Jeep Wrangler YJ - YJ Potential

The back half of the frame was in the way of Matt's four-link, so he cut it off and re-created what he needed using round tubing. The four-link rear suspension is sprung and damped by 16-inch-stroke, 2.5-inch diameter King coilovers. The wheelbase was stretched during the process, giving much-needed length to the rear drive shaft and adding climbing stability to the YJ's arsenal.

Jack Skellington keeps a menacing glare from the rear diff cover. Like its front-end counterpart, the Super Duty rear axle was filled with 5.38 gears and an ARB Air Locker.

The 17-inch Mickey Thompson Classic II wheels look puny inside the monster-sized, 42-inch Interco IROK tires. Matt uses OMF beadlocks to keep the tires seated when running at low pressure.

Links and coilovers do a great job of flexing and offer a smooth ride, but they're not much for keeping a chassis stable on side hills or in corners. This link-and-coilover YJ uses sway bars at both ends to buy back the stability lost by ditching the leaf springs. The Currie Anti-Rock sway bar in the rear features aluminum arms, while the front is an Off-Road Unlimited unit that's hydraulically controlled to disconnect and re-connect as needed.

Poison Spider hardware adorns the sides of the YJ in the form of front tube fenders, rock sliders, and rear competition corners. Thanks to the width of the axles and the height of the tires, the paint is still pristine.

A pyramid-shaped sump in the fuel tank prevents fuel starvation at extreme angles.

There's a four-cylinder engine in there somewhere. Mancinetti mounted a York compressor to power the extensive on-board air system and to run the Air Lockers. Despite the busy engine bay, there's still plenty of room for a V-8. If you don't believe us, check out the length of the radiator shroud. The combined length of the radiator shroud and the inline-four leaves plenty of room for a Bow Tie 350. Since the rest of the Jeep is already built, the V-8 looks to be the final step up for this red YJ.

If this YJ ever goes over the occupants are likely to walk away unscathed. Mancinetti fabricated the 'cage from 1.5-inch, .120-wall mild steel tubing. In addition to protecting the occupants, the 'cage also provides mounting points for the Lowrance GPS, the Cobra CB radio, the winch controller, and the overhead lighting. Heated Bestop seats keep things comfy.

A monster-sized aluminum fuel pump ensures cool operating temperatures and consistent fuel delivery. Aluminum AN plumbing components are pricey, but return reliability and ease of use.