Some Jeeps never die. No matter how much they're beat on, rusted, ignored, or abandoned, some Jeeps just don't have the word quit in their vocabulary. Such is the case with Jason Scherer's '72 CJ-5. Starting its life before Jason's, the Jeep fell into his hands when he was 16, and he hasn't let it go since. Surviving endless runs through the Rubicon trail and even a brief stint on the other side of the law after it was stolen and eventually recovered, the Jeep went on to become a leading contender in professional rockcrawling competitions. During those times, Jason's CJ experienced multiple rebuilds, as he made tweaks to increase its competitive prowess and the rocks made tweaks in an effort to hold it back. After a stunning season running CalRocs, Jason eventually retired the old rig and set out to restore it to its original glory.
When all was said and done, Jason realized that the CJ was a better daily driver and trail Jeep than ever before. Jason 'wheels the CJ every chance he gets, confident enough in its abilities that he drives it to the trailhead. By mating the suspension and steering refinements applied to the CJ as a competition rig with a spunky new mill and smooth-shifting tranny, the old rig handles and performs with a rejuvenated spirit, proving once and for all that old Jeeps don't die -- they just get better.
Jason Scherer of Danville,...
Jason Scherer of Danville, California, first purchased his '72 Jeep CJ-5 when he was 16 years old. Since that time, the rig has experienced multiple transformations, from daily driver to trail rig to theft recovery to trail rig to competition rockcrawler and back to trail rig.
The interior features a custom...
The interior features a custom aluminum dash fit with an array of Auto Meter Pro Comp Ultra Lite gauges. The stock steering column was retained and topped with a Grant steering wheel. A Lever Lock brake-line lock was installed under the column. Also note the dash-mounted rollcage, which continues forward through the firewall and engine compartment, where it secures to a radiator hoop.
Jason piloted his '72 CJ-5...
Jason piloted his '72 CJ-5 at many CalRocs rockcrawling competitions before retiring it after a big win at Donner Ski Ranch and a beating at Super Crawl. The restoration process then began, and Jason jumped to the Unlimited Class behind the wheel of a new rock buggy.
A Warn XD9000i winch resides...
A Warn XD9000i winch resides up front and is equipped with a synthetic rope line from RockStomper and an aluminum bone fairlead from Rock Dancer Products. The stock fenders were trimmed for extra tire clearance. The Dana 30 axle uses Dana 44 knuckles and a custom high-steer system to achieve the tightest turning radius possible.
Beard seats and Simpson restraints...
Beard seats and Simpson restraints are secured to the fully TIG-welded 4130 chrome-moly rollcage. Jason hand-made the custom 20-gallon aluminum fuel tank and topped it off with a ventless gas cap from Chassis Works. The stock gas inlet and cap were transformed into a handy storage compartment for small items.
The front Dana 30 was moved...
The front Dana 30 was moved forward 1 inch and uses 4.27 gears, an ARB Air Locker, Warn axles, CTM U-joints, and disc brakes. Power is channeled forward from the Atlas 4.3 transfer case via a 1310 driveshaft from High Angle Driveline. Also visible is the NV4500 five-speed tranny from Advance Adapters.
The Atlas case and NV4500...
The Atlas case and NV4500 tranny were neatly snugged up level with the frame. The Dana 44 rear axle was moved rearward 1-1/2 inches and features a Warn full-floating kit and drive flanges, 4.27 gears, disc brakes, and an ARB Air Locker. Front and rear ARBs are actuated through a Dedenbear CO2 tank and regulator. Also note where the spring mounts are frenched into the frame.
Jason ditched the factory...
Jason ditched the factory AMC V-8 in favor of a much more fuel-efficient '02 Chevy 4.3L Vortec V-6. The new mill uses a Street and Performance wiring harness and receives spark from an Optima Yellow Top battery. Note the custom engine cage and radiator hoop, which also function as mounts for the shock reservoirs.
| Specifications | | Year/make/model: | '72 Jeep CJ-5 | | Owner/hometown: | Jason Scherer/Danville, California | | Engine: | '02 4.3L Vortec V-6 | | Induction: | TBI | | Transmission: | NV4500 five-speed | | Transfer case: | Advance Adapters Atlas 4.3 | | Frontend: | Dana 30, ARB Air Locker, Dana 44 knuckles | | Rearend: | Dana 44, ARB Air Locker, Warn full-floating kit | | Ring-and-pinion: | 4.27 | | Suspension: | SOA Skyjacker springs, Fox Racing Shox | | Tires/wheels: | 35x12.50R17 BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain/17x10-inch Walker Evans Racing bead locks |