Barry turned the wrenches himself throughout most of this build. Not only is building a rig an extremely valuable learning experience, but it also cuts down on build cost. Just as important, when you have a problem on the trail you have a much better chance at identifying and resolving said problem. Since he knew that his rig was going to need to overcome some serious rock gardens and would be constantly pushed to its limits, Barry knew he needed some extreme axle strength. The front axle is a Dana 60 from a '78 Ford F-250. It is stuffed with an ARB locker, 5.29-ratio gears, and Superior 35-spline inner and outer chrome-moly axleshafts. The rear axle is also a Dana 60 but comes from a '93 Ford E-350 cargo van. Barry chose a full spool for the rear to remain completely locked, and its loaded with 5.20-ratio gears and Yukon 35-spline axleshafts. High Angle Driveline in Paradise, California, built all of the necessary driveshafts.
All of the aforementioned strength is needed when you install massive 39x13.50R17 BFG Krawler tires on American Eagle 17x9 wheels. Keeping 39-inch tires in motion is one task, but having the right combination of power, strength, and suspension to make them work in unison takes a true master builder.
Sitting atop the axles in front is a custom-made three-link suspension system. We could easily nickname this rig "Flex" after watching it make light work of the Lower Woodpecker Trails in Arizona during our photo shoot. Allowing a massive amount of articulation are King 2.5-inch, 16-inch-travel coilovers with remote reservoirs at all four corners. Utilizing coilovers as part of a suspension system allows one the versatility of infinite adjustability. The rear custom suspension is a four-link system also running a Currie Enterprises sway-bar kit to help keep the Jeep in line. Barry also had a full hydraulic steering fabricated using 7075 aluminum tie rods.
We asked Barry who sprayed the cool paint scheme on his rig and he told us, "Squeek painted the hood, roof, and side panels. He is out of Tempe, Arizona, and everyone knows him."
The body panels are custom-cut aluminum provided by Campbell Enterprises of Gilbert, Arizona. Other protection items around the buggy are custom skidplates front and rear as well as T6-aluminum rocker guards.
The cab's interior says a lot about just what kind of a guy Barry is. Everything is functional and practical. Each Auto Meter gauge is necessary. A set of Renegade Suspension seats with six-point harnesses keep everyone seated safely, and a Power Tank is mounted to the floor.
You're probably wondering why we titled a story about such a great trail rig "Hunk of Junk." Well, as Barry informed us, much of his vehicle's parts were pulled out of Arizona junkyards. It just goes to show you that you don't need to buy everything off a shelf to fabricate something incredible.