1995 Defender 90 - On Safari

In British fashion, everything under the bonnet is tidy and has its place. The Rock-90 retained its original 3.9L EFI mill. With the exception of a K&N air filter to assist aspiration, the motor was left stock and churns out a modest 180 hp and 200 lb-ft of torque. A C&R Racing radiator was slipped into the front hoop to keep things cool, and a firewall mounted, 2.5-gallon Safari Gard aluminum air tank supplies pneumatic motivation to the front ARB locker, air horn, and air tools. Dual Hawker Engineering 1,200-amp Odyssey batteries bring everything to life, and Earl's fittings and lines ensure sealed cooling and fuel systems. Running out of fuel won't be an issue thanks to a custom 20-gallon aluminum fuel cell fabricated by Safari Gard with Fuel Safe components. Spent exhaust gases are channeled through a Flowmaster exhaust system.

From the pilot bearing back, Greg's Rock-90 was given the works. A new Centerforce flywheel, clutch, and pressure plate are spun by a Weber starter. The tranny was swapped for a New Venture 4500 five-speed, while an Advance Adapters Atlas II transfer case manages torque bias to a pair of J.E. drivelines.

The interior of this rock-hopping family rig was also treated to a major overhaul. The original instrument cluster was retained, along with the firewall, hood, floor pan, and windshield frame for street driving. Additions took the form of a Tuffy Security glovebox and center console, Premier Power Welder controls, front and rear Mastercraft seats, and five-point harnesses. For enhanced night vision, a pair of Hella auxiliary lights was attached to the windscreen posts with Safari Gard's cage-mounted adjustable light brackets.

Putting this creation in touch with terra firma is a set of 40-inch Goodyear Wrangler M/Ts mounted on Allied aluminum bead-lock wheels. When the going gets tough, front and rear Superwinch winches are available. A closer look at the rear axle unveils a Master Pull-wrapped Superwinch x3000 for preloading the suspension, an antisway bar, and a set of Mastercraft limiting straps. Up front is an x9000 fitted with a quick-release hook that can be used for forward pull or to load the front suspension.

In traditional British fashion, Safari Gard's Rock-90 is one tough rig. The next time we hit the Kalahari or Sahara Desert, we may want a windscreen and doors, but with its clean lines and detailed attention to engineering and aesthetics, if we're heading for some backcountry rockcrawlin' with the kids, this is one rig we wouldn't mind having under our jeans.