Maneuvering easily down the...
Maneuvering easily down the trail can be a bit more of a challenge with a rig this size. To help out, Jake takes full advantage of the 404 axles' factory selectable lockers in addition to using a double-ended hydraulic ram, which makes steering practically effortless.
The '04-'06 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, commonly known as the LJ, brought a fresh audience to the Jeep brand. With its extended wheelbase and increased interior room, the LJ converted many would-be Jeepers who had previously shied away from the Wrangler models due to their limited cargo space and quirks associated with the shorter wheelbase. Similar to the traditional Wrangler, it didn't take long before these limited-production Jeeps were transformed into over-the-top unique creations.
One such Unlimited belongs to Anderson, South Carolina, native Jake Odum. While Jake acquired the LJ from the previous owner who had cleverly placed a set of Mercedes-Benz Unimog axles under the Jeep, he knew that there were still plenty of mods left to be done. Since big tires and heavy-duty axles were already marked off of the hardcore checklist, Jake set out to give the rig more power and improve the multilink suspension.
With the help of his friend and Mopar guru Keith Marsh, Jake gifted the Daimler-Chrysler monster with a 5.7L Hemi and a set of 14-inch Sway-A-Way coilover shocks.
Since its completion the LJ has been on a few wheeling trips, most notably a cross-country trek to Moab, Utah, where it tackled some of the most well-known and unknown trails. Though this round-eyed wheeler might look like another big red Jeep at first glance, once you take a closer look, it's easy to see that this Unlimited is truly a unique Jeep.
Tech Specs
2006 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
Drivetrain
Engine: 5.7L Hemi
Transmission: 545RFE
Transfer case: 3.0 Atlas
Axles: Unimog 404, disc brakes, factory Air Locker, 7.54 end ratio (front and rear)
Suspension
Springs & Such: Custom front and rear four-links with 14-inch travel Sway-A-Way coilovers
Tires & Wheels: 42x14-inch Iroks on 17-Stazworks double beadlocks
Steering: PSC double-ended ram, fully hydraulic
Other Stuff: MasterCraft seats, Gen Right fuel tank, Warn winch, custom cage
While Hemi swaps might be...
While Hemi swaps might be more common than ever, it still doesn't make them any less impressive under the hood of a Jeep. This 5.7L was plucked from a wrecked Ram pickup and feeds power through a five-speed automatic transmission.
To accommodate the 404 Unimog...
To accommodate the 404 Unimog axles, the Unlimited received a wheelbase stretch that puts it at 118 inches. And though the front oil pan and driveline clearance is tight, with a little work Jake was able to squeeze in a custom double CV driveshaft so the 3.0:1 Atlas can hand out the power.
The added leverage of the...
The added leverage of the portal box combined with the 7.54 end ratio (3.54 differential, 2.13 portal hubs) required a very heavy-duty suspension. Securing the axle in the rear is a triangulated four-link, while a set of 14-inch Sway-A-Way coilovers gives the Jeep a touch of lift.