Driver: Sam Patton
Co-Driver: Mark Abbott
Stomping Grounds: Tulsa, OK
Sam Patton has been in the off-road industry for over 28 years. Owner of Sam’s Offroad Equipment in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Sam has been fortunate enough to participate in the UA a few times as well as compete in our sister magazine’s Top Truck Challenge. With a well-built V-8 under the hood of his ’84 CJ-7, Sam and co-driver Mark Abbott were often spotted with dirt blasting from under the Jeep, putting the raspy 350ci to good use. Though electrical problems gave him a few headaches throughout the week, it was a broken transmission that ultimately caused this awesome Jeep to miss out on the last day of wheeling.

Drivetrain

• Engine: 350ci, Edelbrock heads, 23-pound injectors, Comp cam, dual electric fans from a Corvette, 21/2-inch exhaust
• Transmission: 700R4
• Transfer Case: 3.8 Atlas
• Axles: High-pinion Dana 60, ARB Air Locker, 5.13 gears

Suspension

• Springs & Such: 21/2-inch spring-over axle with Sam’s Offroad Equipment traction bar
• Tires & Wheels: 39-inch BFG Krawlers on 17x9 Allied beadlocks
• Steering: Custom high steer with Sam’s components

Other

• 1-inch Daystar body lift, raised floorboard to create flat belly, Hanson front bumper, Warn 9.5 winch, Warn rear bumper and tire carrier, turning brakes, 99-inch wheelbase, 7 feet tall, 7 feet wide, 5,200 pounds