Nate Williams is famous throughout the intermountain west for his fabricating skills. He built this 1979 CJ7 from the ground up in his home's two-car garage.
When we say Nate built the CJ from the ground up, we mean it. Nate even hand-built the frame. Other parts he fabricated are the rollcage, dash, console, 30-gallon fuel tank, suspension links, Dana 44 frontend and Dana 60 rearend, tie rod, drag link, and myriad other parts. Campbell Enterprises got the nod for their fiberglass TJ hood, which explains the TJ grille shell that makes everyone argue that this isn't a CJ.
Nate is not only a great fabricator, he's a great driver, too. His home-built CJ performs flawlessly on the street or on the rocks.
Photos don't do this Jeep justice, but check them out anyway. You'll see why we called the FABulous CJ a fabricated masterpiece.
The Campbell Enterprises fiberglass...
The Campbell Enterprises fiberglass TJ hood and TJ Wrangler grille shell make Nate’s FABulous CJ look like a TJ. The Jeep started as a 1979 CJ7. The body tub is about all that’s left of the original CJ.
The Be Cool radiator and aluminum...
The Be Cool radiator and aluminum overflow bottle tuck in nicely. We have had some problems with Be Cool radiators in the past, but Nate reports his works great in this CJ.
The LS-series 5.3L aluminum...
The LS-series 5.3L aluminum block Chevrolet V-8 is lightweight and powerful, weighing much less than the original 258 I-6. It runs cool behind the Be Cool aluminum radiator. Nate fabricated all of the frame work you see throughout the Jeep.
| Specifications |
| Vehicle: |
1979 Jeep CJ7 |
| Owner/Hometown: |
Nate Williams/Logan, Utah |
| Engine: |
Chevrolet 5.3L aluminum block V-8 |
| Induction: |
MPFI |
| Transmission: |
GM 4L60E four-speed overdrive automatic |
| Transfer case/low range ratio: |
Dana 300 with Novak HD outputs/2.62:1 |
| Front end: |
Dana 44 |
| Rear end: |
Dana 60 |
| Ring and Pinion: |
4.88:1 |
| Front Differential: |
Eaton Detroit Locker |
| Rear Differential: |
Eaton Detroit Locker |
| Suspension: |
Three-link front with track bar and14-inch Fox coilovers/Three-link wishbone rear with 14-inch Fox coilovers |
| Tires: |
37x12.50R17LT BFGoodrich KM2 Mud Terrain |
| Wheels/Backspacing: |
17x8 American Racing/4 inches |
Nate installed 14-inch-travel...
Nate installed 14-inch-travel Fox coilovers at all four corners and valved them himself. He chose to use a JK steering box for better approach angle, up travel clearance, and geometry.
Check out the routing of brake...
Check out the routing of brake and fuel lines.
The fabricated and trussed...
The fabricated and trussed Dana 44 frontend features Chromoly axles, CTM U-joints, 4.88 gears, and an Eaton Detroit Locker. Nate also built the aluminum track bar, tie rod, and drag link.
The front boxed long lower...
The front boxed long lower aluminum control arms are amazingly strong and lightweight. The front suspension is a three-link design with a track bar.
The rear lower aluminum control...
The rear lower aluminum control arms are lightweight and strong. Check out Nate’s very cool upper aluminum wishbone.
Novak built FABulous CJ’s...
Novak built FABulous CJ’s Dana 300 transfer case using heavy-duty output shafts. Nate kept the 300’s original 2.62:1 low range ratio.
The wishbone’s pivot attachment...
The wishbone’s pivot attachment point is on the Dana 60’s cover.
Nate’s Dana 60 rearend is...
Nate’s Dana 60 rearend is trussed and super strong. The Dana 60 has 35-spline Chromoly axles, 4.88 gears, and an Eaton Detroit Locker. Poly Performance limit straps keep the Fox 14-inch coilovers from overextending. An AntiRock swaybar helps control rear sway. Those are Daystar bumpstops.
Nate’s dash is clean and functional....
Nate’s dash is clean and functional. Auto Meter gauges are programmable. OE CJ heater controls were retained.