More Mods Than You
Vehicle: '78 Jeep CJ-7
OWNER: Joan Beck, Mohave County, AZ
TIRES: 38x12.50-15 Interco Super Swampers SX
WHEELS: Allied 15x10 bead locks
SUSPENSION: '92 Wrangler 2-inch BDS leaves with spring-over, custom spring pivots at axles for driveshaft angle correction front and rear, custom ladder-type bars for axlewrap elimination front and rear, custom front double shackles (jackknife style)
DRIVETRAIN: 383ci stroker, 700R4 tranny, Dana 300 transfer case with 4:1 low range, Dana 60 high-pinion front with Dynatrac axles, Dana 60 high-pinion rear, 5.13 gears, ARB lockers
PERFORMANCE MODS: GM/Howell throttle-body injection
OTHER DOODADS: Custom Extra H.D. 1/2-inch wall with 12-inch slip shafts and CV joints. Disc brakes with dual diaphragm booster, custom modified Ford truck 4x2 box (tie-rod behind axle) and crossover steering. Power-steering pump and gearbox modified for AGR Rock Ram with air-actuated hydraulic bypass for pavement use, dual onboard air compressors 1.) 12 volt; 2.) modified GM A/C beltdriven with both interconnected for faster air-up, 25-gallon gas tank with 1/4-inch steel skidplate. Full rollcage. Complete drivetrain raised 3 inches for flush underbelly, eliminating body lift
BEST MOD: The custom fabrications by Precision Automotive in Kingman, Arizona [Ms. Beck definitely has more than a few years before reaching 76, as stated in April 2005's issue. Please excuse us, Joan!--Ed.]
Flashback Ford
Vehicle: '78 Ford F-250
OWNER: Chad Dale, Chico, CA
TIRES: 38x12.50-16.5 Swamper TSLs
WHEELS: 16.5x10 slotted mags
SUSPENSION: 8-inch custom
DRIVETRAIN: 400ci big-block, C6 tranny, NP205 transfer case, Dana 60 rear, Dana 44 front
PERFORMANCE MODS: Edelbrock intake, Edelbrock carb, noisy Pete Jackson geardrive, roller rockers, Cleveland heads, Comp Cams cam, Hedman Hedders
OTHER DOODADS: Disc brakes, onboard air
BEST MOD: Strong 400ci engine
WORST MOD: No Dana 60 front
Bronco Trek
Vehicle: '81 Ford Bronco
OWNER: Ron Green, Granite Falls, WA
TIRES: 36x12.50-15 Swamper TSLs
WHEELS: 15-inch chromies
SUSPENSION: Low-center-of-gravity Sawzall special
DRIVETRAIN: 351ci engine, Ford 9-inch rear with 31-spline axles and Detroit Locker, Dana 44 TTB front
PERFORMANCE MODS: Edelbrock intake and carb, MSD ignition, K&N air filter
OTHER DOODADS: Halogen back-up light, onboard air
BEST MOD: Edelbrock intake, Detroit Locker
WORST MOD: Stupid, cheap dual-battery isolator
Muddy Trailer
Vehicle: '04 Dodge Dakota SLT Quad Cab
OWNER: Chad Rowland
TIRES: 33-inch Nitto Terra Grapplers
WHEELS: 16-inch
SUSPENSION: Torsion bars cranked, block in rear, Pro Comp shocks, 3-inch body lift
DRIVETRAIN: 4.7L, Powertrax No-Slip rear locker
OTHER DOODADS: Hella 500s, tow hooks, custom front skidplate, Bully nerf bars
Samurai's Better Brother
Vehicle: '96 Suzuki Sidekick
OWNER: Dale Lister, Thornton, CO
TIRES: 35x15.50-15 Swamper SXs
WHEELS: 15x10 Rockcrawlers
SUSPENSION: Custom-made long-arm three-link front and three-link rear, TJ coils, long-travel shocks
DRIVETRAIN: 1.6L MPFI engine, three-speed TH180C tranny, Calmini 4.24:1 gears in transfer case, Toyota 9-inch rear with spool, Toyota 8-inch front with Detroit Locker, 5.20 gears
PERFORMANCE MODS: K&N air filter
OTHER DOODADS: Custom front and rear bumper
BEST MOD: Swapping out the five-speed tranny for the auto
WORST MOD: Making my own limiting straps
Classic Bests
Vehicle: '46 Dodge WDX Powerwagon
OWNER: George Scott, Tomball, TX
TIRES: 38x11.50-16 Swamper TSLs
WHEELS: 16-inch five-lug split rims
SUSPENSION: Stock
DRIVETRAIN: 230ci engine, four-speed non-syncro mesh tranny, two-speed transfer case, rear locker, 5.83 gears
OTHER DOODADS: PTO winch