2007 Jeep Wrangler JK X Model Buildup - Straight To Ridiculous

The JK was stripped down to the floorboards and the dash and portions of the factory wiring harness were also removed.

Placement of the LS2 engine required new motor mounts and removal of the inner fender wells. The firewall was also cleared of all factory parts. There was just enough room for a huge Ron Davis radiator in front of the engine. The King coil-over and triple bypass shocks were mounted to Off Road Evolution shock hoops and are supported by a removable engine cage.

Along with the engine and shocks the Dynatrac Pro Rock 60 front axle was also installed, checking and verifying proper clearances before any final welds were applied. Aft of the LS2 engine is a PATC 4L80E auto transmission and Atlas 4SP transfer case. The drivetrain crossmember also serves as a suspension mounting point for the heavy-duty, 2-inch x 0.500-wall control arms secured with 2.5-inch Currie Johnny Joints.

The extensive cage work was crafted by the Off Road Evolution crew, using 2-inch x 0.120-wall chromoly tubing. The rear shock mounts and rear frame section tie in to the cage using a triangulated center support. The rear fenderwells were removed to make way for the cage work and shocks.

The roll cage ties to the frame in multiple locations to achieve the greatest level of occupant safety. The seat frame follows the interior body lines well and was constructed removing a limited amount of sheetmetal from the floor. The B&M shifter is mocked up in place prior to installation.

Before finish welds were applied to the upper and lower shock mounts the suspension was cycled fully to check for clearances. Placement of the King 4-inch bumpstops was also determined. Off Road Evolution built the wishbone three-link rear using 2-inch x 0.500-wall DOM tubing. The PSC hydraulic rear steering cylinder is mocked in place on its axle mount. The rear LoD bumper and Ramsey 5,000-pound winch are also shown.

A PSC steering box replaced the factory unit and is plumbed for a cylinder-assist. The area around the steering box frame mount was plated to increase strength.

With a rear seat still to be installed, space was at a premium. Dual Odyssey batteries were installed end to end and dual B&M transmission coolers are mounted below them. A 32-gallon Fuel Safe fuel cell sits behind the cage triangulation. A Kenwood 110-watt race radio from PCI was to be mounted under the rear seat but was relocated when a better location was determined.

The 16-inch-travel King Shocks set up includes 2.5-inch coil-over and 3-inch triple-bypass units at all four corners. The ample front wheel travel displayed here makes the 39.5x13.50R17 BFGoodrich Krawlers look small. The BFG Krawlers are mounted on 17x8.5 Walker Evans beadlocks.