We couldn't tell you with any honesty that we are ever truly finished with a project vehicle. There's always someone making some cool component we'd like to bolt or weld onto our rigs. But for now we are wrapping up the buildup on Project Super Equator after the addition of a pair of custom MasterCraft racing seats and rocker guards from Shrockworks.
We're always happy to jump in a rig with MasterCraft seats, and not just for their comfort. They are constructed with an internal suspension system, which helps reduce the shock of harsh terrain. Side bolsters hold a driver and passenger in place, enhancing safety, especially when wheeling at extreme angles or high-speed racing. Our vehicles can never have enough body armor-especially a rig with rocker panels as long as this four-door Equator. The ShrockBars offer ridged full-length protection.
We've driven the truck more than 7,000 miles and are still enamored of its on- and off-highway performance. We would love to work the magic we do on trucks like this by tearing off the IFS suspension and rear axle, to replace them with bulletproof solid axles. But that wasn't the plan for our Equator, and it would probably turn into a never-ending build. We just want to drive it! Approaching this build, we had the idea of creating a rugged and capable truck anyone could build, yet still use as a daily driver or family go-getter. And that's what we have accomplished.
Over the past few months, we have come to appreciate the Equator's economical performance and all-around versatility. The truck is comfortable, gets decent gas mileage, and has enough storage space for camping gear or a load of bricks from the local home center. The truck has been invaluable to the staff for trail runs, photo shoots, and as a parts hauler. We also used it just for what Suzuki designed it for: transporting ATVs and motorcycles.
1. These weld-on ShrockBar...
1. These weld-on ShrockBar sliders are really stout. The heavy-duty bars are constructed from 1.75x0.134-inch-wall DOM tubing and will give the side of our Equator solid protection. Since they are weld-on, they can also be used as recovery points. Be aware that if you fit your truck with a steel bumper, winch, and rock sliders, you might have to make some spring-rate and shock adjustments. But that's a small price to pay for good armor.
2. In order to get the rocker...
2. In order to get the rocker guards as close to the underside of the cab as possible, we had to notch the lower pinch-seam of the cab about 11/4 inches. This way, the ShrockBar mounting pads for the guards could be welded up higher on the framerail. These are simple cuts and can be made with a die grinder in just a few minutes. Believe it or not, this small amount of space makes a big difference in ground clearance.
3. It took some arm twisting,...
3. It took some arm twisting, but we had our rear factory seat covered with the same MasterCraft material that covers the front Baja RS seats. But this custom work is not available at MasterCraft. However, bench seat covers are available, and the company will sell the matching material of any of its front seats so you can have an upholsterer stitch up your rig's odd-ball bench seats.
4. Every seat from MasterCraft...
4. Every seat from MasterCraft is made in house, and each receives the same high-tech suspension system. It doesn't matter whether a seat is for a top trophy-truck racer or the average four-wheel enthusiast; they all receive the same quality materials and workmanship.
5. We're hard on upholstery,...
5. We're hard on upholstery, so we chose darker colors to keep the stains of oil, grease, and trail dirt down. These Baja RS seats recline all the way flat, and the headrest is adjustable so catnaps at truck stops are far more restful. The seats are extremely comfortable, they make long hauls a breeze, and there's no more driving with a sleepy butt and tingling legs. The seat's suspension system absorbs road shock, which smooths out the ride of a rough road.