It feels a little odd calling a CJ-7 a classic. After all, isn’t that a term usually reserved for MB and GPW flatfenders, ’66-’77 Broncos, and FJ-40s? Since we’re well into the 21st century and there are fewer and fewer CJ-7s on the roads and trails, calling Larry Pederson’s 1980 CJ-7 a classic isn’t a stretch; it’s reality.
Pederson, a welding lead man from Lakeside, California, has been ’wheeling for 45 years. That much trail time adds up to a well-developed sense of what works and what doesn’t. It’s also time enough to develop individual tastes and preferences.
If you’re looking for high-zoot axles, a linked suspension, coilover shocks, and a fire-breathing LS engine you’ll have to look elsewhere. While those big-ticket items are integral parts of many hardcore trail rigs we’ve seen, they’re not always necessary. This is especially true when you’ve built your Jeep as an overall package that works well for your needs. There’s a lot of wisdom in the phrase, “keep it simple, stupid!”
Thirty-three inch Mud King tires don’t strain the axles the way bigger tires do. As such, a pair of Dana 44s is a well-suited match to the rolling stock. The 33’s also don’t require much lift, so Larry was able to create the needed clearance using no-name 2-1/2-inch spring-under lift springs combined with heavy-duty lift shackles.
There’s a carbureted 304 V-8 under the hood and the original Dana 300 is also in place under the Jeep. Larry decided to go big with the transmission, though: it’s an NV4500.
The color scheme came of “opportunity” after Larry rolled the CJ and had to replace the hood and windshield frame. The black-and-yellow stands out, yet doesn’t beg for too much attention.
Even in light of the coordinated approach to building a well-balanced rig, the coolest thing about this Jeep is its driver’s mindset. Most of us can’t seem to stop ourselves from upgrading and modifying our rigs. It seems like a never-ending cycle leading to as much frustration as it does joy. Not Larry. He’s an island of serenity in an ocean of upgraders. His take? “I would build her just the same. She does everything I ask of her.” Props to you, sir.
| Specifications |
| Vehicle: |
1980 Jeep CJ-7 |
| Owner/Hometown: |
Larry Pederson/Lakeside, California |
| Engine: |
AMC 304 V-8 |
| Induction: |
2 bbl. carburetor |
| Transmission: |
New Venture Gear NV4500 |
| Transfer case/low range ratio: |
Dana 300/2.62:1 |
| Front suspension: |
2-1/2-inch spring-under lift springs, lift shackles, Pro Comp ES 3000 shocks |
| Rear suspension: |
2-1/2-inch spring-under lift springs, lift shackles, Pro Comp ES 3000 shocks |
| Ring and Pinion: |
4:11 |
| Front Differential: |
Detroit Locker |
| Rear Differential: |
ARB Air Locker |
| Tires: |
33x12.50R15 Mud Kings |
| Wheels: |
15-inch steel wagon wheels |
|
Larry’s ’wheeled for decades,...
Larry’s ’wheeled for decades, has been to a lot of events, and has the stickers to prove it. Favorite areas include Truckhaven, the Superstition Mountains, Big Bear, and Logandale, Nevada. The stock radio had to go. Larry replaced it with a new-school audio system that’s iPod compatible.
The CJ grille has timeless...
The CJ grille has timeless appeal. Larry’s grille guard actually folds down and doubles as a tow bar. KC Daylighters ensure that the fun doesn’t set with the sun.
The rollover mangled the original...
The rollover mangled the original fenders; Larry replaced them with durable tube fenders instead of stockers. Thirty-three inch Mud King tires on steel wagon wheels is a combo that won’t break the bank, is durable, and provides good grip in the dirt.
The front Dana 44 has a Detroit...
The front Dana 44 has a Detroit Locker and a 4.11 ring and pinion set behind the diff cover. Leaf springs are no-name 2-1/2 inch lift springs. Pro Comp ES 3000 shocks control the ride.
Basic racing buckets hold...
Basic racing buckets hold you in place, made all the more secure with Diest harnesses. The fire extinguisher is easy to reach if needed.
The 304 V-8 works well. Larry...
The 304 V-8 works well. Larry adapted an A/C compressor to power his on-board air system, using the front bumper as an air tank.
Hood louvers look nice, but...
Hood louvers look nice, but they help disperse underhood heat so they qualify as integral parts of the cooling system too.
The brass armadillo on the...
The brass armadillo on the hood looks as tough and experienced as the rest of the rig.
Nerf this CJ-7 from behind...
Nerf this CJ-7 from behind and it’ll leave a heart-shaped impression on your grille. The hitch-mounted glide plate keeps the rear from hanging up on the hitch-mounted spare during steep departures.
There’s not really a Halloween...
There’s not really a Halloween motif going on, but you’ll nevertheless find ghoulish skulls on the custom rear diff cover and on the NV4500’s shifter.
The rear diff cover is made...
The rear diff cover is made by Molten Image Design and hides an ARB Air Locker and a 4.11 ring-and-pinion set to match the front ratio.