Drivetrain
The transmission is a Chrysler 904 with a reverse valvebody, shift-kit modification, and an Art Carr shifter. The transfer case is a Dana 300 modified with a TeraFlex Low-range 4:1 kit and which has been clocked flat with an Advance Adapters clocking ring. All transmission work was performed by Remac Transmissions of San Dimas, California.
Axles
Both axles are Dana 44s with 4.88 gears and Detroit Lockers. Because of this CJ's radical suspension, Tom fabricated gussets around the rear axle to ensure it would stay put during extreme articulation. The gusset work was not only fabricated to add strength, it also provides points for the four-link suspension to attach.
Chassis/Body
There is a small portion of stock frame remaining, but you really have to search for it. As you can see, most of this Jeep has been completely rebuilt. 1 Day Paint in Pomona, California, laid down a fresh coat of white, and Tom Clark of Chino, California, did all of the custom pinstriping. An assortment of Auto Meter gauges litters the dash, and Beard seats with four-point harnesses are mounted firmly to the floor. The majority of the 'cage work was performed by 4Wheelers Supply; the rest was completed by the owner. One-and-a-half-inch DOM tubing was used throughout the chassis, cabin, and bumpers. Custom skidplates were also created for the fuel cell, transfer case, and transmission. Four X Doctor tube rocker guards are attached to both sides and aid in ingress and egress. Carrying all of this down the road is a set of 37x12.50R15 Goodyear MT/R tires on TrailReady 15x10 beadlock wheels. Although we wheeled with the windshield in place, most of the time Tom removes it to give an even better view of what's ahead.
Suspension
Various lift kits and custom shocks have educated Tom a great deal over the years. He knew if he finally got the OK from the wife (which he did), he would need to go to full coilover suspension at all four corners. The adjustability and ride quality of a four-cornered coilover Jeep is second-to-none on the trail.
Tom decided to build a nice three-link suspension with the help of 4Wheelers Supply using King 2.5-inch coilovers in the front. Out back, 4Wheelers Supply helped him create a four-link suspension with Currie Antirock sway bars and matching shocks. We literally walked over everything in our path during the photo shoot because of this setup. All pivot points are connected with very strong, 1- and 2-inch Heim joints.
Tom refers to the current modifications on his Jeep as the final build, but as most of us know, our projects are hardly every truly complete. He already mentioned a possible larger motor and increase-capacity fuel cell to be installed in the future.
It seems that no matter how much we build or how far we travel, the enthusiast inside all of us is rarely satisfied.