built to bolt into the TJ suspension. Mopar also offers a ready-to-bolt-in TJ/JK axle that it built in collaboration with Dynatrac and Superlift. Bilstein 10-inch-travel, remote-reservoir Rock Crawlers damp the front.
The rear Dana 60 is also from...
The rear Dana 60 is also from the Mopar aftermarket and is referred to as the J8 rear axle. From Mopar this axle is built with leaf springs, but Dill modified the housing with Dynatrac and Superlift/Black Diamond components to run coil springs. Behind that, a Gen-Right gas tank and skidplate are visible at the top.