The Wainright family crawler...
The Wainright family crawler uses a Superlift long-arm suspension, 16-inch-travel Bilstein remote reservoir coilovers, and Eibach coil springs. With the rear steer and the suspension's massive articulation, the go-anywhere TJ does just that: goes anywhere.
We've always admired families that use four-wheel-drive vehicles for outdoor recreation and adventure. Exploring the great outdoors through this country's vast network of trail systems and off-road parks is a great way to get to know America, sharpen advanced driving skills, and push the limits of kinship in a little competitive off-highway fun.
Longtime four-wheeler and president of the Arkansas 4x4 Crawlers, Gary Wainright needed a second Jeep for his growing family. With a few up and coming Wainright drivers, the lone but extremely capable Wrangler YJ that hauled them around the backcountry just wasn't enough. To fill the need for a second family crawler, Gary purchased this '05 TJ and quickly started building the new family dream machine. The gist of the TJ build was to create a rig the entire family could travel in together to and from the trail, and have the coolest rig in the neighborhood.
Gary Wainright's TJ uses Diamond...
Gary Wainright's TJ uses Diamond 9-inch axlehousing with a True Hi9 differential, is fitted with 35-spline Dana 60 chromoly shafts, and has an ARB air locker for traction. The axle is also built with Axle Tech portal conversion ends and a double-ended PSC steering ram for massive ground clearance and easy steering.
4.0L inline-six
Transmission: 42RLE
Transfer Case: Atlas 4-speed 10.3:1
Front Axle: Diamond axlehousing, True Hi9 differential, 4.10 ring-and-pinion, Axletech International Motorsports portal ends, 35-spline shafts
Rear Axle: Diamond axlehousing, True Hi9 differential, 4.10 ring-and-pinion, Axletech International Motorsports portal ends, 35-spline shafts
Suspension
Springs & Such: Superlift long-arm suspension, Bilstein 16-inch remote reservoir coilovers, Eibach coil springs
Tires & Wheels: 42-inch Pit Bull Rockers on 16.5x9.75 Humvee H1 wheels, Copperhead Fabrication rock rings
Other Stuff: GenRight fastback rollcage, OTT Industries 6-bolt high-steer arms, Mico inline brake lock, Beard limiting straps, Flex-a-lite electric fan, GenRight rocker guards, 4Wheelers rockcrawler fiberglass hood, Warn M8274 winch, RCI fuel cell, air tank and battery tray, Optima YellowTop battery, Maxima LED Lights, Probox sound system
The factory 4.0L inline-six...
The factory 4.0L inline-six engine was left in place for reliability, and a Kilby onboard engine-mounted air compressor was installed for airing up. The fenderwells of the TJ were removed so shock hoops could be installed for the Bilstein coilovers and to make room for the 42-inch-tall Pit Bull Rockers.
The TJ interior is atypical...
The TJ interior is atypical other than the trick custom center console, which is home to the ARB Air Locker switches, auxiliary lighting toggles, and rear steer controls. Corbeau seats were installed for comfort and safety with sport seats and four-point harnesses.
The rear axle use the same...
The rear axle use the same gears, locker, and shafts as the front axle, but the self-centering rear steer was built by Stazworks. To allow the rear axle and massive tires to articulate as designed, the rear fenderwells were chopped and fitted with Poison Spyder Crusher corners.