'86 Jeep CJ-7
Back again were Julio and Laura Monroy in their Project-X '86 CJ-7, adorning a patriotic paint job. Project-X had proven itself before, when Julio and Laura navigated their 350-powered YJ through Ultimate Adventure 2001. A spring-over conversion twists through the trails while trying to keep the Jeep on all fours as power is sent through the Dana 44 and Dana 60 axles. The Monroys were lucky this year-really no trail damage with the exception of a lost tranny inspection plate and a flipped-off V-belt. They did get lost a few times on the highway, though. And sorry, Julio, but we took a vote, and we think you should let Laura drive the entire trip next time.
Drivers: Julio and Laura Monroy, Colton, CAEngine: Chevy 350ci 5.7L TPITransmission: 700R4Transfer Case: Dana 300 transfer case with Currie twin stickSuspension: Custom spring-over suspension with Rancho 44044 springs, Rancho RS 9000 shocksFront Axle: Dana 44, 5.38 gears, Detroit Locker, Warn axles, CTM U-joints, Warn hubsRear Axle: Dana 60, 5.38 gears, Detroit Locker, Currie high-clearance axlesTires: 37x12.50-17 BFGoodrich KrawlersWheels: 17x9 OMF bead locksSpecial Features: Warn HS9500 winch, custom 19-gallon fuel cell, All-Pro Off-Road front hoop
'90 Jeep Wrangler YJ
One of three husband-and-wife teams, Rob and Sissy Harris joined us on their fifth Ultimate Adventure. You may remember them from last year, driving their custom Scorpion vehicle. Well, this year they decided to pull their little Jeep, Spot, out of the closet and run it through its paces. Spot was definitely ready for the trip, and the only damage incurred was a stuck rear brake caliper that locked up on Rob and Sissy. Otherwise Spot performed almost flawlessly. The loud green, red, brown, and white camo paint job showed no battle scars at the end of the week and Spot was a happy Jeep.
Drivers: Rob and Sissy Harris, Nacogdoches, TXEngine: L31 Vortec 5700 V-8Transmission: GM4L60E four-speed automaticTransfer Case: Atlas II with 3.7 low rangeSuspension: Black Diamond 4-inch springs, Superlift shocksFront Axle: Sunray Engineering hybrid Ford 9-inch with Dana 60 outers, 4.87 gears, Detroit Locker, 35-spline axlesRear Axle: Sunray Engineering Ford 9-inch, 4.87 gears, Detroit Locker, 35-spline axles, Explorer disc brakesTires: 35x13.50-15 BFGoodrich KrawlersWheels: 15x10 Factory Tubular bead locksSpecial Features: Warn 9000i; Warn hubs; Thomas Industries air compressor; Speed Liner in-body tub; Currie steering-box brace, bumpers, greaseable shackles, and rocker guards; Martin Senour Paint by U.S.A. Auto; 2-inch body lift; Earl's fuel and tranny lines; Off Your Rocker steal rear corners
'71 Ford Bronco
And then there was Tom Boyd. You must certainly remember Tom from last year's Ultimate Adventure. He is almost impossible to miss and has been dubbed 4-Wheel & Off-Road's Honorary Intern. This year he repainted his JD Fabrications-designed pseudo-Bronco with an orange and purple flame coat to match his personality. Tom's Bronc blew a control arm rod end early in the game, at the same time bending the shaft on his coilover shock. As Ultimate Adventure progressed, Tom went on to grenade three hubs, one axleshaft, and a wheel and somehow killed a shock reservoir. He attributed this to too happy of a right foot. We tend to agree. But it was all in the name of fun. As the locals in Mississippi said, "That boy just ain't right!"
On a side note, Dave and Jerrod would like to send a personal thanks to Tom and Lazy the Dog for rescuing us 86 miles outside of Albuquerque, when the K5 ate its second engine of the trip.