AEV Nth Degree Suspension - Wheeling Weekend

Steve Rayner makes a tight squeeze between two trees as he travels through a narrow section of John Bull Trail.

John Harrich of Running Springs, California, took an opportunity to show off the abilities of his coil-over suspension-equipped 1997 TJ. The rig is stretched 5.5 inches in the rear and sports an AEV Nth Degree long-arm suspension system paired with Fox 12-inch-travel coil-over shocks in the front and rear. Champion beadlock wheels are shod with 37-inch Goodyear MT/Rs, and ARB Air Lockers and 5.13 gears are installed in the rear XJ Dana 44 and the trussed, high-pinion Dana 30 front axle. John's TJ also uses an Atlas 4SP transfer case with a Part's Mike speedo kit, a Rock Hard 4x4 Parts roll cage, Mastercraft seats in the front and rear, a Kilby OBA system, and J.E. Reel drive shafts.

We were in the San Bernardino National Forest on the first day of hunting season, which had many of the trails busy with local hunters in 4x4s heading deeper in to the woods as they tracked game. On our way down the hill we came across this guy who had a legal bear tag and had tracked this 250-pound Brown Bear on foot for weeks. He downed it earlier in the day and hauled it about three miles out of the woods on a wheeled cart across steep slopes. We found him along the highway trying to load the bear in to the back of his truck. My buddy Melvin hopped out to assist while I snapped a picture.

All J Products co-owner Quinn Thomas built this TJ for himself, but put AEV's Jim Frens behind the wheel for the day. Quinn's TJ uses an AEV Nth Degree 6-inch long arm system plus a 5.5-inch Nth Degree stretch kit, a high clearance belly pan, an engine skid, 35-inch tires, and a custom Dana 44 rear axle. A set of Boulder Bars rocker guards are also installed as are front and rear All J Products bumpers.

With the popularity of John Bull Trail, as well as it's proximity to Los Angeles and surrounding areas, it isn't uncommon to run in to a bit of trail traffic. Here Steve Rayner, in his blue Scrambler, and yours truly in the 4WD&SU AEV Brute, hug the side of the trail to allow some uphill traffic to pass. The unending view of the lower lying lands is another great feature of John Bull Trail.

Wally Crandall of Pasadena, California, pilots his 2002 Jeep Liberty Sport with camouflage DuraBak paint scheme. The Liberty rides on 33-inch Goodyear MT/Rs and uses a custom Nth Degree long-arm system. We'll have a feature on Wally's Liberty in an upcoming issue.

We enjoyed a lunch stop mid-way through the trail, giving all an opportunity to stretch their legs and talk about the morning's challenges. There was also a good bit of crawling around under each vehicle and tire kicking that occurred as we examined many of the new AEV Nth Degree Suspension components.