1978 Jeep J20 - Pack Mule

Desiring a multifunctional 4x4 capable of hitting the trails while taking everything with him, Stafan Czapsky of Unidilla, New York, transported the shell of his '78 Jeep J20 pickup to the opposite coast, where FourXDoctor in Burbank, California, was set to work some magic. The original frame and driveline were abandoned for a Chevy truck frame and 1-ton driveline setup by cutting and notching the frame to mate it to the J20 cab. The Dana 60 front and 14-bolt rear axle were equipped with 4.56 gears and Detroit Lockers and positioned beneath the frame using Rancho 4-inch leaf springs and multiple Rancho RS9000 shocks in each corner. A custom crossover steering system was also installed. A '76 454 V-8 mill was then stuffed between the rails and outfit with a Howell fuel-injection system and a Be Cool aluminum radiator, then mated to a Turbo 400 transmission and an NP205 transfer case. Operating temperatures are further maintained through an engine oil cooler and tranny cooler.

Addressing the exterior, Stafan desired a heavy-duty multifunctional bed setup. Skagg Truck Beds in Pacoima, California, produced a steel stake bed complete with toolboxes, and FourXDoctor installed it along with Hanson Enterprises' custom bumpers. After the bright-yellow paint came into play, the rig was positioned upon a set of 35x12.50R16 BFGoodrich M/Ts mounted to 16x8-inch American Eagle wheels. The interior also received a fair share of accouterments in the form of a frame-mounted rollcage, leather bucket seats, and an array of Auto Meter gauges.