You may remember our very first JK project, this 2007 JK Unlimited Rubicon with a Burnsville Off-Road SRT 6.1L Hemi V-8. The Jeep’s owner, Hyde Park, Utah, resident Ed Fisher, has been using it as a daily driver since.
It was time for some upgrades.
Shane Barrington, owner of Thunder Mountain Truck Outfitters in Logan, Utah, assigned master fabricator Dave Hansen to modernize Ed’s already nice 6.1L JK using some of the best parts available. These parts included Currie Rock Jock 60 front and rearends, an EVO Manufacturing 4-inch DoubleD long-arm suspension system with Fox shocks, 40-inch BFG KM2 tires, and more. Once Thunder Mountain was finished, we had to bring this JK Unlimited to you.
Check out the photos and captions to see how a magazine project Jeep was improved.
| Specifications |
| Vehicle: |
2007 Jeep JK Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon |
| Owner/Hometown: |
Ed Fisher/Hyde Park, Utah |
| Engine: |
Chrysler SRT 6.1L Hemi V-8 |
| Induction: |
MPFI |
| Transmission: |
Chrysler 545RFE |
| Transfer case/low range ratio: |
NVG241OR Rock-Trac /4:1 |
| Front end: |
Currie Enterprises Rock Jock 60 |
| Rear end: |
Currie Enterprises Rock Jock 60 |
| Ring and Pinion: |
5.38 Motive Gear |
| Front Differential: |
Eaton ELocker |
| Rear Differential: |
Eaton ELocker |
| Suspension: |
EVO Manufacturing 4-inch DoubleD long-arm suspension |
| Tires: |
40x14.50R17 BFGoodrich KM2 Mud Terrain |
| Wheels/Backspacing: |
17x8 Walker Evans Racing beadlocks/4.5 inches |
|
The Burnsville SRT 6.1L Hemi...
The Burnsville SRT 6.1L Hemi V-8 has run flawlessly since installation in December 2006. The Burnsville/Griffin aluminum radiator keeps the big mill running cool. Thunder Mountain installed the PSC ram-assist system with their excellent aluminum power steering filter reservoir. We installed the Optima Yellow Top sealed battery six years ago and it’s still working well.
TMD’s cowl induction hood...
TMD’s cowl induction hood not only brings cool air in, but vents hot under-hood air, too.
EVO Manufacturing’s 4-inch...
EVO Manufacturing’s 4-inch DoubleD long arm suspension is bolt on and includes everything needed to turn a JK into a trail tamer. Look for more on the EVO DoubleD suspension in an upcoming issue of 4WHEEL DRIVE MAGAZINE.
After cutting off the OE frame...
After cutting off the OE frame brackets, Thunder Mountain’s Dave Hansen checks the DoubleD’s control arm brackets for fitment. The bracketry integrates both upper and lower arm mounting points for easy installation.
The DoubleD bracketry is bolt...
The DoubleD bracketry is bolt on easy, but Thunder Mountain suggested, and Ed agreed, that the bracketry be welded.
Dave’s welds are flawless...
Dave’s welds are flawless.
We detailed Ed’s Currie Rock...
We detailed Ed’s Currie Rock Jock buildup in the March 2012 issue. The frontend includes 5.38 Motive gears and an Eaton Elocker. The Thunder Mountain aluminum tie rod is strong and light. The drag link is part of the DoubleD system. Ed didn’t like not being able to steer the JK on slickrock with the axles locked. The PSC ram-assist system fixed that issue.
The EVO DoubleD suspension...
The EVO DoubleD suspension system comes with 4-inch coils tuned specifically for the JK. The coils are twisted here because the JK was on the rocks when we shot the photo. Currie’s AntiRock swaybar helps keep the JK under control on road and trail.
As mentioned, DoubleD bracketry...
As mentioned, DoubleD bracketry incorporates both the upper and lower control arm mounts for correct placement and geometry.
Tom Wood’s Custom Driveshafts...
Tom Wood’s Custom Driveshafts built the front and rear CV driveshafts. Ed needs to get the vapor canister protected by a skidplate.
The Currie Rock Jock 60 rearend...
The Currie Rock Jock 60 rearend has 5.38 Motive gears and an Eaton Elocker. Currie’s new fabricated cover provides tough protection. The Fox aluminum monotube shocks are an option with the EVO DoubleD suspension system and are valved right for the application.
Burnsville covered the seats...
Burnsville covered the seats in leather back in 2006.
Bestop’s Trektop NX top uses...
Bestop’s Trektop NX top uses the JK’s sport cage as its frame. Ed likes it.
This was one of the first...
This was one of the first M.O.R.E. stubby JK bumpers built. It has held up great and M.O.R.E. continues to sell as many as they can build. The Warn 9.5ti winch has a Viking synthetic rope. Baja Designs’ 4-inch Soltek HID driving and spotlights illuminate the night.
Thunder Mountain installed...
Thunder Mountain installed Poison Spyder Custom tubular flat fenders to help clear the 40-inch meats.
Ed has always liked to carry...
Ed has always liked to carry full-size spare tires, even when the spare is 40 inches in diameter. It’s a testament to the M.O.R.E. rear tire carrier bumper’s strength that it can carry such a big spare.
The 40x14.50R17 BFGoodrich...
The 40x14.50R17 BFGoodrich KM2 tires are mounted on 17x8 Walker Evans Racing beadlock wheels.
R-SE rocker guards have protected...
R-SE rocker guards have protected the JK for many years.
The M.O.R.E. bumper can also...
The M.O.R.E. bumper can also carry a Hi-Lift Jack.
Here is Ed’s 6.1L JK Unlimited Rubicon when it went to Thunder Mountain for surgery.