Brock Sherwood of Baldwin City, Kansas, is used to working on cool stuff. By day, he is a Department of Defense contractor, maintaining Predator aircraft as an avionics technician. So it’s not surprising that his 2007 Jeep Wrangler Sahara Unlimited JK is a cool looking rig with all the right stuff.
Brock had seen a lot of JK Hemi conversions, but he had yet to see anyone use Mopar’s new 7.0L 426ci Generation III Hemi V-8 crate engine. The 426 Hemi uses an aluminum block and race cam and features a Stage 3 port and polish and an EFO 90mm throttle body. Mated to the 426 is a G56 six-speed manual transmission, which is the same trans used in Dodge Ram 3500 trucks. Aft of the transmission is an Atlas 2SP transfer case with a 4.3:1 low range. The swaps were performed by Kevin Wyas and crew at 4 Wheelers Supply (4ws.com) in Springfield, Missouri.
Currie RockJock Dana 60 axles sit front and rear and are stuffed with ARB Air Lockers and 4.10 Superior gears. The stout axle combination turns 42x15-17 Pit Bull Rocker bias-ply tires mounted to 17x10 Walker Evans Racing beadlocks with three inches back spacing. To clear the way for the hefty meats Brock had 4 Wheelers Supply install a Rock Krawler 5.5-inch X-Factor Plus three-link suspension system front and rear. A set of 14-inch-travel RRD Racing 2.0 coilover shocks reside up front while a set of 12-inch-travel RRD Racing 2.0 coilover shocks are affixed to the rear. RRD 2.0 hydraulic bump stops are in place to control suspension compression.
There isn’t much that can...
There isn’t much that can stand in the way of Brock Sherwood’s 2007 Jeep Wrangler Sahara Unlimited. Equipped with a HEMI 426 V-8, 42-inch Pit Bull Rocker tires, Rock Krawler coilovers and three-link suspension, and Dana 60 axles front and rear, the rig is wholly capable of tackling obstacles without abandon.
Brock isn’t only interested in building 4x4s, he also greatly enjoys using them. He takes to the trails often, attending events such as the Easter Jeep Safari, Jeep Beach 2011, SMORR Show-Me Run, MilitaryJeepers.com Camp MJ Mid-West, Big Bear Forest Fest, and All-4-Fun. It isn’t just the excitement of ’wheeling that gets him charged up though.
“Being a part of the Jeep community is a big deal,” Brock says. “The community always helps each other out no matter if it is a stock Jeep or built rig. I enjoy helping everyone out, as well. I donated a grand to the BlueRibbon Coalition this year at EJS. It made Del Albright’s week. I’m also on the message boards often, answering questions new Jeep enthusiasts may have.”
To build a 4x4 to this level takes time and patience, but also a bit of help from generous sponsors. Brock represents a number of manufacturers when he ’wheels, including 4WS, Pit Bull Tires, Poison Spyder Customs, Poly Performance, Rigid Industries, Rock Krawler Suspension, and Spiderweb Shades. Take a look at the photos. We think you’ll agree that this JK has all the right stuff.
Poison Spyder Crusher flares...
Poison Spyder Crusher flares offer needed extra clearance for the 42-inch Pit Bull Rockers. They also stand up well to rocks and extreme tire stuffing.
A set of 14-inch-travel RRD...
A set of 14-inch-travel RRD Racing 2.0 coilover shocks and 2.0 bumpstops reside up front and are paired with a Rock Krawler 5.5-inch X-Factor Plus three-link system.
A Wild Boar Fastback T-Top...
A Wild Boar Fastback T-Top adds a distinctive look to the JK. The Poison Spyder body armor is ready for action. Shown are the Poison Spyder Crusher Corners, Rock Brawler sliders, front Crusher flares, and BFH Comp Stinger front bumper.
Moab, Utah, proved to be a...
Moab, Utah, proved to be a great location for working out the kinks in a new build. With mild to extreme trails all but a stone’s throw away, Brock was able to tackle varied terrain and pinpoint what changes may be necessary or beneficial. Since his trip to the Easter Jeep Safari the JK has been lowered five inches in the front and four in the rear. Brock also added a new prototype single-row light bar from Rigid Industries that is secured using Poison Spyder Custom’s prototype windshield mounts.
The Rock Krawler 5.5-inch...
The Rock Krawler 5.5-inch X-Factor Plus three-link and 14-inch-travel RRD Racing 2.0 coilover shocks offer great trail capability and make way for the hefty 42-inch Pit Bull Rocker tires.
A Poly Performance skidplate...
A Poly Performance skidplate system offers peace of mind on rocky trails.
A Delta light bar and D2 Spots...
A Delta light bar and D2 Spots help light up the trail during night runs.
A Currie RockJock Dana 60...
A Currie RockJock Dana 60 resides up front and is equipped with an ARB Air Locker and 4.10 Superior gears. A PSC steering box and hydraulic ram aid in navigating the extra beefy 42s.
Poison Spyder’s Rock Brawler...
Poison Spyder’s Rock Brawler sliders offer great protection. We like the slanted face that helps them slide easily over obstacles.