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ADVENTURE! TRAIL ACTIO N, CUMMINS-P OWERED STA FF RIDES, AN D MORE!
9
INCREDIBLE OVERLAND ADVENTURE SPONSOR RIGS LARGE, TRAIL-READY 4X4s // CHEVY K2500 // TOYOTA HIACE
MARCH 2022
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LONG-TERM REPORTS
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CONTENTS
MARCH 2022, VOL.59, NO.3
COVER SECTION
IT’S THE ULTIMATE ADVENTURE! 18 ULTIMATE ADVENTURE 2021 PRESENTED BY RUGGED RIDGE: PART 2 Getting krazy at Katemcy and rocking into West Texas
28 THE ULTIMATE ADVENTURE CRONIES The off-road enthusiasts at the core of UA
32 ULTIMATE ADVENTURE VIDEOGRAPHERS AND STILL PHOTOGRAPHERS Here are the people who capture all the action
36 ULTIMATE ADVENTURE STAFF RIDES
LONG-TERM TESTS
40 SCRUMPTIOUS SILVERADO
36
74 2021 RAM 1500 TRX First report: Does the TRX live up to the hype?
Three Cummins-powered, staff-built trail rigs
FEATURES & EVENTS
32
28
76 2020 JEEP GLADIATOR RUBICON Third report: Many kinds of hauling
For Jason Jordan, the food isn’t the only thing that’s home-cooked
52 SPONSORS OF OVERLAND ADVENTURE 2021 See how these incredible companies get it done in the backcountry
64 THE FIRE TRUCK This Toyota HiAce will go just about anywhere—just not quickly
70 FROM THE BACKCOUNTRY Git started and git back!
FIRST LOOK 46 2022 CHEVY SILVERADO ZR2 Multimatic DSSV shocks, 33-inch mud tires, front and rear lockers, and custom bodywork make Chevy’s new flagship pickup stand out from the crowd fourwheeler.com
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DEPARTMENTS 4 FIRING ORDER 8 4XFORWARD 10 INBOX 12 RPM 14 PARTS RACK 78 TECHLINE 80 CALENDAR 81 TRAIL’S END
QON THE COVER: Magic hour with some magic terrain. Josh Walker snapped our cover shot of UA Crony Keith Bailey negotiating a super-tricky obstacle at Katemcy Rocks outside of Mason, Texas, just as the sun was about to set on Ultimate Adventure 2021. Keith’s ’84 CJ-7 is on 1-tons and has 38-inch Falken Wildpeak M/Ts.
FOUR WHEELER MARCH 2022 3
FIRING ORDER
A K5 Blazer and a farm pasture
I
was fumbling around my office the other day and found an old photo of my K5 Blazer taken in one of the pastures near our family farm in northern Illinois. The date stamp on the back says it was taken in April 1986. To a photo critic it’s an unremarkable image. The subject is too far away and the light wasn’t very good. But when I found the photo after more than three decades, it flipped a switch in my old 58-year-old brain and I couldn’t help but smile when I thought of all the hours I spent wheeling in those rolling pastures. Typically, I can’t remember where I leave a wrench, but after all the years I could recall the small-block sounds coming from the tips of the Blazer’s dual exhaust and I could almost feel the crisp temperatures on that spring day. As wheelers, I think we all have that Great Memory of off-roading. For me, wheeling the pastures around the farm is my Great Memory. The K5 and I spent a lot of time in those pastures, often within sight of at least the tip of the farm’s silo, sometimes sharing space with cattle. Some folks would look at the pastures and say there’s no good wheeling there. As a matter of fact, I had friends say that, so I invited them out to wheel. They soon found that the pastures may have looked docile from a distance, but actually held some challenging obstacles. Some of the obstacles grabbed 4x4s so well they had to be rescued with the International 706 tractor.
machine stuck. Once I learned that trying to wildly throttle out of a deep drift can cost a front driveshaft U-joint and contribute to transmission failure. Several times I found that if I shoveled snow long enough a big Blazer will drive out of a snowdrift under its own power. And several times I found that the walk from the pasture to the farm to get a tractor took much longer than it took to drive to the pasture. My brain is a bit foggy after all these years, but I do remember a bit about the day this photo was taken. It was one of the first days of spring when the snow was completely gone, and warmer daytime temperatures were gaining a foothold even though the wind was still cold.
QThe date stamp on this photo of my K5 Blazer says it was taken in April 1986. It was snapped during one of my many wheeling forays into the pasture where I honed off-road skills.
I learned a lot about wheeling in those pastures, like how to finesse the big Blazer up ledges and the correct speed needed to ascend various heights of hillclimb. One of the pastures held two very old quarries that in the mid- to late-1800s provided stone for a variety of things, including local farmhouse foundations, a farmhouse, a large barn, and a one-room schoolhouse (all of which are still standing). The walls of these quarries were steep and littered with loose and fixed rocks and I learned much from ascending and descending them in the Blazer. In the pastures I learned about how soil consistency and moisture content affect traction. I wheeled those pastures in all four seasons, so I learned that snow could fill small ravines and stop a 4x4 cold.
4 MARCH 2022 FOUR WHEELER
I learned to “read” snowdrifts on uneven ground to gauge depth. I learned to really “see” the various angles of the terrain, pair that info with the conditions, and adjust my K5’s route accordingly. I learned that the greasy mud that forms on top of frozen ground as spring day temperatures warm can leave a 4x4 spinning its wheels, helpless to move. I learned about off-camber pucker factor when the Blazer tipped precariously close to its roll point when I took the wrong line. As mentioned, I also got stuck from time to time. I didn’t mind because I then got to learn about vehicle recovery. I learned that the momentum of blasting into an enormous snow drift could sometimes get the K5 to the other side (and it was fun), but often it just got the
The ground was no longer frozen, nor was it a sloppy mess. It was one of those days when you realized winter was over and warm days were around the corner. This is a big deal for many folks in the snowbelt. I’ve aged quite a bit since that photo was taken and the K5 is long gone, but I still have a house on that farm. The pasture where this photo was taken isn’t used for grazing cattle anymore, but it’s virtually unchanged. It’s been a while since I’ve been in that pasture, but the old photo of the K5 has me thinking it’s about time to point a 4x4 in that direction and explore. –KEN BRUBAKER KEN.BRUBAKER@FOURWHEELER.COM PHOTOS: KEN BRUBAKER
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4XFORWARD
Five behind-the-scenes photos and the stories behind them Procrastination is a funny thing. Normally, when I’m eyeballsdeep in a bunch of projects I need to get done, my modus operandi is to look for more unfinished projects to add to the pile rather than dive in and start working in earnest on the stuff I’ve been letting slide. That’s kinda what I’m doing today. I’ve got a pile of new injection stuff from Holley for my little 2.5L Why-J that I need to install, but that involves building an adapter plate. Building the adapter plate requires digging out my cutting tools, welder, and a visit to the metal yard for some aluminum plate. Digging out my tools involves moving a ton of other unfinished projects that are in their way. In short, I’ve once again painted myself into an automotive corner. So, rather than do the responsible thing, I thought this would be a great opportunity to scroll through some of my old photos and randomly pick out five to talk about.
The First @hbombindustries Instagram Post For starters, why is my Instagram handle @ hbombindustries? Because early on I started one with my name, ChristianHazel, and completely forgot under which email address it was linked to. Then, as our company email systems updated with different @ account names, I wound up locking myself out of my own name, so I just plopped the first thing in there that came to mind and now I’m kinda stuck with it. Anyway, this image is from February 23, 2014. I snapped it while trying to gently break the bead of some incredibly crusty and dryrotted Armstrong Norseman tires that were on my ’52 M-170 Ambulance. I was trying to save myself a trip to the tire shop, and by driving the flattie up onto the sidewall with the valve core pulled, I was able to generate just enough leverage to free the bead from the antique Kelsey Hayes Renegade CJ steelies on which they were mounted. An image of this taken from a different angle wound up being the first thing I ever posted on Instagram, way back on February 28, 2014.
when we decided to go do a run up Pritchett Canyon that I didn’t have much hope of driving myself. Instead, I hopped in with Verne. He carved out just enough room in his fridge for my sandwich, but I had nowhere really good to keep my stash of juice. Hey, I like juice. Initially, I had the cartons in a little plastic bag on the floor stuffed under the passenger seat, but they kept sliding out and I kept almost stepping on them. Then I discovered Verne’s little grab bar on his rollcage made a perfect juice holder.
Cookie Monster! Around the first week of May 2016, I became editor-in-chief of Petersen’s 4-Wheel & Off-Road. Fred Williams had been the editor prior to my taking the helm and one of the first things I asked him during the transfer was “what’s been done on Ultimate Adventure?” “Nothing” was definitely not the answer I was looking for, but it’s the answer I got. With six short weeks to plan and execute the world’s best known off-road event, the last thing I was worried about was cookies, but my wife, ever the thoughtful, intelligent person she is, had several boxes of custom-frosted monster truck cookies made for me to hand out on the trail. I thought she was nuts, and furthermore I thought I was nuts dragging these things along. But, hey, they wound up being a big hit, as this photo of Harry Wagner enjoying one on Fordyce Creek Trail proves. Who knows, maybe it’s something I should bring back to the event.
Getting Lost in Moab, Sorta This image was taken by me in Moab, Utah, during Easter Jeep Safari. At the time, I was editor of Jp magazine, and on a corporate run with 4Wheel Parts. Shortly after we broke for lunch, my buddy Cole Quinnell (who was riding shotgun with me) and I got flagged down to see if we could help with a weld repair. Always happy to help, I busted out my gear and used the underhood welder on my flattie to zap something back together. I honestly don’t remember what I wound up welding on this particular JK—maybe the factory track bar bracket or a motor mount or something like that. In any case, the group we were riding with left us behind and we wound up taking a wrong turn trying to catch up with them. By happenstance, it turned into a killer day just bumping around and running into old industry friends and acquaintances.
The Juice Is Loose One of the things you don’t really think about when you’re hopping in somebody’s rig for a trail ride last-minute is where you’re gonna stash all your gear. That’s even more crucial in a teeny little overstuffed Willys CJ-2A. It was March 23, 2016, and we were all in Moab, Utah, for Easter Jeep Safari. I had brought my weenie little YJ on 31-inch all-terrains, so 8 MARCH 2022 FOUR WHEELER
Dirt Heads This was, hands-down, the dustiest day in Ultimate Adventure history, after driving entirely on dirt roads from the middle of nowhere in Arizona to Hurricane, Utah. Not only was the dust super thick and without any breeze to blow it away, it was extremely alkaline and burned your flesh, eyes, and nasal passages. It was epic. After arriving at the hotel and checking in, we all stopped for a posed photo. From left to right are Verne Simons, Keith Bailey, Sam Gillis, Trent McGee, Steve von Seggern, Christian Hazel, Alan Huber, Clifton Slay, and Fred Williams. Even after a couple of showers the towel still turned rusty brown after I dried myself off. Most humble and sincere apologies from all of us on UA2017 to the cleaning staff of the Hurricane, Utah, Hampton Inn! -CHRISTIAN HAZEL CHRISTIAN_HAZEL@MOTORTREND.COM PHOTOS: CHRISTIAN HAZEL
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Inbox BY KEN BRUBAKER EDITOR@FOURWHEELER.COM
a modified Jeep YJ rollbar and other used factory parts from vehicles so that it’s easy to “parking lot repair.” The only new parts bought were safety related (harnesses, seats, fire extinguisher, and so on). All in all, I have less than $2,000 into this rig and it brings a smile to people’s faces wherever we take it. CALEB VIA EMAIL
SUPER LEXUS I appreciated your article titled “Hard-working equipment versus shiny, fancy 4x4s.” I’ve had a lot of rigs, but my current ride, which might be my favorite ever, is a ’97 LX450 (yes, I wheel a Lexus), which you can see here in its current form. I go out of my way to avoid rocks and trees,
BRIAN SCORED A LEGIT VAN While doing research on this apparent unicorn van I recently bought for $500, I read your article on a Pathfinder 4x4 Safari (Trail’s End, June ’21). At the end of the article, your author asks for pics of other survivors. I have one that I cannot find a single other example of. It’s an ’85 Chevy Astro van converted by Trail Wagons in California. This company was a subsidiary of Chinook RVs. They were known to send their conversion vans to Pathfinder for a 4x4 conversion. After reading your article about the ’85 prototype 4x4 drivetrain, I realized mine is identically covered. Solid lift blocks under composite springs, Dana 44 up front, and so on. Mine has the NP205 transfer case and appears to use the same mounting brackets as in this article’s old pictures. I’m not sure if Trail Wagons or Pathfinder did the V-8 conversion or somebody else did down the road, but it is done professionally enough that it is possible. I’m just starting to restore it now. I’m trying to save the cool ’80’s Trail Wagons’ paint and generous amounts of oak trim and engravings.
LOW-BUCK SCOUT
BRIAN VIA EMAIL
Was just reading “Low-buck 4x4 truck: What’s your best wrecked-to-rugged transformation?” story in the March ’21 issue (Trail’s End) and figured I would share mine. I purchased a ’69 Scout 800 and a 12-gauge pump shotgun from a guy for $100 and then an ’89 Dodge W250 for $500 from a public auction. I sold various parts from both vehicles I would not need, recouping the money spent, plus pocketing almost $1,500. I made all the mounts for the 360ci and overdrive Dodge transmission/T-case. The frame widths are the same on the Dodge and the Scout, so the 3⁄4-ton axles did not need much modification to fit under the Scout. I used 4-inch K10 Skyjacker springs front and 6-inch CJ-7 springs rear, early Bronco shocks and mounts. It’s sitting on 37-inch Toyos. It has
WHERE TO WRITE Address your correspondence to Four Wheeler, 831 S. Douglas St., El Segundo, CA 90245 or send an email to ken.brubaker@fourwheeler.com. All letters become the property of Four Wheeler, and we reserve the right to edit them for length, accuracy, and clarity. The editorial department can also be reached through the website at fourwheeler.com. Due to the volume of mail, electronic and otherwise, we cannot respond to every reader, but we do read everything.
10 MARCH 2022 FOUR WHEELER
but I use my truck, a lot. I drive to the trail and it’s usually the least trail-worthy rig in the group. This truck has done the Rubicon, Fordyce, Dusy Ershim, Moab, and many other trails. Truthfully, sometimes I am sad that it isn’t pretty anymore, but I do love the fact that I regularly drive over 1,000 miles in three days, sleep in my truck, and have a kick-butt story for every dent in my truck. To each his own, but for me, the day I’m more worried about how my truck looks rather than where it can go, off-roading might not be the right hobby for me anymore. NOAH VIA EMAIL
IT’S COMPLICATED Pickups and SUVs (there are not many real SUVs left), have gotten way too complicated and expensive to service. You basically need a master’s in electrical engineering to just about do anything except change a fuse. Give me a manual transfer case shift lever and manual lockouts! In my new-to-me ’04 Silverado DD/hunting/ exploring rig (regular cab, longbox, 4x4, manualshift transfer case), I’m needing the 4L60E slushbox rebuilt and have to track down a random misfire code issue for the 5.3L (it could be caused by more than any of two dozen things). I dream for a simple, reliable, minimal plastic, pre-emissions K10 longbox with a four-bolt 350, SM465, 31–33-inch tires, and 205 T-case, in good shape … but they cost an arm and a leg that this guy can’t afford to lose. I’m sure I’ve ranted enough. JUSTIN (FROM MINNESOTA, THE LAND OF 10,000 POUNDS OF SALT DROPPED ON EVERY ROAD, EVERY SNOWSTORM) VIA EMAIL
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PHOTOS: COURTESY OF THE MANUFACTURERS
BY JERED KORFHAGE JERED.KORFHAGE@FOURWHEELER.COM
RPM AUTOMOTIVE NEWS
FOX GIVES BACK (To Your Trails) Q Fox Factory, the maker of performance-driven suspension products for on- and off-road enthusiasts, has launched its community investment program called Trail Trust. The program aims to deliver sustainable adventure to everyone through investment in nonprofit partners worldwide. Fox has already distributed $500,000 to groups including the National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council, the Off-Road Business Association, the Post Wildfire OHV Recovery Alliance, and Tread Lightly! to fund projects that promote conscientious use of our off-road playgrounds and making recreation opportunities available to a more diverse audience. Applications for the Trail Trust initiative are accepted quarterly on a rolling basis, visit trailtrust.com for more information.
Quadratec and Bestop 2020 Jeep Gladiator Giveaway Q According to Bob Mernar, from Long Beach Island, New Jersey, “I never really enter contests.” Well, enticed by the Kaiser-esque grille, he entered the Quadratec and Bestop 2020 Jeep Gladiator Giveaway, and came out a winner. Bestop and Quadratec partnered to build this ’20 Jeep Gladiator using many Bestop-branded products, including Granite-series front and rear bumpers, a Sunrider hardtop, an EZ-Roll Soft Tonneau cover, PRP Front and Rear Seat Covers, and Baja Designs lighting. Products from Baer Brakes, Insane Audio, Mickey Thompson, Rockslide Engineering, Skyjacker, and Warn also went into the one-of-a-kind Gladiator. 12 MARCH 2022 FOUR WHEELER
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■ What percentage of the plastic on the Ford Bronco Sport will come from recycled ocean plastic? The jury’s out on the exact figure, but we do know these wiring harness clips, largely invisible to the consumer, will be. Discarded fishing nets, a large source of the plastic harvested from the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea, will be used to manufacture the clips. ■ Want to crank the windows up or down in your ’22 Chevy Silverado Work Truck? Forget about it. According to GM Authority, power door locks and power windows are now standard on all trim levels of the truck.
■ The Hummer EV’s towing capacity is greater than the Nissan Frontier and the Ford Ranger but can be topped by the midsize Chevy Colorado and the Jeep Gladiator. When properly optioned, the Jeep Gladiator can pull 7,650 pounds. That’s 150 pounds more than the Hummer EV.
Ford Bronco DR ■ Want your own Baja-capable, V-8–powered Ford Bronco? Meet the Bronco DR (that’s Desert Racer). Here are some numbers. It weighs 6,200 pounds, rides on 37-inch tires, comes with 15.8 inches and 17.4 inches of respective front and rear suspension travel, shifts with a 10R80 automatic transmission, has an initial production run of 50 vehicles, boasts a 400-plus-horsepower Coyote V-8, and should be for sale in late 2022 somewhere in the horse stable of $200,000.
Photos: Ford
■ If you made a reservation to order a ’22 Ford F-150 Lightning, you might not get your hands on the keys to a ’22 Ford F-150 Lightning— it might be a ’23 truck, instead. Ford cites extraordinarily high demand for the EV truck and has already spent $250 million to increase production.
SUPERTRUCK CORNER
Is It True? -> Could the Tesla Cybertruck be closer in size to the Ram 1500 TRX and the Ford Raptor than we originally thought? -> Will you soon have to pay a subscription fee to use the key fob on your ’22 Toyota Tundra?
-> Will the range of the Rivian R1T and R1S be affected in cold temperatures because the trucks’ batteries lack a heat pump? -> Did the United States just miss its chance at having a
6.2L V-8-powered, 10-speed Chevy Colorado? -> Will the Double Cab option soon be unavailable for your ’22 Chevy Silverado Custom Trail Boss?
6BT-Powered ’49 Power Wagon Sells for More Than $400,000 ■ Desert Power Wagons, of Scottsdale, Arizona, infused a ’49 Power Wagon with a custom chassis, more cab space, a modern powertrain, and much more—and it all went to auction. The truck features a Cummins 6BT in front of a 48RE transmission and an NP271 transfer case. You’ll find 3.73 gears inside the Dana 60 and AAM 14-bolt axles, King coilovers at each corner, a behemoth Braden winch up front, and forward-facing Vison X LED lamps. Inside, Dakota Digital instruments monitor the truck’s vitals while the driver and passenger recline in seats sourced from a Cadillac CTS. The bed is finished with stained and varnished white oak and the Power Wagon rides on 40-inch Toyo mud-terrains. This Power Wagon sold at auction for $405,000. FW
Photo: Desert Power Wagons
In The News
FOUR WHEELER MARCH 2022 13
Parts Rack
BY JERED KORFHAGE JERED.KORFHAGE@FOURWHEELER.COM PHOTOS: COURTESY OF THE MANUFACTURER
</ ALL-TERRAIN BOSS
Mickey Thompson’s Baja Boss all-terrain tire is now offered in 11 new sizes. Want a bold look for your truck? Try the 35x15.50R24LT or 37x13.50R24LT sizes. Need a 34- or 35-inch option for your leveled ride? The new LT285/60R20, LT285/65R20 and LT285/55R22 sizes have you covered. The remaining sizes, LT265/75R16, LT285/75R16, LT265/65R17, LT265/70R17, LT285/70R17, and LT265/60R18; will likely fit your rig, too, giving you access to the stout sidewalls, Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake-rated winter performance, commendable on-road manners, and more. INFO: Mickey Thompson, 330/928-9092, mickeythompsontires.com
-> SEVEN-SLOT ARMOR
The PRO Series Recessed Winch Bumper for the Jeep Wrangler JL and Gladiator JT features an integrated, recessed winch mount to keep your winch low, protected, and to maintain airflow to the radiator. The bottom of the bumper extends down and back as an integrated front skidplate to protect the electronic swaybar disconnect motor on Rubicon models. The bumper can be had with either low-profile or stinger-style front hoops. ICON designed the bumper to maximize clearance underneath as well as at its corners with large tires. Shackle tabs are built in for recovery tasks and are angled up at the bottom to slide over obstacles. Recessed light mounts protect either the Jeep’s stock LED foglamps or your choice of aftermarket lights. The bumper is fabricated from CNC laser cut, precision brake-formed 3 ⁄16-inch plate steel and the integrated impact bar or stinger is made of 1 3⁄4-inch DOM tubing,
with plate steel gussets. The bumper is finished with a durable, textured semi-gloss black powdercoat. INFO: ICON Vehicle Dynamics, 951/689-4266, iconvehicledynamics.com
/> BEASTLY U-JOINT
Neapco has what you need to outfit your rig with some of the toughest U-joints available. Neapco’s Performance Series U-Joints feature thrust washers redesigned to reduce wear caused by heat and friction, an increased trunnion diameter for improved strength, Ultra-Performance Synthetic U-Joint Grease for improved durability and water resistance, and a quad-lip seal to keep grease in and contaminants out. Keep an eye out for the 1310-, 1330-, and 1350-Series Neapco Performance Series U-joints, with 1480- and 1550-Series U-joints coming soon. INFO: Neapco, 248/699-6500, neapcoparts.com
-> PTO FOR FORD
Eaton now offers the Bezares 3940 series PTO unit designed to fit the Ford TorqShift 10-speed automatic transmission. A DIN 5462 output shaft and special output adapters provide versatility and allow for direct mounting of high-pressure piston pumps, such as a bent axis piston pump, to the PTO—a feature unique to the Bezares 3940 PTO. The Bezares 3940 series PTO’s single part number includes all installation components and a wiring harness that makes the PTO compatible with gas- and diesel-powered Fords. The unique profile of the 3940 PTO allows for installation at 45-degree rotation intervals, increasing mounting flexibility and pump options. You can expect 230 lb-ft of torque with a 130 percent final output ratio, less drivetrain noise, and compatibility with systems requiring higher flow and/or pressure, such as sweepers, cranes, and air compressors. INFO: Eaton Corporation, 800/328-3850, eaton.com 14 MARCH 2022 FOUR WHEELER
/> TOUGHER TIE ROD
Does your ’11-’19 Chevy or GMC 2500 HD or 3500 HD Sierra or Silverado need brawnier tie rods? BD Diesel offers tie rods that are 1.5 times thicker than the stock components on your truck for reduced flex and with larger inner ball joints to better stand up to wear. The ball joints are greaseable, include an optional grease zerk, and come with sintered bearings for improved load holding and longer service life. INFO: BD Diesel, 800/887-5030, bddiesel.com fourwheeler.com
-> RACK ’EM UP
Looking to improve the luggage-carrying abilities of your ’18-’21 Jeep Wrangler or Jeep Gladiator? Quadratec’s premium roof rack for the JL and JT weighs just 37.5 pounds, has a load rating of 150 pounds, measures 52 inches long by 54 inches wide, and only adds 7.5 inches to the vehicle’s overall height. The Quadratec Roof Rack Kit for the ’07-’18 Wrangler Unlimited has the same length, width, and weight metrics as the JL/JT rack, but has a lower vertical profile, adding only 6 inches to the vehicle’s overall height. Both racks are built from lightweight aluminum with three extruded aluminum floor crossbars and steel mounting hardware for a secure mount. The rack system is said to allow for easy removal of the factory hardtop’s Freedom Panels and comes finished in a textured powdercoat. INFO: Quadratec, 800/745-6037, quadratec.com
</ STOP YOUR S-10
Wilwood’s new Aero6 big brake kit is now available for the Chevy S-10. The kit features Aerolite calipers and large rotors that are engineered for heavy, high-powered vehicles. The Aerolite’s six differential bore pistons transmit massive clamping evenly over the entire brake pad and the proprietary Spec37 iron alloy 14-inch rotors are thermally stable with 72 directional vanes to better dissipate heat. Rotors come in slotted or drilled and slotted options. Calipers are available in standard gloss red or black powdercoat, or choose from 22 additional caliper colors. INFO: Wilwood, 805/388-1188, wilwood.com
-> FILTER UPGRADE
Fram brings you its Ultra Synthetic high-flow oil filter that features an innovative secondgeneration design with the company’s screenless media technology. One side of the new two-ply media design features a synthetic blend for durable structure and filtering support, while the other side offers a fully synthetic medium, offering higher flow efficiency and superior filtration performance. Fram’s SureGrip technology is said to ensure easy installation and removal and the filter is said to protect your engine for 20,000 miles. INFO: Fram, 800/890-2075, fram.com
\> HARNESS THE SUN
REDARC now has what you need to harness the power of the sun with solar solutions including highquality amorphous and SunPower cells, designed to be easily moved at camp or placed alongside your caravan, RV, or camper-trailer. In addition to its solar panels, REDARC’s solar accessories include DC-to-DC battery chargers, battery management systems, and total vehicle management systems to help power your off-road experience. INFO: REDARC, 704/247-5150, redarcelectronics.com
/> COOLER OIL PAN
Whether the stock stamped steel oil pan on your 2.0L-engine-powered Jeep Wrangler or Jeep Cherokee has been damaged, or you want a simple bolt-on upgrade with improved capacity, the PPE Cast Aluminum Oil Pan is here to help. Thick cast aluminum offers more cooling for your 2.0’s oil, and PPE has engineered 1⁄2 -inch-deep exterior fins that allow underside airflow and increase surface area to better dissipate heat while cast gussets provide strength and rigidity to the housing. PPE’s high-power Neodymium magnet, located on the drain plug, pulls damaging ferrous metals out of the oil before they can harm your engine. INFO: PPE, 725/238-2002, ppepower.com fourwheeler.com
TO START YOUR FREE TRIAL GO TO: MOTORTREND.COM/KHMCCSHOW
TO START YOUR FREE TRIAL GO TO: MOTORTREND.COM/MYTHBUSTERS
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FEATURE
ULTIMATE ADVENTURE 2021 PRESENTED BY RUGGED RIDGE: PART 2 By Christian Hazel
christian_hazel@motortrend.com Photos: Rachel Speir, Josh Walker, and Four Wheeler staff
SOURCES Rugged Ridge: Presenting Sponsor/ Official Jeep Accessory 770/614-6101, ruggedridge.com
Bushwacker: Official Fender Flare 800/234-8920, bushwacker.com
Dana: Official Crate Axle spicerparts.com/applications/crateaxle
Falken Tire: Official Tire falkentire.com
IH Parts America: Official IH Truck & Scout Parts 530/274-1795, ihpartsamerica.com
N-Fab: Official Sidesteps 866/806-6322, n-fab.com
Offroad Design: Official Transfer Case 970/945-7777, offroaddesign.com
onX Offroad: Official Mapping Tool 406/540-1600, onxmaps.com
PSC Motorsports: Official Steering Product pscmotorsports.com
Quigley Motor Company: Official Custom Driveshaft 800/233-9358, quigley4x4.com
Real Truck: Official Retailer 855/928-3021, realtruck.com
Skyjacker: Official Shock & Suspension 318/388-0816, skyjacker.com
Truxedo: Official Bedcover 877/878-9336, truxedo.com
VooDoo Offroad: Official Recovery Rope 800/595-7659, voodoooffroad.com
18 MARCH 2022 FOUR WHEELER
Warn: Official Winch 800/543-9276, warn.com
I
n our Part 1 coverage of Ultimate Adventure 2021 Presented by Rugged Ridge, we had just arrived at the new Katemcy Rocks K2 off-road park’s campground just outside of Mason, Texas, after beginning in McAlester, Oklahoma, and meandering through the backroads and scenic byways of the lower Heartland. By now, many in the group had made repairs that ranged from minor to substantial and had overcome many challenges to remain a part of Ultimate Adventure. But fun and glory comes only to those who go grab it, so when the sun broke on Day 5 of UA2021, it was met by a full complement of participant vehicles and attendees ready to air down and grab some granite!
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Christian Hazel and Trent McGee held the morning drivers’ meeting in front of the Ultimate International in the shade of Katemcy’s stage pavilion. The park often has live bands and dancing on weekends and during big events, and rumor has it quite a few well-known artists have performed on the cool, rustic stage.
Getting krazy at Katemcy and rocking into West Texas
DAY 5: Doing the Katemcy Crawl
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POINT YOUR PHONE CAMERA AT THIS CODE TO READ DETAILED INFO ABOUT THE 2021 ULTIMATE ADVENTURE PRESENTED BY RUGGED RIDGE SPONSORS AND THEIR 4X4S SPONSORED BY
Katemcy co-founder, Randy Kruze, shared trail guide duties alongside Shain Chapman, guiding us expertly around the park’s 700-plus acres of world-class terrain. The traction at Katemcy is truly otherworldly and puts Moab’s storied slickrock to shame.
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After watching a few struggle on the first steep ledge climb, we discovered the best way to approach this particular obstacle was to enter far on the right and typewriter crawl it to the left until the rear tires could pop up into the notch, which is exactly how you drive the infamous “Rocker Knocker” obstacle in Moab’s Pritchett Canyon.
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The highly tractive granite grabs as well on framerails as it does tires, as Trent McGee found out after turtling the Ultimate International on one of the first ledge obstacles. We quickly got it unstuck with a pull from a VooDoo Offroad recovery rope.
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No funny camera tilt or artificial angles here! Invited Reader Josh Cooper continually impressed us all week, from the way he built his solid-axled Nissan Pathfinder, his skill behind the wheel, and his determination to never take a go-around or not try a line. Josh embodied all that’s best about UA all week long and did it always with a huge grin on his face!
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Unlike some wheeling spots we frequent, the obstacles at Katemcy hit you one right after the other. The analogy Randy and Shain use to aptly describe the park is to imagine taking all the awesome trails in Moab and shrinking the distance between all the best obstacles, so they’re all assembled in one spot. Then up the traction coefficient and put a killer hamburger stand and comfy camping facility just a couple hundred yards away!
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We’re always impressed by our UA family’s ability to shove adversity to the side and get on with the business of doing what needs to be done. Pat Soffe’s super-cool ’56 Willys pickup was totally in its element at Katemcy Rocks, but even making the event this year was a victory for Pat. Shortly after applying to be part of UA for the second time, Pat accepted a job before learning he had been selected. The timing was horrible, relocating to a new state just one week before the start of UA, but despite all that Pat was there at Check-In Day happy as a clam and raring to go!
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/> You just can’t say enough good things about Quigley’s Tiger and Renee LeBrun.
From Renee volunteering to help with our daily Covid temperature checks and playing “van mom” to our appreciative video crew to Tiger’s calm demeanor and cool head, never getting rattled or phased, whether it’s negotiating terrain in his own vehicle or helping diagnose problems with others’, the LeBruns year over year exemplify all that’s best about the people who make up this off-road community.
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The trails at Katemcy Rocks snake virtually all throughout the 700-acre property and the obstacles range from enjoyable little challenges to insane buggy lines. Tech Editor Verne Simons idled the little Cummins R2.8 through most anything we put in front of him thanks to the ORD Magnum Box Doubler T-case setup and 4.88-geared Ultimate Dana 60s in the official UA2020 vehicle, the UALRJ.
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Our pal Tim Jackson is a Katemcy Rocks regular and was either volunteering in a support capacity or just plain crashing the party in his super-cool, LS-powered Postal Jeep on linked 1-tons. Find Tim on Instagram at @timmymctimface if you want to see his cool fleet of 4x4s and enjoy his antics. His page is worth a follow.
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The name is fun even if the obstacle is scary, but Dave Chappelle was one of only two UA2021 participants to climb out of Smokin’ Butthole. It’s an optional obstacle that serves to both stand your vehicle on its tail and lay you sideways toward the passenger-side door. After sitting there for several minutes trying to plot your next move, the cylinders fill with engine oil, which exits the tailpipe, creating a fog. Hence, the obstacle’s name.
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es, it’s true that with the exception of running the Rubicon trail twice (first in 2001 and again in 2016) the Ultimate Adventure doesn’t retrace its steps. So, although UA2007 did technically visit Katemcy Rocks as one of that year’s trail days, it wasn’t this Katemcy Rocks. Randy Kruse and Shain Chapman, the same great people who started Katemcy about 20 years ago, found this new location after their original land lease expired. In our opinion, the new Katemcy Rocks, which they playfully refer to as “K2” is a much better location with much better terrain. How good is the terrain? Well, the majority of us all agree that Katemcy Rocks K2 is now one of our all-time favorite rockcrawling spots in the entire country. The new K2 Katemcy Rocks is a fantastic property sprawling over nearly 700 acres of Texas hill country punctuated by super-grippy granite that gives traction like almost no surface you’ll have seen before. And as for trails, there’s a level for everybody. We hit the upper-medium levels for the entire group, like Katemcy’s Fence
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As the sun began to set, we had no desire to get off the trail anytime soon. Josh Attenberry of Falken Tire took the opportunity of wheeling so close to camp to leave his doors back next to his tent and enjoyed some added visibility to cleanly clear this gnarly little technical section that hung up plenty of others.
FOUR WHEELER MARCH 2022 21
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Longtime UA Crony Sam Gillis is better known behind the wheel of his green Jeep Liberty-nosed “Alabama Tube Car,” but this year Sam was breaking in his new rig, a completely built Jeep LJ on coilovers and 1-tons. Sam was busy this year running VooDoo Offroad recovery ropes as he served as the official representative for our Official Recovery Rope sponsor on this year’s event.
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Texas doesn’t disappoint on any level, least of all spectacular sunsets, as Texans Tom and Josh Allen from PSC Motorsports know. Tom piloted the LS-powered JK like a boss all week long, always taking the most challenging line, but also remaining clearheaded and smart enough to call for a winch line in those very few instances where his skill and capability were at the potential to cross the tipping point of wanton damage. You can often learn a lot from a seasoned off-roader by watching what they don’t do as much as taking note of what they do, and Tom ran that fine line like the seasoned vet he is.
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With the super-loud PCV valve whistle that had plagued them all week long eliminated, Dave Hamrick and Robert Keller were operating Dave’s ’78 Ford F-150 virtually in stealth mode. The now-quiet fullsize Ford snapped an inner axleshaft earlier in the day, but that’s why we carry tools and spares and before long the big dentside was continuing down the trail!
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We make a big fuss about the nasty 427-cube Ford small-block stroker that powers Skyjacker’s ’66 Ford Bronco, and the slinky suspension certainly ain’t too shabby. But when it’s all said and done, at the heart of it lies the teamwork of Lonnie McCurry Jr and his co-driver Dillard DeLasalle. Dillard is flat out one of the best spotters we know, and Lonnie always displays a poise and competence behind the wheel that’s belied by his quiet nature. These guys flat out rip it when that’s what’s called for, but they can definitely tiptoe a few tons of American Iron along a tightrope as well.
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We were still well into the park as the sun went down, so on came the rock lights until we had all followed the leaders back to camp. A good dinner and some frosty refreshments were our reward, as well as some much-needed extra time to make repairs before the next day’s road day was upon us.
Line, School Bus, and No Name trails as well as others and tossed in many, many optional obstacles Ultimate Adventure participants could choose to attempt or bypass. Naturally, this being Ultimate Adventure most gave it the old college try. The gnarliest was Smokin’ Butthole, a super-steep off-camber notch climb with a really stiff penalty for failure. The only two who tried to make it were James Ryder in the green Tacoma on 42s and “Dirthead” Dave Chappelle in Mom’s Spaghetti rocking 38-inch Falkens. Two very different trucks, 22 MARCH 2022 FOUR WHEELER
two different lines, same success story. But what Katemcy gave in terms of fun, heroics, and beauty, it also charged a price. Early in the day, Dave Hamrick popped an inner axleshaft in his Dana 60. It took out the U-joint, but Dana’s Zack Heisey had a brandnew Spicer in the Dana Gladiator and Dave got it back together in no time. Then, returning reader Travis Farmer snapped a tie-rod end in the ice cream van. Travis was up and running in no time but then almost immediately after, the ZR2 Colorado snapped another front CV
’shaft. Blake Allen and Tyler Rosenhagen brought it back to camp to install their last spare CV ’shaft. We came back to camp to buy burgers and other lunch grub at the Katemcy camp area, then headed back out until nightfall. The rest of the wheeling was intense, but with the exception of the steering in the Rugged Ridge Jeep driven by Ian Johnson bending the factory tie rod, we more or less made it back unscathed with just enough time to cook dinners and air up tires for the next day’s early drivers’ meeting. fourwheeler.com
DAY 6: National Museum of the Pacific War
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t’s unusual, but not every day on Ultimate Adventure is a head-bashing slugfest through the gnarliest terrain or the most brutal conditions imaginable. Like Day 6 of UA2021, for example. On the surface, it was little more than a road day in which we’d drive from Katemcy Rocks in Mason, Texas, to Fredericksburg, then on to our hotel in Ozona where we’d be wheeling the next day. But diving a little deeper into the day’s events proved that UA is also a game of cumulative stress on both vehicles and drivers. It started early before the sun came up when invited Reader David Hamrick shut off the idling engine in his ’78 Ford F-150. After the drivers’ meeting when we were about to pull out of camp for a preset appointment at the incredible National Museum of the Pacific War in Fredericksburg, Texas, the truck wouldn’t start. As the rest of us fell in line, David continued to crank the engine over in vain. Ultimately, he and co-driver Robert Keller diagnosed a dead electric fuel pump so crony Chris Durham stayed behind to help them swap it while the rest of us motored down the road in the cool Texas morning. The National Museum of the Pacific War is one of the finest world-class museums of its kind. The hometown of Admiral Chester Nimitz, the museum pays tribute not only to his service prior to and during WWII but provides a very detailed 360-degree picture of the war in the pacific from the Japanese-Chinese conflict of the early part of the 20th century, which ultimately precipitated the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941 up through the close of hostilities with Japan’s signing of the articles of surrender on September 2, 1945. The museum’s displays include one of only a few Japanese midget submarines recovered after the attack on Pearl Harbor to an incredibly complete WWII jeep to naval craft, aircraft, and more. But it’s not only the artifacts that set this place apart, but the way in which the museum tells the story of the war in the Pacific chronologically from start to finish and delves into the civilian impact as well as the military campaigns. It’s worth a trip to Fredericksburg all by itself. After spending a few hours at the museum, we mounted up and hit the asphalt for a few miles before finding our old familiar UA friend, the dusty trail. The UA column stretched through the Texas hill country until we eventually started westward through Doss, Texas, with Ozona fourwheeler.com
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The morning of Day 6 started off early with a chilly drivers’ meeting and then some last-minute repairs on the big ’78 Ford by Dave Hamrick when the engine didn’t want to fire thanks to a dead fuel pump. Crony Chris Durham stayed behind to help them fix it and guide them to catch up with the rest of us as we pulled through Mason, Texas, into hill country via the scenic route that took us through high fence ranches, over water crossings, and ultimately toward the town of Fredericksburg, Texas.
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After dominating any and all off-road obstacles they tried, invited readers James Ryder and his co-driver dad, Kevin, highlighted the driveability of the solid-axle Tacoma, buzzing seamlessly down any road or highway we traversed with zero issues. If you’re bringing a vehicle on Ultimate Adventure, it pays to make sure it’s as multifaceted as James’ Yota.
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B-25 representing Doolitte’s 1942 raid on Tokyo, the National Museum of the Pacific War does an exemplary job of telling the true 360-degree story behind the WWII Pacific Theater not only militarily but from the perspective of civilians and non-combatants, from the origins of the conflict beginning with Japanese Imperialism in the turn of the century right up through the signing of the documents of surrender.
<- We pulled into the town of Fredericksburg, Texas,
where Christian Hazel and Trent McGee had arranged for the group to get a private, before-hours tour of the exceptional, world-class National Museum of the Pacific War. Fredericksburg is one of the highlights of central Texas hill country, not only for its storied wildflower eruptions in the spring, but it was the boyhood home of WWII Admiral Chester Nimitz.
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The museum holds an incredible volume of vehicles, airplanes, armor, vessels, memorabilia, and video and other displays. Normally, when Christian Hazel and Trent McGee carve out a stop like this, we give the group an hour or so to enjoy, but for this stop we set aside three to four hours, and even then we almost felt rushed.
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The museum houses a number of large Japanese relics, from this seaplane to an actual midget submarine recovered in Pearl Harbor after the attack on December 7, 1941, all the way down to firearms and personal items and letters home. It’s all been painstakingly curated and expertly displayed.
DAY 7: High Noon at Escondido Draw
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The final display you arrive at before leaving the museum is a Congressional Medal of Honor and a list of recipients. It’s a powerful message to leave with and resonates long after you’ve walked back out into the bright Texas sunlight.
our end goal for the day. The water crossings we had expected to ford were dry from the months-long lack of rain, but we still found some drama. Ian Johnson, driving the Rugged Ridge Jeep, ran out of talent (that’s UA speak for a whoopsie) and blew through a turn, taking out some barbed wire fencing and dinging up the side of the Jeep pretty good. We dropped a pin on the onX Offroad map where it happened so when we got back into cell service the Rugged Ridge crew could use the app to get the property owner’s name to pay for the fence and we headed on, eventually reaching the town of Junction, Texas. After a quick fuel-up and snack break we hit the interstate for the first time this trip and chewed through about 30 miles of the 100 we had to do before arriving at our hotel when Ian noticed a rear driveshaft buzz unrelated to the earlier impromptu trail exit that he needed to address. Rather than monkey with it on the side of the road, he just pulled the rear driveshaft and continued on in front-wheel drive, selecting instead to fix it in the relative comfort of the hotel parking lot. We arrived before sundown for a change. After a couple nights camping, wheeling in somewhat hot and sticky weather, and driving through dust clouds, the showers were welcomed, as was the traditional parking lot hang where we shoot the breeze, keep getting to know one another better, and ponder what the next day may bring. 24 MARCH 2022 FOUR WHEELER
eah, not that kind of “draw,” cowboy. In western parlance, a “draw” also refers to two parallel ridges or spurs with low ground between them. And boy howdy, does Escondido Draw fit that bill, offering some of the gnarliest steep rolling-boulder-strewn climbs we’ve ever encountered. It’s doubly surprising given the relatively flat contours of the surrounding area. The Escondido Draw Recreational Area lies roughly 40 minutes west of the little Texas town of Ozona and was developed by the Texas Motorized Trails Coalition with proceeds from the Texas OHV sticker sales. Escondido Draw covers about 3,500 acres and has over 35 miles of 4x4 trails cut and approximately 100 miles of motorcycle trails. The terrain is deceptive at first glance as you approach the area through the relatively flat west Texas landscape, but shortly after driving through the facility gates and entering the parking lot that houses the office, bathrooms with showers, and meeting pavilion, you see the draw: a huge, cavernous valley naturally cut into the Texas hillside that exposes the loose limestone boulders that float on decomposed sedimentary soil. It’s like wheeling on top of marbles suspended in powdered sugar punctuated by limestone ledges and slopes that are still firmly part of the earthworks of the natural geology. In short, you need to have every tool in your arsenal to succeed on the harder trails we ran, including the ability to adjust your line on the fly, modulating between high wheelspeed and creepy crawling, dealing with severe off-camber situations, and everything in between. We had a blast!
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The saying on UA is wheel for the week, not for the day. But when it’s the last day you sorta let it all hang out, so before the last drivers’ meeting, Crony Dave Chappelle helped Quigley’s Tiger LeBrun preemptively weld up a bracket on the frame of Tiger’s ’10 Chevy G2500 van.
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The location of our last trail was Escondido Draw Recreational Area, roughly 40 minutes west by highway from the little town of Ozona, Texas. Driving their newly aquired and only recently finished 3.0L EcoDieselpowered Gladiator, Ted Livingston and Jake Rosaia of onX Offroad showed just how capable these vehicles can be with only minimal mods and a good driver and co-driver manning the controls.
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The first trail we hit was a total killer named Josey Wales. Tom admitted the trail doesn’t see much use and with an incredibly steep climb littered with moving, rolling boulders the size of large pumpkins, we can see why. It was awesome!
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Always eager to help out, Travis Farmer’s co-driver, Cole Conner, pulled the winch line for Dave Hamrick when the front centersection that had been temporarily repaired on the evening of Day 3 finally let go, allowing the pinion to spin down toward the ground. We winched Dave up to the top and Chris Durham once again welded it back together with his trusty, well-used Premier Power welder.
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The really cool thing about the Josey Wales trail is that it’s never the same trail for two vehicles in a row. The obstacles move so much that the line that worked for the vehicle in front of you almost certainly won’t work for you. It’s like playing four-dimensional chess!
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Just prior to welding up Dave Harmick’s F-150 axle, Chris Durham addressed a huge crack in the IH Parts America Project Hideous Trout pickup. Jeff Ismail had done a great job of building the truck in a very short time in his home shop, but it’s always the “I’ll get to it later” things that bite you on UA. Jeff had been planning on reinforcing the frame at the front spring shackle hangers but didn’t get to it and by Day 7 a large crack had developed that had opened up almost a quarter-inch.
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Before dropping into the trail systems, the president of the park, Tom Anderson, and our guides for the day, James Coffee, Brad Thompson, and Daniel Anderson, provided us with a good rundown of the park’s scale and what the terrain would hold for us.
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Once we got through the gates at Escondido Draw, paid our entry fees, and signed our waivers we took a few minutes for the group to air down. Looking around at the gently rolling terrain many weren’t sure what to expect of this place, but they’d soon learn exactly what Escondido Draw holds in store.
/> Corby Phillips from Warn had
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been driving relatively conservatively (at least for Corby) all week, but on Day 7 his southern boy came bubbling to the surface. Corby clean-shotted the Josey Wales climb in admirable fashion using a combination of throttle, adept steering, and good line selection.
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<\ Stephen Watson from Offroad Design is the longest |> Naturally, James and Kevy Ryder, who hadn’t continuous sponsor of Ultimate Adventure and is a model of how to prepare for and execute on an event like UA. No matter which vehicle in his stable he selects you can be sure it’s well-dialed in with virtually no problems, a spare for anything you could imagine, and plenty of camping gear to keep Stephen and his wife, Miranda, comfy for a full week of bush living. Not to mention, Stephen flat out knows how to drive!
After signing our waivers we aired down and then met our trail guides for the day. Tom Anderson is one of the driving members of the Escondido Draw Recreational Area, having cut many, if not most, of the 4x4 trails. Tom’s son Daniel took up a tailgunner position behind the group and James Coffee and Brad Thompson fell in the middle to help guide, spot, and advise on where we were and where we were going. The first trail we dropped into was Josey Wales. The bottom of Josey Wales is nothing short of a boulder field with armchair-sized chunks of limestone boulders that roll and move easily as you try to navigate through and over them. The line is constantly changing, and the boulders are always trying to roll and grab diffs; crossmembers; driveshafts; or any other tasty, vulnerable bits of your 4x4’s undercarriage. As the elevation climbs on Josey Wales, farther to the top the riprap thins and large shelves of limestone with very good traction
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From Josey Wales, we headed over to Ausley Way, which was every bit as steep as Josey Wales, but the riprap and boulders were smaller and the loose topsoil was deeper. The result was the need to lay into the throttle and one-shot your line. Once you stopped, there was virtually no hope of regaining any momentum and continuing upward.
26 MARCH 2022 FOUR WHEELER
reminiscent of some of our favorite Moab obstacles poke out to say hello. The carnage hit quick and heavy almost right away with Jeff Ismail’s Project Hideous. After climbing to the top of Josey Wales, Zaed Ismail climbed out to investigate a popping noise he was hearing during the climb and discovered the later-model Traveler frame Jeff used as the foundation for the build had developed a crack just behind the front shackle hanger that ran from the bottom of the framerail almost all the way to the middle on both sides. Chris Durham and his trusty Premier Power welder were called into action, with Chris cleaning the break, strapping the front axle to the framerail to prevent it from dropping out as the frame was jacked up with a bottle jack to close the gap back up. With the crack minimized, Chris welded it up and then added several pieces of steel over it to make sure it wouldn’t happen again. While Hideous was getting repaired, the Dana Gladiator driven by co-driver Matt Linko got a bit sideways, ripping off the rear flare and adding some body character behind the passenger-side rear door. While the cronies were assisting Matt, Invited Readers Travis and Cole were busy twisting their rear driveshaft
failed to make an obstacle all week weren’t about to start pulling a winch line on Day 7. James not only built the Toyota himself, but he proved day after day how skilled he is at piloting his own creation.
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After getting everyone who attempted it to the top of Josey Wales, we skirted a ridge before descending back to the bottom of the draw down a steep, offcamber set of ledges that sorta reminded us of the Slabs on the Rubicon Trail.
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Crony Keith Bailey had a good run going before he sorta got off the line in his ’84 CJ-7 we affectionately call Bailey Beige. Keith scared the pants off most of us watching as the CJ took an unwanted slide right toward a ledge and very nearly wound up rolling all the way to the bottom a couple hundred yards. We hooked Keith up to a VooDoo Offroad rope and hauled him up.
literally in half on a huge rock. Travis had Quigley Custom Driveshaft build him spare front and rear ’shafts, so in a matter of minutes after winching the van into a better position to effect the repair, Cole and Sam Gillis dove under and had the new ’shaft installed in no time. Invited Reader Josh Cooper popped a front driveshaft a bit farther down the trail. Josh had been killing it all week, capably maneuvering his V-8 Nissan Pathfinder through every obstacle cleanly but Josey Wales proved a bit too much. Without a spare ’shaft on board, Josh backed down to the bottom of the trail and did the rest of the day in two-wheel-peel on the easier stuff. There was lots more smaller damage done on Josey Wales, but nothing the group couldn’t handle. Admittedly, it took a while to get up the gnarly climb, but that’s not to say everybody struggled. Lonnie McCurry Jr and Dillard DeLasalle in the Skyjacker Bronco absolutely mobbed the trail, lining up at the bottom third and then full-pulling all the way to the top without backing, futzing, or mutzing. With the built 600-plus-horsepower Ford letting everybody know it was on the way, the Curt LeDuc-designed suspension simply ate up the big hits and allowed the Bronco to win our (made up on the spot) Magic Traction Award. Not to be outdone, Corby Phillips of Warn duplicated Lonnie’s successful assault in his Funky Chicken LJ. Corby is a southern boy and is use to the rolling, omni-changing terrain, but unlike the areas he frequents that are often snot-slick, Escondido Draw is dry and dusty. Corby wound the 4.0L up to the optimal rpm and did his thing, sawing from one side of the trail to the other to keep on the perfect line the whole way up! From the top of Josey Wales, we travelled along the rim trail a bit before dropping down on the severely off-camber, steep ledgy descent of Gabeon and then Tom guided us over to Ausley Way, which is another climb, this one filled with even looser soil and smaller limestone boulders that made it crucial to get your tire speed just right and stay on the exact right line for your vehicle. Even the bypass on this trail is hard, but we had several full-pulls up the hill including (once again) James Ryder in his awesomely capable Tacoma. But we also had our fair share of winching, including when Travis Farmer slashed a sidewall in the ice cream van and when Keith Bailey stripped a 40-spline drive flange in the rear of his Bailey Beige ’83 CJ-7’s Dynatrac rear axle. Keith came uncomfortably close to rolling all the way to the bottom of the hill, but thankfully the Jeep didn’t go over and we soon affixed the Warn winch line to one of the anchor points the facility has positioned along the trail. Before long, the day had come to a close and we were back in the parking lot airing up for the return trip to Ozona and a local steak house where Douglas Fletcher from Falken Tire treated us to dinner. We call it the “Victory Dinner” because it really is a victory reaching the end of a 1,000-mile trip like Ultimate Adventure, especially this year. We did more high-level hard-core wheeling on UA2021 than in recent years, so everybody sitting at the Falken Tire dinner that final night had really earned their stripes! fourwheeler.com
/> UA Crony Tom Boyd is more than just a pretty face. Tom was riding with Crony
Dave Chappelle in Dave’s newly finished Mom’s Spaghetti all week long and took the wheel for the last hillclimb on Ausley Way. Where most others attempted a highthrottle assault, Tommy Boy just eased the ORD Magnum Box into compound Low and, taking his sweet time, crawled the hill cleanly. We were all duly impressed!
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Once again, Fred Williams made the trip in his little Tube Sock TJ tractor, leaving his supercharged LSA-powered Summer Camp Jeep at home. Powered by an economical Cummins R2.8, Fred burned literally half the fuel he would’ve in the Summer Camp Jeep, while still wheeling hard and having a blast. The little Tube Sock Jeep is often severely underestimated, especially when Freddy is behind the wheel, and he has cleared plenty of obstacles in it that prove daunting to other rigs.
Crony “Skinny” Kenny Smith is a pilot by trade, having recently retired from the U.S. Army as a helicopter combat pilot. So, when we saw him making touch-and-go’s on Ausley Way it didn’t surprise us. Ken wound up the 4.0L spring in his CJ-10 and gave it all it was worth, but ultimately stopped just shy of the crest.
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Returning Readers Travis Farmer and Cole Conner were on the way to a full pull when a gashed front sidewall stopped the attempt. We hooked Travis up to a VooDoo Offroad rope and got him over the ledge at the top of the climb and he motored up the rest of the way and bummed Verne’s spare so he didn’t have to dismount his torn tire and install his spare on his beadlock.
|> Once again, the Funky Chicken proves it can fly!
The last night of Ultimate Adventure always comes to a close with our “Victory Dinner.” This year, Falken Tire was kind enough to host it at the Hitchin Post Steakhouse in Ozona, Texas. Good food, good friends, and another great year of UA in the books! FW
Corby ended the trip on a high note, whanging the 4.0L for all it was worth and cleanly pulling his LJ to the top of Ausley Way. Escondido Draw holds so much cool wheeling we barely scratched the surface, but it was time to head back to civilization for our evening festivities.
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FEATURE
By Verne Simons editor@fourwheeler.com Photos: Rachel Speir, Josh Walker, and Four Wheeler staff
THE ULTIMATE ADVENTURE CRONIES I
THE OFF-ROAD ENTHUSIASTS AT THE CORE OF UA
f you’ve seen our coverage of Ultimate Adventures (UA) past, you’ll probably remember our many references to the Ultimate Adventure Cronies: Keith Bailey, Tom Boyd, Dave Chappelle, Chris Durham, Sam Gillis, Trent McGee, Clifton Slay, and Ken Smith. These guys are the best, and they’re at least half the reason we here at the magazine pour our hearts into this event. Without UA we might not be able to convince all these guys—a group made up of some of our best friends—to skip work, shut down the shop, take vacation, ditch their loving families and friends, and go four-wheeling with us ... basically wherever we want to go. The UA Cronies are tireless off-roaders and true lifelong enthusiasts who live it every day, and that makes them the best group of folks to get stuck with, break down near, or roll over ahead of. They have seen it all, and they know how to recover broken or rolled vehicles better than any group of eight people on earth, a judgement we can make based on years of experience working on 4x4s, driving 4x4s all over the place, fixing 4x4s that are broken (sometimes very badly), and living life on the trail. These guys can fix darn near anything on a 4x4 or any other rig.
VEHICLE: ’84 Jeep CJ-7 KEITH AND JOSH IN THE BAILEY BEIGE Keith Bailey is a wonderful human, father, and the owner of The Off-Road Connection in Fultondale, Alabama. Keith works on 4x4s for a living and is always a joy to have on the trip, plus he can fix anything. He’s always happy to hit the trail or the road, knows how to run a winch line with the best in the world, and has lots of funny stories to tell. We haven’t pinned him down, but we’d also bet that Keith would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. He’s also known around his home state (and all over the South) for running one of the best 4x4 shops around. Keith brought his friend Josh Sanders along for UA2021. Their ride for the week was Keith’s ’84 CJ-7 known as the Bailey Beige. Keith has owned this Jeep since it was new, and it has undergone many modifications over the years. 28 MARCH 2022 FOUR WHEELER
DRIVER: KEITH BAILEY CO-DRIVER: JOSH SANDERS How many UAs have you been on: “Keith, 18; Josh, 1.” Drove it or towed it: “Towed.” Favorite part of the trip: Josh: “Seeing new places, hanging out in the parking lot with my UA family!” Keith: “Bathing in a creek beside the campsite with a big fan blowing all night!” Josh: “It was a clean energy windmill.” Engine: ’98 Chevy 5.7L Vortec (Keith says, “It’s a real gas saver!”) Transmission: GM 700-R4 Transfer case: Advance Adapters Atlas II Front axle: Dynatrac ProRock 60, 4.88 gears, 40-spline ’shafts, CTM U-joints, Eaton Detroit Locker Rear axle: Dynatrac ProRock 60, 4.88 gears, 40-spline ’shafts, Eaton Detroit Locker Springs & such: Custom three-link, 14-in Fox coilover shocks, Eibach springs (front); custom double-triangulated four-link, 14-in Fox coilovers, RockJock 4x4 Antirock sway bar, Eibach springs (rear) Tires & wheels: 38x13.50R17LT Falken Wildpeak M/T, 17x9 KMC Grenade beadlock Steering: Custom crossover, TeraFlex tie-rod ends, PSC ram-assist Winch: Warn 8274-50 (front), Warn 8000i (rear) Recovery gear: Warn D-rings and snatch block, VooDoo Offroad rope and soft shackles Driveshafts: Quigley Motor Company Other: Keith would like to thank all of the beer producers in Texas, and also the companies that sell ice to keep the beer cold. What broke: “A 40-spline drive slug on the last obstacle, last day of UA2021.”
DAVE CHAPPELLE, MOM’S SPAGHETTI, AND TOMMY THE CLOWN Dave Chappelle is a custom fabricator, former exhaust shop owner, lowrider builder, and co-host on Motor Trend’s best off-road show, Dirt Every Day. Like Keith Bailey, Dave can fix anything, and we mean anything. He specializes in building very unique rigs like the Maz-Grande and his old ’72 Toyota mini-truck. This year, he finally put the wraps on his latest project, a ’91 Ford F-350 known as Mom’s Spaghetti. Tom Boyd (aka Tommy the Clown) is an inventor, salesman, comedian, and good friend. Tom Boyd can’t fix anything (we’re just giving you a hard time, Tommy), but he’s always willing to help, and he’s great for comic relief and always having someone to pick on. These two have teamed up before, and this year Tommy rode as Dave’s co-driver in the recently finished Ford.
VEHICLE: ’91 Ford F-350 DRIVER: DAVE CHAPPELLE CO-DRIVER: TOM BOYD How many UAs have you been on: “Dave, 10; Tom, all of them.” Drove it or towed it: “Towed.” Favorite part of the trip: Dave: “Trailered the completely untested rig to Fort Worth, then put approximately 1,500 miles on it. Ran highway speeds, toughest rocks around, and made great memories with friends new and old!” Engine: 351ci Ford Windsor Transmission: ZF5 5-spd manual Transfer case(s): Offroad Design Magnum, Offroad Design-prepped Ford NP205 Axles: King Pin high-pinion Dana 60 with chromoly ’shafts, Yukon U-joints and Hardcore locking hubs, Yukon Grizzly Locker, Yukon 5.38 gears (front); GM Corporate 14-bolt, Yukon 5.38 gears, Yukon Grizzly Locker (rear) Springs & such: Three-link, Air Lift Performance Dominator D2600 airbags, Fox 2.5 Race Series shocks (front); trailing arm four-link, Air Lift Performance Dominator D2600 airbags, Ford Raptor Fox shocks (stock take-offs) (rear). All suspension started as Barnes 4WD link kits, then heavily modified Tires & wheels: 38x13.50R17LT Falken Wildpeak M/T, Method M106 beadlock Winch: Warn Zeon 12, synthetic Spydura rope Recovery gear: VooDoo Offroad rope and soft shackles, Warn Epic D-rings, Warn snatch block and tree saver, Hi-Lift 48-in Patriot jack Driveshafts: Quigley Motor Company Other: Shortened frame to shortbed length, custom bed frame/shock mounts, ’80 “bullnose” front sheetmetal, grille, and stepside rear fenders
SPONSORED BY
FOUR WHEELER MARCH 2022 29
Feature THE ULTIMATE ADVENTURE CRONIES
CHRIS DURHAM, ROCKCRAWLING CHAMPION Chris Durham is an amazing fabricator and rockcrawling champion. He’s incredibly smart and has amazing drive but doesn’t shove anything in your face. He, too, can fix anything. You may have seen his JK Gladiator truck and if you saw the video of it in Alaska during UA2019, you heard the healthy GM 6.0L. Sadly, that engine failed just before UA2021 on a Sunday after a trail run with more coming up fast. He found a Jasper remanufactured 6.0L and bought it on a Monday. That same Monday he went to Hawks Motorsports in Easley, South Carolina, for a cam and a Displacement On Demand delete kit. He had the engine running and in the Jeep Wednesday night so he could leave for the next event Thursday. Two weeks later, Durham and the Gladiator arrived in Oklahoma for UA2021.
VEHICLE: Chris Durham Motorsports Custom ’07 JK Gladiator pickup DRIVER: CHRIS DURHAM CO-DRIVER: CAMERA GUY How many UAs have you been on: “Fifteen.” Drove it or towed it: “Towed to Texas.” Favorite part of the trip: “Legit wheeling every day!” Engine: Jasper remanufactured GM 6.0L, Hawks Motorsports cam and DOD delete Transmission: Jeep NAG1J 5-spd auto, custom stall converter Transfer case: Advance Adapters Atlas 3.8:1 Front axle: Ford Dana 60, 4.88 gears, Eaton Detroit Locker Rear axle: Chris Durham Motorsports shaved GM 14-bolt, 4.88 gears, Eaton Detroit Locker Springs & such: Skyjacker Curt LeDuc Series long-arm, coilovers, air bumps Tires & wheels: 40x13.50R17 Milestar Patagonia (custom-cut), 17x9 Walker Evans Racing beadlock Steering: PSC Motorsports Ram-assist Winch: Warn Zeon 10-S Recovery gear: VooDoo Offroad rope and soft shackles Other: Premier Power onboard welder, Bruiser Conversions engine wiring, RockHard 4x4 cage, ARB fridge/freezer, CDM front and rear custom bumper and Gladiator conversion hood/grille, custom truck conversion with fabricated bed, CDM sliders, custom seats, Barnes 4WD axle trusses and fully integrated skidplate system What broke: “Nothing.”
POINT YOUR PHONE CAMERA AT THIS CODE TO WATCH VIDEO AND SEE A PHOTO GALLERY FROM DAY 7 OF THE 2021 ULTIMATE ADVENTURE PRESENTED BY RUGGED RIDGE
SOURCES
Falken Tire: Official Tire
onX Offroad: Official Mapping Tool
Skyjacker: Official Shock & Suspension
Rugged Ridge: Presenting Sponsor/Official Jeep Accessory
falkentire.com
406/540-1600, onxmaps.com
318/388-0816, skyjacker.com
IH Parts America: Official IH Truck & Scout Parts
PSC Motorsports: Official Steering Product
Truxedo: Official Bedcover
770/614-6101, ruggedridge.com
530/274-1795, ihpartsamerica.com
pscmotorsports.com
877/878-9336, truxedo.com
Bushwacker: Official Fender Flare
N-Fab: Official Sidesteps 866/806-6322, n-fab.com
Quigley Motor Company: Official Custom Driveshaft
VooDoo Offroad: Official Recovery Rope
800/234-8920, bushwacker.com
Dana: Official Crate Axle
Offroad Design: Official Transfer Case
spicerparts.com/applications/crateaxle
970/945-7777, offroaddesign.com
800/233-9358, quigley4x4.com
Real Truck: Official Retailer
800/595-7659, voodoooffroad.com
Warn: Official Winch 800/543-9276, warn.com
855/928-3021, realtruck.com
30 MARCH 2022 FOUR WHEELER
fourwheeler.com
FLYING KEN AND THE OLD AIRPORT TUG JEEP Ken Smith is a retired Army helicopter pilot who can fly darn near anything, including a custom Jeep CJ-10 (we’ve seen it hover off the ground). Ken is also a devoted husband and father with a real addiction to cool 4x4s. Like most of the Cronies, he’s owned several vehicles and every year he seems to field a different, cool rig. His Jeep CJ-10 has to be his favorite. He’s had this one on at least two different Ultimate Adventures, including in 2015 when it was orange. Now in 2021 with new vintage livery, the Jeep looks great and aced the event. CJ-10s are fascinating Jeeps that were never really sold in the U.S., only as airport tug vehicles, which are odd-ducks and getting harder and harder to find. We sure like the way Ken built this one, putting the airport tug body on a stretched TJ chassis with a TJ dash stuffed in for that latemodel HVAC. Riding along with Ken for 2021 was freelance photographer Josh Walker, who fit with the UA crew like a hand in a glove.
VEHICLE: ’86 Jeep CJ-10 DRIVER: KEN SMITH CO-DRIVER: JOSH WALKER How many UAs have you been on: “Kenny, seven; first one for Josh Walker.” Drove it or towed it: “Towed.” Favorite part of the trip: “Legit wheeling and bringing the right vehicle for it.” Engine: 4.0L I-6 Transmission: NSG370 6-spd manual Transfer case: Dana 300 Front axle: ’05-up Super Duty Dana 60, 5.38 gears, Eaton Detroit Locker Rear axle: Shaved GM Corporate 14-bolt, 5.38 gears, Eaton Detroit Locker Springs & such: Skyjacker 2.5-in-lift Wrangler TJ coils, Skyjacker M95 shocks Tires & wheels: 38x13.50R17LT Falken Wildpeak M/T, 17x9 Raceline beadlock Steering: PSC Motorsports hydraulic-assist Winch: Warn 9RC Recovery gear: VooDoo Offroad recovery rope Driveshafts: Quigley Motor Company Other: Chris Durham hood What broke: “Busted oil pan on Day 1, JB Welded. Rear shock on Day 2, Skyjacker had another one that night.”
CRONIES IN DIFFERENT ROLES OR ABSENT TRENT MCGEE is also an official Crony and guide for the last four (now five) Ultimate Adventures. Trent can fix most anything and is great at finding a solution to get parts when needed on UA.
fourwheeler.com
SAM GILLIS is a Sergeant Major in the U.S. Army
and while he is officially a Crony, for Ultimate Adventure 2021 he was the representative of VooDoo Offroad. Regardless of his role, Sam is a great guy who is always willing to give a fellow UA participant a tug with his VooDoo rope. In fact, he’s probably pulled more broken UA vehicles on the end of a green rope with his old green Alabama Tube Car than anyone. For 2021, Sam had an upgrade in his GM 5.3L-powered VooDoo Offroad LJ.
Sadly, CLIFTON SLAY wasn’t able to make it to Ultimate Adventure 2021. He’s a busy guy mainly focused on his new life as father, a paramedic, and a K9 handler for his local search and rescue. Clifton is also retired from the U.S. Army where he was an Airborne Paratrooper and has spent some time as a fabricator, businessman, and trail guide in the off-road industry. FW
FEATURE
POINT YOUR PHONE CAMERA AT THIS CODE TO WATCH VIDEO AND SEE A PHOTO GALLERY FROM DAY 2 OF THE 2021 ULTIMATE ADVENTURE PRESENTED BY RUGGED RIDGE
ULTIMATE ADVENTURE VIDEOGRAPHERS AND STILL PHOTOGRAPHERS Here are the people who capture all the action
S
ince Ultimate Adventure’s inception in 1998, video and photography has played a huge role in the event’s exposure. Over the years, video has progressed from VHS tapes to DVDs to YouTube and Motor Trend’s own streaming service. On the still photography side, the photos creatively and intricately detail the UA action. The Ultimate Adventure video crew and still photographers are more than just hired guns. They’re part of the UA family, and they work hard to cover this event, which is really as much about the family-like social aspect as the awesome action. Normally, the UA video director actually creates the videos, but this year they handed off their hard-won footage to the Motor Trend Studios, which cut and created the UA2021 videos. We thank the videographers and still photographers for their dedication. These folks spend most of their time on UA hiking on the trail, not seeking glory behind the wheel, but rather hidden behind the lens doing hard work that documents all the incredible Ultimate Adventure action.
BY VERNE SIMONS EDITOR@FOURWHEELER.COM PHOTOS: RACHEL SPEIR, JOSH WALKER, AND FOUR WHEELER STAFF
32 MARCH 2022 FOUR WHEELER
fourwheeler.com
VIDEO CREW
SPONSORED BY
CAMERON “I APPRECIATE YOU” HOTCHKISS ■ For Ultimate Adventure 2021, Cameron Hotchkiss returned as video director. Cameron is an off-road
enthusiast who loves the outdoors. He’s heavily into mountain biking, skiing, surfing, hiking, overlanding, and making movies about all of the above. Cameron has been on Ultimate Adventure at least five or six times, including his first when he got very dehydrated. When properly hydrated, Cameron is always on the hunt for the next killer shot and is good at keeping the camera crew moving despite the long hours and brutal conditions.
KYLE “NITRO” NIEMER ■ Kyle Niemer is an expert
AUSTIN “SMILEY FACE” ATENCIO ■ Austin Atencio has become a staple as a cameraman on Ultimate Adventure. He worked with us on UA2019 in Alaska; UA2020 in Montana, Wyoming, and South Dakota; and returned for UA2021 in Oklahoma and Texas. Austin is always smiling ... even when he is exhausted, which seems to be daily since this guy is always in the thick of the UA action with his camera in hand.
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drone operator, cameraman, and cinematographer. He’s been with us on a few projects, although this was his first Ultimate Adventure. He is always ready for the next challenge and ready to hang out with new friends. Kyle is also a new father and an outdoor enthusiast who brings a great work ethic and a unique sense of humor, amazing cinematography skills, and boundless energy to our Ultimate Adventure world. FOUR WHEELER MARCH 2022 33
Feature UA VIDEO & PHOTOGRAPHERS BRYAN “BAM BAM” MCCARTHY ■ Bryan McCarthy (holding the smartphone in this photo) spent
most of his time on Ultimate Adventure working on editing the UA2021 daily videos and full-length videos. He’s an off-road filmmaker based out of Lake Havasu. With his off-road background, editing skills, and positive energy (even after long days out on the trail) he was the perfect fit for UA2021 and we hope to have him back for many years to come.
STILL PHOTOGRAPHERS JOSH “WALKER TEXAS RANGER” WALKER ■ We met Josh Walker on the last day of UA2020 in South Dakota. At first, we were like, “who the heck is this guy taking pictures and videos of us on the Bikini trail in the Black Hills of South Dakota.” Once we figured out what he was doing, he showed us some of his work from that day and we were wowed. When our friend and Ultimate Adventure Director of Photography Harry Wagner couldn’t make it to UA2021, Josh got the call to come help cover the action with his amazing photography skills.
DAVE “CAMERA VAN MAN” EISENBEIL ■ Dave Eisenbeil is a man of many
and Rachel Speir. Rachel is fun to hang out with and has the energy of an eveready rabbit on speed ... without the use of any illicit drugs. Rachel was also able to join us on the last day of UA2021 at the Escondido Draw Recreation Area near Ozona, Texas, the day that Josh Walker had to leave for a previous engagement. As expected, Rachel fell in with the group like a fish to water and with her amazing ninja-like photography skills helped catch stills of the action.
talents. For the past two Ultimate Adventures, Dave has joined us to pilot the Quigley Motor Company’s “Camera Van.” Dave expertly steers this rig while acting as a caretaker for the camera crew, ensuring that all their items are packed in a Tetris-like manner and accessible even when we are camping far from the comforts of civilization. Dave is also a still photographer, so when he isn’t steering the van or helping the camera crew he is on foot, camera in hand, capturing the excitement. FW
SOURCES
N-Fab: Official Sidesteps
Skyjacker: Official Shock & Suspension
866/806-6322, n-fab.com
318/388-0816, skyjacker.com
Offroad Design: Official Transfer Case
Truxedo: Official Bedcover
970/945-7777, offroaddesign.com
877/878-9336, truxedo.com
onX Offroad: Official Mapping Tool
VooDoo Offroad: Official Recovery Rope
406/540-1600, onxmaps.com
800/595-7659, voodoooffroad.com
PSC Motorsports: Official Steering Product
Warn: Official Winch
pscmotorsports.com
800/543-9276, warn.com
RACHEL “THE SPEAR” SPEIR ■ Rachel Speir (shown here posing with Verne Simons and Falken’s Douglas Fletcher) has been on a few Ultimate Adventures in the past as part of the dynamic duo of Randall
Rugged Ridge: Presenting Sponsor/Official Jeep Accessory 770/614-6101, ruggedridge.com
Bushwacker: Official Fender Flare 800/234-8920, bushwacker.com
Dana: Official Crate Axle spicerparts.com/applications/crateaxle
Falken Tire: Official Tire falkentire.com
IH Parts America: Official IH Truck & Scout Parts 530/274-1795, ihpartsamerica.com
34 MARCH 2022 FOUR WHEELER
Quigley Motor Company: Official Custom Driveshaft 800/233-9358, quigley4x4.com
Real Truck: Official Retailer 855/928-3021, realtruck.com
fourwheeler.com
FEATURE
POINT YOUR PHONE CAMERA AT THIS CODE TO SEE VIDEO AND A HUGE PHOTO GALLERY FROM DAY 6 OF THE 2021 ULTIMATE ADVENTURE PRESENTED BY RUGGED RIDGE
ULTIM MAT ATE ADVENTURE STAFF RIDES THREE CUMMINS-POWERED, STAFF-BUILT TRAIL RIGS
Confucius said, “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” Steve Jobs said, “The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle.” These truths are evident when you consider the folks who work for the Four Wheeler Network and put effort and energy into events like the 2021 Ultimate Adventure. Christian Hazel, Trent McGee, Verne Simons, and Fred Williams are all what we consider to be staff on this adventure (Fred and Trent are freelance, while Christian and Verne are salaried staff). These guys are off-road enthusiasts who figured out how to make a career for themselves in the magazine and off-road industry, most for over 20 years now. Chances are if we had “real” jobs, we’d be doing this anyway, so we are relatively cheap and devoted employees. Sure, life as a magazine editor or as part of the editorial staff isn’t always fun times off-road, but events like Ultimate Adventure are definitely one of the highlights that keep us going when behind a computer. Those of us at Four Wheeler truly love the magazine, the events, the industry, and the lifestyle. And these four staff members would mesh with Ultimate Adventure if they weren’t getting paid to be there. At the end of the day, Ultimate Adventure has five prongs that make it occur every year. The event wouldn’t happen if any one of these prongs were missing. The first prong is the sponsors. Sponsors help pay the
bills and make UA cutting edge in the industry. Next are the readers. We wouldn’t have any reason to do this without them (look in the mirror, that’s you). Third are the Cronies. These are the off-road experts who donate time and labor to make the Ultimate Adventure a cohesive, functioning event during the trip. Fourth, we have the video crew and video van that capture the action of the event as it occurs to make the well-loved videos. And last, but not least, is the magazine staff. These are the people who originally came up with the event and do all of the behind-the-scenes work (which is no small task) to set the foundation for the event, take photos, and write the detailed stories about the trip. They, we, are the focus of this article.
BY VERNE SIMONS EDITOR@FOURWHEELER.COM PHOTOS: RACHEL SPEIR AND JOSH WALKER
36 MARCH 2022 FOUR WHEELER
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CHRISTIAN HAZEL AND TRENT MCGEE IN THE ULTIMATE INTERNATIONAL If Ultimate Adventure were The Wizard of Oz, Christian would be the Wizard. He’s the man at the controls, and often from behind the curtain. No one except Christian has any idea what all that task involves, but we can tell the job of getting all the ducks—or flying monkeys—in a row ain’t easy. It clearly eats at his stomach lining and causes more stress than anyone realizes. The event wouldn’t happen without his tireless devotion to it. There are corporate lawyers who need to be appeased; events people involved; sales folks who have wants; other editorial parties with lives outside the event; and sponsors, readers, staff, Cronies, and more that all have to be juggled and skillfully placed. Continuing our analogy, Trent McGee is kinda like the Lion, the Tin Man, and the Scarecrow all at the same time—or maybe the yellow brick road. He’s the compass; the guy who plans the routes; finds rad places to wheel, welcoming camp spots, and beautiful vistas; plans fuel and grocery stops; and finds interesting stops along the way. He’s also a master of finding the path least traveled from point to point, which adds a lot to the event—including a lot of dust. Christian and Trent rode in the Ultimate International, leading the trip around southern Oklahoma and across a large swath of Texas this year. Vehicle: ’64 International Scout 80 Driver: Trent McGee Co-driver: Christian Hazel How many UAs have you been on: “Trent, all of them; Christian, nine.” Drove it or towed it: “Towed to Ozona, Texas.” Favorite part of the trip: Trent: “I really like the first day; the Scout was really in its element at Rugged Mountain Ranch in Burris, Oklahoma. Katemcy was also pretty cool, as was getting to see a B-24 take off and land several times.” Christian: “I just honestly enjoyed being back in Texas. I lived there as a kid and still miss a lot of things like a Whataburger on every corner and the lyric quality of peoples’ accents. I was also really moved by the Museum of the Pacific War and thought Katemcy Rocks K2 was the best wheeling I’ve seen in a long, long time!” Engine: Cummins R2.8 turbodiesel Transmission: Tremec TR-4050 Transfer case: Offroad Design (ORD) Magnum Underdrive, twin-sticked ORD Ford NP205 Front axle: Dana Ultimate Dana 60, 4.88 gears, ARB Air Locker Rear axle: Dana Ultimate Dana 60, 4.88 gears, ARB Air Locker Springs & such: Skyjacker 52-in Chevy springs (spring-under), Skyjacker N95 monotube shocks, IH Parts America shacklereversal system and spring hangers Tires & wheels: 38x13.50R17 Falken Wildpeak M/T, 17x9 Walker Evans Racing beadlock Winch: Warn Zeon 10 Recovery gear: VooDoo Offroad rope and soft shackles Driveshafts: Quigley Motor Company Other: PCI radio, Premier Power welder, MasterCraft Racing seats, Lizard Skin interior, Redneck Ram steering, Rare Parts steering linkage, Quick Draw Brand bellhousing and adapter parts, IH Parts America floors, lots of real patina What broke: “Nothing.”
SPONSORED BY
fourwheeler.com
FOUR WHEELER MARCH 2022 37
Feature ULTIMATE ADVENTURE STAFF RIDES VERNE SIMONS AND THE ULTIMATE ADVENTURE LRJ Generally speaking, Verne Simons had quite a bit more to do this year for Ultimate Adventure than he did for 2020. That’s because this is the guy who, as of the last four Ultimate Adventures, has sweated, cursed, fought, and built the UA project vehicles (the 2017 UACJ6D, the 2018 Derange Rover, the 2019 Ultimate International, and the 2020 Long Range Jeep (UALRJ)). Standing at the event’s side like Toto next to Dorothy, true and loyal, he does his job pumping out tech stories for Four Wheeler magazine and fourwheeler.com while either building a UA rig or, for 2021, doing whatever he could to ensure Christian and Trent have all the help they can use. For 2021, that meant schlepping one of a few folks from the UA video crew to help keep them on top of the action and at the front of the group. His whip for the event is the UALRJ, an ’06 Jeep Wrangler LJ-based ’42 Willys MB-flavored Jeep built to honor the British SAS and their exploits in Northern Africa during World War II.
Vehicle: ’42 Willys MB ... slightly modified Driver: Verne Simons Co-driver: Camera guy How many UAs have you been on: “Ten.” Drove it or towed it: “Towed to Ozona, Texas.” Favorite part of the trip: “Katemcy K2 and the National Museum of the Pacific War.” Engine: Cummins R2.8 turbodiesel Transmission: Quadratec-supplied AX15 Transfer case: Offroad Design Magnum underdrive, twin-sticked ORD Ford NP205 Front axle: Dana Ultimate Dana 60, 4.88 gears, Eaton ELocker Rear axle: Dana Ultimate Dana 60, 4.88 gears, Eaton ELocker Springs & such: Wrangler JKU-application Skyjacker LeDuc Series remote-reservoir coilover shocks Tires & wheels: 38x13.50R17 Falken Wildpeak M/T, 17x9 TR beadlocks w/Army Green powdercoat Steering: Redneck Ram–prepped Mercedes box, Redneck Ram ram-assist Winch: Warn 8274-50 Recovery gear: VooDoo Offroad rope and soft shackles Driveshafts: Quigley Motor Company (including a spare rear) What broke: “Transfer case crossmember developed a hairline crack.”
38 MARCH 2022 FOUR WHEELER
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FRED WILLIAMS AND TUBE SOCK If you’re into off-roading you’ve probably heard of Fred Williams. He’s one of the dynamic duo (along with UA Crony Dave Chapelle) who are the hosts of the popular MotorTrend show Dirt Every Day. But Fred has his roots in the magazines. He started his career at Petersen’s 4-Wheel & Off-Road magazine, working his way through the ranks as feature editor, tech editor, and then editor when the show was just a fledgling. Fred has also been Staff on a ton of Ultimate Adventures and for several years handled the building and build coverage of Ultimate Adventure project vehicles. Fred is a great guy who is always willing to lend a hand to support Ultimate Adventure. This year, that meant running a video cameraman from the front of the group to the back to ensure we all get the best video coverage. His steed for UA2021 was his wellrounded and simple ’97 Jeep Wrangler known as Tube Sock. This thing has been all over the place, works like a charm, and almost never has any issues. It goes down the road well and must be pretty comfortable since it seems to be his go-to UA vehicle out of his many capable project vehicles. Vehicle: ’97 Jeep Wrangler SE Driver: Fred Williams Co-driver: Camera guy How many UAs have you been on: “Eighteen.” Drove it or towed it: “Towed to PSC.” Favorite part of the trip: “Getting pulled over and not getting a speeding ticket in Texas and all the epic rockcrawling, which might have been better than getting pulled over.” Engine: Cummins R2.8 turbodiesel Transmission: NV3500 Transfer case: Advance Adapters Atlas 3.8:1 Front axle: Currie RockJock 44, 5.38 gears, ARB Air Locker, RCV axleshafts Rear axle: Currie RockJock 60, 5.38 gears, ARB Air Locker Springs & such: Custom long-arm, Fox shocks, 2-in coils Tires & wheels: 38x13.50R17 Falken Wildpeak M/T, 17x9 TR beadlock Steering: PSC steering box Winch: Warn 8274-50 Recovery gear: VooDoo Offroad rope and soft shackles Other: Chris Durham Motorsports hood, MasterCraft Racing seats, Bestop top, GenRight Offroad fuel tank, Poison Spyder armor, Premier Power welder What broke: “Lower shock mount (front), upper shock mount (rear).” FW
SOURCES Rugged Ridge: Presenting Sponsor/Official Jeep Accessory
IH Parts America: Official IH Truck & Scout Parts
PSC Motorsports: Official Steering Product
Truxedo: Official Bedcover
pscmotorsports.com
770/614-6101, ruggedridge.com
530/274-1795, ihpartsamerica.com
877/878-9336, truxedo.com
VooDoo Offroad: Official Recovery Rope
N-Fab: Official Sidesteps
Quigley Motor Company: Official Custom Driveshaft
Bushwacker: Official Fender Flare 800/234-8920, bushwacker.com
866/806-6322, n-fab.com
800/233-9358, quigley4x4.com
Dana: Official Crate Axle
Offroad Design: Official Transfer Case
Real Truck: Official Retailer
spicerparts.com/applications/crateaxle
970/945-7777, offroaddesign.com
855/928-3021, realtruck.com
Falken Tire: Official Tire
onX Offroad: Official Mapping Tool
Skyjacker: Official Shock & Suspension
falkentire.com
406/540-1600, onxmaps.com
318/388-0816, skyjacker.com
fourwheeler.com
800/595-7659, voodoooffroad.com
Warn: Official Winch 800/543-9276, warn.com
FOUR WHEELER MARCH 2022 39
FEATURE
S U O I T P SCRUM
O D A R E V L I S isn’t d o o f e h t , n a d r o For Jason J that’s home-cooked the only thing By Jered Korfh
age
ler staf f otos: Four Whee wheeler.com Ph ur fo e@ ag rfh jered.ko
40 MARCH 2022 FOUR WHEELER
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C POINT YOUR PHONE CAMERA AT THIS CODE TO SEE VIDEO AND A HUGE GALLERY OF PHOTOS FROM THE 2020 OVERLAND ADVENTURE
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orned beef hash and eggs, a shrimp boil in the Dutch oven, smoked brisket chili with bacon—“it’s not always the most healthy, but it’s home-cooked.” While Jason Jordan might’ve been referencing the hearty meals he creates after a long day of wheeling with his family, for him, the food isn’t the only thing that’s home-cooked. When Jason was in his early teens, it was his dad, Ed, who got him into wheeling. The two explored Nevada, Arizona, and other parts of the country in a home-built Blazer lifted high with 40-inch tires. When he was 18, Jason got his own ’86 Chevy K2500 and fit it with a 4-inch lift, 37-inch HMMWV tires, and wheels to match—and the 4x4 projects kept flowing. There was a ’68 CJ with a small-block out of a Chevelle and a Warn underdrive, a souped-up ’78 Scout II, and more Jeep Cherokee XJs than Jason had fingers on his left hand. Every project was a do-ityourself project and he remained budget-conscious with his modifications.
FOUR WHEELER MARCH 2022 41
Feature Before he acquired the truck seen here, Jason was driving an ’83 Suburban and it was getting a bit too thirsty at the fill-up station—so he sold it, but he wanted another Chevy. Anything coming next would have to fit his wife and two daughters and still be capable enough to get out exploring in the dirt, so he brought home the ’99 Silverado K2500. Thus began a handful of projects to boost the utility of the Chevy. Rather than relying on out-of-the-box suspension kits and off-the-shelf parts, Jason fashioned many of the Silverado’s features himself, customizing the truck to better suit his needs. When we caught up with Jason during the 2020 Overland Adventure through the Arizona backcountry, he was traveling with his father— and we were late for dinner. The duo was elbow deep in a kettle of smoked beef brisket chili
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Orange rock rings on Jason’s Eagle Alloys quietly match the Bow Tie on the Chevy’s grille. Non-beadlock wheels are all he needs for his adventures and the Milestar Patagonia M/Ts have given him no trouble.
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Out back, Jason has a pair of Bilstein shocks and 2-inch lift blocks on the factory leaf springs. Gears? Those are 4.56s and extra traction comes from the G80 locker. He also added a pair of shackle mounts and a receiver hitch.
\>
There are around 200,000 miles showing on the Silverado’s 5.7L V-8 and when it comes to fuel economy, “I can get about 18 to 20 mpg if I keep my foot out of it.”
<- |> <|
When Jason bought the Silverado, the black paint was flaking off in sheets. His solution? “I scuffed it up the best I could and Raptor-Lined the whole truck.” Between the body lift, cranked torsion bars, and Bilstein shocks, Jason has no issues clearing his 35-inch tires. See the LED light pods? Adding a bit of taillight film to the bargain LEDs gave him the dust-piercing amber effect he needed down low.
/> Jason wasn’t a fan of how his utility shell looked, but he sure did enjoy the
quintet of access panels it afforded him. His home-brewed solar shower holds five gallons of water, can be pressurized from his air compressor, and only ran him about $30—including the garden hose and nozzle. His solar array and recovery boards also live atop the roof rack.
</ The drawer system was customized by |> Up top, Jason attached a roof rack from a Suburban.
“I had to put holes in the roof,” he said, but after some trimming to fit his smaller platform, he was happy with how close to stock it looked. Jason’s 12-LED lightbar was created by him for “every bit of $75.” LEDs mounted directly to the roof rack, and he wired his own harness.
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Jason to fit the bed and back before the surge in lumber prices, the whole MDF board setup was done for about $150. As he started figuring how he’d make the drawers slide out he decided “bearings were too complicated,” and opted to wax the drawers’ bottoms. Now, “friction holds ’em in!”
FOUR WHEELER MARCH 2022 43
Feature SCRUMPTIOUS SILVERADO that they’d prepared for the inaugural Overland Adventure Camp Chef Showcase. Putting down supper for a moment, Jason and Ed showed us around the truck and we marveled at how the rear had been set up to entertain the whole family. Out from beneath the sprawling sleeping platform under the utility shell slid all the fixings of a hand-tailored backcountry kitchen. Ed Jordan, an accomplished restaurateur, will say that this is where his son takes great joy in cooking up five-star camp meals for his family anywhere between sunup and dessert in the desert. “It’s one of my acts of love,” Jason said. Have a look around the Silverado and how Jason has modified the truck to explore the wilderness and serve up hearty helpings of good home-cooking at the end of the day.
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At night, the LED work light arrangement makes meal preparation and camp tasks simple.
AT A GLANCE
\> All the fixings of a
GENERAL Vehicle: ’99 Chevy Silverado K2500 Owner: Jason Jordan Stomping grounds: Overland Park, Kansas Build time: 1 year
kitchen fold out from the truck’s bed and Jason has even fashioned a collapsible sink into his swing-out jerrycan carrier. The spare tire carrier was fabbed after he had leftover material from building his receiver hitch. One-inch square tubing went together to hold the tire and using some Hard Core 4x4 parts, he was able to create a swing-out arm mounted seamlessly to the stock bumper.
DRIVETRAIN Engine: 5.7L V-8 Transmission: 4L80E 4-spd auto Transfer case: NP246 Low range ratio: 2.72:1 Crawl ratio: 30.8:1 Front axle/differential: GM 9.25-in, 4.56 gears/open Rear axle/differential: GM semi-float 14-bolt, 4.56 gears/ G80 locker
SUSPENSION Front: 3-in body lift, cranked torsion bars, Bilstein shocks Rear: 2-in lift blocks, stock leaf-springs, Bilstein shocks
TIRES/WHEELS Tires: 35x12.50R16 Milestar Patagonia M/T Wheels: 16x8 Eagle Alloy
MISCELLANEOUS
<- </ <|
When his Whynter fridge isn’t mounted to its own slide-out tray in the bed, it lives in the back seat. Keen eyes might notice the swapped-in rear seats from a Tahoe and how they fold flat for more storage. When climbing a ledge during Overland Adventure, the driverside tie rod bent, pointing Jason’s front tires in toward each other. With help from a Warn winch, traction boards, a bottle jack, and a few friends, Jason was able to straighten the tie rod on the trail and get the truck to camp for a proper fix.
44 MARCH 2022 FOUR WHEELER
Lighting: Jason-built 12-LED roof rack-mounted lightbar, custom-tinted front bumper-mounted LED pods, LED utility lights in camper shell, LED rock lights Armor: Jordan-Fab swinging spare tire carrier and camp sink/water can containment system Cool stuff: PVC 6-in pressurized solar shower and nozzle, roof-mounted solar panel w/solar controller, dual batteries, and solid-state voltage isolator; Jason’s Woodshop MDF board in-bed drawers; Whynter fridge; full kitchen w/sink, dual tables, and camping chairs fw
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FIRST LOOK
46 MARCH 2022 FOUR WHEELER
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2022
CHEVY SILVERADO
ZR2
Multimatic DSSV shocks, 33-inch mud tires, front and rear lockers, and custom bodywork make Chevy’s new flagship pickup stand out from the crowd BY JASON GONDERMAN editor@fourwheeler.com Photos: Darren Martin and courtesy of Chevrolet
POINT YOUR PHONE CAMERA AT THIS CODE TO SEE VIDEO OF THE 2022 CHEVY SILVERADO ZR2
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FOUR WHEELER MARCH 2022 47
FIRST LOOK 2022 CHEVY SILVERADO ZR2
A
mericans love their off-road trucks. So much so that the OE manufacturers continue to add new off-road models to their lineups. When Chevrolet introduced its all-new Silverado 1500 for the 2019 model year, the company included the new Trail Boss trims alongside the company’s legendary Z71 off-road package. Today, the Custom Trail Boss and LT Trail Boss trims account for a full 30 percent of Silverado 1500 sales, while another 30 percent of trucks are sold with the Z71 package. With more than half of all Silverados sold being off-road oriented, it should come as no surprise that Chevy would look at adding yet another, more premium and more capable off-roader to the lineup. As part of its 2022 refresh, Chevy has unveiled the new Silverado 1500 ZR2. And the only question we have is: What took so long?
What Does the Silverado ZR2 Compete Against? Let’s address the proverbial elephant in the room right off the bat: The new Silverado ZR2 is not a Ford F-150 Raptor or Ram 1500 TRX competitor. We were hoping it would be, but alas, it is not. Instead, the Silverado 1500 ZR2 joins the ranks of Ram’s 1500 Rebel, Ford’s F-150 Tremor, and Toyota’s Tundra TRD Pro.
Multimatic DSSV Dampers Although we were certainly disappointed to find out the Silverado ZR2 would not come with a widened track and massively increased wheel travel, we were beyond excited to find Multimatic’s DSSV dampers at all four corners.
48 MARCH 2022 FOUR WHEELER
First used on the Colorado ZR2, the Dynamic Suspensions Spool Valve (DSSV) dampers from Multimatic function unlike anything else on the market. These dampers utilize three separate spool valves to control damping and feature three chambers to direct fluid flow. With those dampers paired with uniquely tuned springs, the ZR2 features increased wheel travel when compared to Chevy’s other off-road trucks. However, Chevy hasn’t released wheel travel figures at this time; our most educated guess would put wheel travel at about 9 inches front and 11 in the rear.
Front AND Rear Locking Differentials A first for Silverado is the inclusion of a selectable electronic-locking rear differential. Until
now, Chevy has used the fabled G80 Gov-Loc rear locking differential in its trucks and fullsize SUVs. The G80 differential used lack of traction and wheelspin to engage its locking mechanism and was notoriously unreliable when the trails got really tough. The new Silverado ZR2 also earns itself the unique distinction of being the first 1⁄2-ton pickup to come from the factory with both front and rear electronic locking differentials. A fan favorite from the Colorado ZR2, the addition of an electronic locking front differential greatly improves the Silverado ZR2’s ability to get through the toughest off-road obstacles. Of the new Silverado ZR2’s immediate competition, the ’21 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro offers only a limited-slip rear differential, while
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FIRST LOOK
the ’21 Ford F-150 Tremor brings an electronic locking rear differential and optional Torsen front limited slip.
Under the Hood Despite Chevy offering a robust collection of engine options for the ’22 Silverado, the new ZR2 comes fitted with a singular powertrain. Providing motivation for Chevy’s premium off-roader is the company’s 6.2L V-8 engine, which comes paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. As with previous years, the 6.2L V-8 engine makes an impressive 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy figures for the ’22 Silverado have yet to be finalized. However, the ’21 Silverado Trail Boss with the 6.2L V-8 engine is rated at 15 mpg in the city and 19 on the highway. We would expect the ’22 Silverado ZR2 to not be very far off these figures, if at all.
“one-pedal trail driving.” When in low range, Terrain mode allows the driver to focus on steering and operating the accelerator pedal while the truck handles the braking aspect of things. It’s described as feeling like driving an EV with smooth slowing and even the ability to bring the truck to a full stop without using the brake pedal. As described, we’re on the fence about this one, but we’re eager to try it, nonetheless.
Interior and Exterior The Silverado ZR2 gets many unique exterior design elements. It gets a new black hood insert, a unique grille, a red-accented Chevy “Flowtie” Bow Tie emblem, and, of course, red towhooks. The truck’s unique high-clearance front bumper is fitted with removable end caps, which will make replacing or upgrading the bumper ends
easy. Around back, the truck’s dual exhaust tips have been tucked up behind the rear bumper for added clearance and protection. Inside, the ZR2 receives a unique Jet Black and Graystone leather-trimmed interior complete with complementing dark trim. All trims from LT and up, including the new flagship ZR2, receive Chevy’s new 13.4-inch touch infotainment system and 12.3-inch digital driver information screen. Additionally, gone is the traditional column shifter in favor of a new digital transmission shifter located in the center console.
Availability Chevy says that the ’22 Silverado 1500 ZR2 will be on dealer lots early in 2022, and full pricing will be announced closer to the truck’s on-sale date. FW
ZR2 Towing and Hauling Specs Towing and hauling is an important feature for all pickup owners. Similar to Chevy’s other off-roadfocused Silverado models, the Silverado ZR2 will be rated to tow a maximum of 8,900 pounds and will be able to haul up to 1,440 pounds of payload. If this doesn’t sound like much, remember that it isn’t just engine power that matters when it comes to towing. The truck’s taller ride height and softer suspension play a big role, as well. By comparison, both comparable ’21 Ram 1500 Rebel and Ford F-150 Tremor pickups are rated to tow about 11,000 pounds.
All-New Terrain Mode The new Silverado ZR2 will come equipped with a new feature that Chevy is calling Terrain mode. While the exact functionality of the system has yet to be detailed, Chevy has said that the new Terrain mode enables what it describes as 50 MARCH 2022 FOUR WHEELER
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FEATURE
SPONSORS OF
OVERLAND ADVENTURE 2021
SEE HOW THESE INCREDIBLE COMPANIES GET IT DONE IN THE BACKCOUNTRY By Jered Korfhage jered.korfhage@fourwheeler.com Photos: Four Wheeler staff
POINT YOUR PHONE CAMERA AT THIS CODE TO SEE A HUGE GALLERY OF PHOTOS FROM DAY 3 OF THE 2021 OVERLAND ADVENTURE PRESENTED BY JEEP
52 MARCH 2022 FOUR WHEELER
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SPONSORED BY
T Presented By
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he companies on these pages bring you some of the latest and greatest tools to get out and experience the outdoors. From power management, storage, navigation, and communication, to the recovery gear, tires, and winch on your rig—these establishments have you covered when you kick it into four-wheel drive and hit the dirt. And did we mention Jeep? For more than 75 years, the company has built one of the best tools for exploring off-road and we were honored to have Jeep as the presenting sponsor of the 2021 Overland Adventure. Joining Jeep in making Overland Adventure possible were American Adventure Lab, Bubba Gear, Falken Tires, Midland, onX Offroad, REDARC, and Warn Industries. Throughout Overland Adventure, each company’s vehicle and wares were put through the rigors of extended backcountry travel. Read on for more on how each rig was outfitted and for a closer look at the tools that make off-grid exploration easier.
FOUR WHEELER MARCH 2022 53
Feature OA SPONSORS 2021
AT A GLANCE Vehicle: ’18 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon
DRIVETRAIN
’18 JEEP WRANGLER UNLIMITED RUBICON •The lowdown: Dreaming up innovative solutions for this JL Wrangler Unlimited is how Brit Mansell started American Adventure Lab. Brit is the “Chief Thinkerupper” at the company and his team is dedicated to designing and building implements to streamline your next trip away from the pavement. When it was time to make camp during Overland Adventure, or even a trailside lunch, the back of Brit’s Jeep expanded and transformed, revealing modular drawers that mesh seamlessly with a fridge slide, a beautifully engineered tailgate table, stealthy mounts for an air compressor, and much more. There was even a nifty platform above the spare tire for toting firewood.
54 MARCH 2022 FOUR WHEELER
SUSPENSION Front: ICON Vehicle Dynamics Stage 8 kit w/coils and 2.5-in remote-reservoir shocks Rear: ICON Vehicle Dynamics Stage 8 kit w/coils and 2.5-in piggyback shocks
TIRES/WHEELS Tires: 38x13.50R20LT Nitto Trail Grappler Wheels: 20-in ICON Alloys Rebound
MISCELLANEOUS Lighting: KC Lights Pro6 LED lightbar and Slimlite LED pods Armor: Warn Elite Stubby front bumper, American Adventure Lab rear bumper w/tire carrier Cool stuff: Warn Zeon 10-S winch, American Adventure Lab High-Line Fender Brace with DRLs, American Adventure Lab Quick-Release Front Inner Fenders, American Adventure Lab M.A.S.S. Cargo Shelf and Cargo Drawers, American Adventure Lab Flat Slide, American Adventure Lab Flip’n Slide, American Adventure Lab VersaTable Tailgate Table, American Adventure Lab Overhead MOLLE Shelf, American Adventure Lab M.A.S.S. Spare Tire Platform, American Adventure Lab Cowl Antenna Bracket, American Adventure Lab Dual ARB Air Compressor Mount, American Adventure Lab ARB Compressor Remote Bracket, American Adventure Lab Rear Seat Delete, American Adventure Lab MOLLE Door Panels
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WEBSITE: AMERICANADVENTURELAB.COM
Engine: 3.6L Pentastar V-6 Transmission: ZF 850RE 8-spd auto Transfer case: NV241OR Low range ratio: 4.0:1 Crawl ratio: 77.2:1 Front axle/differential: Dana 44, 4.10 gears/stock electronic locker Rear axle/differential: Dana 44, 4.10 gears/stock electronic locker
’02 NISSAN XTERRA WEBSITE: BUBBAROPE.COM
•The lowdown: Inside this supercharged and solid-axle swapped Nissan Xterra was a full load of equipment from Bubba Gear designed to get vehicles un-stuck and make recovery jobs easy and safe. Thankfully, between the skill of the drivers and the outstanding modifications, the Xterra’s stash of recovery gear was left largely unused during Overland Adventure. However, the crew from Rogue Overland, who represented Bubba Gear, was glad to demonstrate the utility of the NexGen PRO Gator-Jaw Synthetic Shackles, the Bubba Rope recovery rope, and other useful tools.
AT A GLANCE
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Vehicle: ’02 Nissan Xterra
DRIVETRAIN Engine: Supercharged 3.3L VG33E V-6 Transmission: FS5R50 5-spd manual Transfer case: TX-10A Low range ratio: 3.73:1 Crawl ratio: 77.7:1 Front axle/differential: Dana 44, USA Standard 5.13 gears/Spartan Locker Rear axle/differential: H233B, Nitro Gear & Axle 5.13 gears/ARB Air Locker
SUSPENSION Front: Three-link w/Fox 12-in coilovers Rear: Alcan spring-under w/Fox piggyback shocks
TIRES/WHEELS Tires: 35x12.50R17 BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM3 Wheels: 17-in steel
MISCELLANEOUS Steering: PSC Motorsports ram-assist Lighting: KC Lights Slim Lites, LED rock lights, 38-in LED lightbar Armor: Custom-built front bumper, Trail-Gear rocksliders, modified Shrockworks rear tire carrier and bumper, Skid Row gas tank skidplate Cool stuff: Warn EVO 8,000-pound winch, Volant cold-air intake, Airtec snorkel, CVT Mt. Shasta rooftop tent, custombuilt roof rack, Gaia GPS app, TYT 8900 ham radio, custom drawer system, ARB air compressor, WBF Tinting vehicle wrap, Bubba Rope recovery gear
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FOUR WHEELER MARCH 2022 55
Feature OA SPONSORS 2021
’17 JEEP WRANGLER UNLIMITED •The lowdown: Whether it was the company’s Wildpeak mud-terrain or the Wildpeak A/T3W all-terrain tire, Falken tires were hard to beat when it came to the terrain during Overland Adventure. Falken’s Jeep Wrangler Unlimited was set up to handle multiple days of off-road travel at a time and even showed off a set of 37-inch Wildpeak all-terrains. Looking closely at the sidewalls of those A/T3Ws (and there’s plenty of sidewall on 37-inch Falkens) will reveal the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake, indicating the tire is certified for use in extremely icy and snowy conditions.
56 MARCH 2022 FOUR WHEELER
DRIVETRAIN Engine: 3.6L Pentastar V-6 Transmission: W5A580 5-spd auto Transfer case: NV241 Low range ratio: 2.72:1 Crawl ratio: 47.7:1 Front axle/differential: Dynatrac ProRock 44, 4.88 gears/ ARB Air Locker Rear axle/differential: Dana 44, 4.88 gears/ARB Air Locker
SUSPENSION Front: Rock Krawler 4-in-lift kit, Fox 2.0 shocks, Currie sway bar Rear: Rock Krawler 4-in lift kit, Fox 2.0 shocks, Currie sway bar
TIRES/WHEELS Tires: 37x12.50R17LT Falken Wildpeak A/T3W Wheels: Raceline RT232 Monster Beadlock
MISCELLANEOUS Lighting: Westin LED lightbar and pods, Rigid Industries LED chase bar Armor: Artec Industries front and rear bumpers, fenders, and skidplates; Rock Hard 4x4 Bolt-In Ultimate Sport Cage; Smittybilt exocage Cool stuff: Superwinch 10,000-pound capacity winch, Bubba Rope recovery gear, Mac’s Custom Tie-Downs tree straps, Hi-Lift jack, Roam Adventure Co. rooftop tent, ARB air compressor, sPOD auxiliary switches, RotopaX fuel can
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WEBSITE: FALKENTIRE.COM
AT A GLANCE Vehicle: ’17 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
’21 JEEP GLADIATOR RUBICON WEBSITE: JEEP.COM
•The lowdown: As the presenting sponsor of the 2021 Overland Adventure, Jeep continued its legacy of inspiring folks to get out there … far out there and explore with its Farout Jeep Gladiator concept. It’s hard to miss the AT Overland Equipment Habitat fitted to the rear of the Gladiator but a bit more subtly, take note of the paint. Accented with hints of electric green, the color is called Earl and it could be a hint of things to come. Why’s this concept called Farout, you ask? Well, the 3.0L EcoDiesel V-6 gives this Jeep the low-end grunt and improved fuel economy for even more extended trips, far off the pavement. At camp, when the Habitat was unfolded, the bed of the Gladiator revealed a warm coat of orange bedliner and a wood-accented seating area with a fridge and cook stove.
AT A GLANCE DRIVETRAIN Engine: 3.0L EcoDiesel V-6 Transmission: ZF 8HP75 8-spd auto Transfer case: NP241OR Low range ratio: 4.00:1 Crawl ratio: 70.3:1 Front axle/differential: Dana 44, 3.73 gears/stock electric locker Rear axle/differential: Dana 44, 3.73 gears/stock electric locker
SUSPENSION Front: Jeep Performance Parts 2-in lift, Fox 2.0 shocks Rear: Jeep Performance Parts 2-in lift, Fox 2.0 shocks
TIRES/WHEELS Tires: 37x12.50R17LT Falken Wildpeak M/T Wheels: Matte-charcoal Fifteen52
MISCELLANEOUS Lighting: IPF off-road lights Armor: Custom-built rocksliders, factory steel bumpers Cool stuff: AT Overland Equipment Habitat Truck Topper, Warn 12,000-pound-capacity winch, Cook Partner stove, National Luna fridge w/slide and custom table, interior accent lighting
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Vehicle: ’21 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon
Feature OA SPONSORS 2021
AT A GLANCE Vehicle: ’17 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road
WEBSITE: MIDLANDUSA.COM
•The lowdown: When Aaron Paris put down the window of his Tacoma, you might’ve seen him relaying messages across the Utah backcountry with his Midland MXT575 MicroMobile GMRS two-way radio. Communication during Overland Adventure was simple and effective with the help of Midland GMRS radios, allowing the group to stay in contact over many miles of undulating terrain. When it was time to make camp and the radios powered down for the night, the OPUS OP4 camper behind Aaron’s Tacoma folded out into a cavernous backcountry suite.
Engine: 3.5L V-6 Transmission: AC60F 6-spd auto Transfer case: VF2CM Low range ratio: 2.57:1 Crawl ratio: 48.9:1 Front axle/differential: Toyota 8-in, 5.29 gears/open Rear axle/differential: Toyota 8-in, 5.29 gears/stock electric locker
SUSPENSION Front: Old Man Emu coils and shocks, ICON Vehicle Dynamics Delta Joint upper control arms Rear: Old Man Emu shocks, Dobinson’s HD rear springs, Hellwig Air Bag Kit
TIRES/WHEELS Tires: 285/70R17LT Falken Wildpeak A/T3W Wheels: Toyota TRD Pro alloy
MISCELLANEOUS Lighting: Stedi LED pods and lightbar Armor: CBI Offroad Fab rocksliders and rear bumper, ARB Summit front bumper Cool stuff: Warn Zeon Platinum 10-S winch, ARB fridge, Midland MicroMobile MXT500 two-way GMRS radio, WeBoost cell signal booster, S-Tech switch controller, Blue Ridge Overland Gear Attic storage system, Expedition Essentials dash mount, custom dual drawer system, Front Runner Outfitters awning mount and roof/cap racks, RSI SmartCap EVO camper shell, Dobinson’s snorkel, REDARC Tow-Pro trailer brake controller
58 MARCH 2022 FOUR WHEELER
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’17 TOYOTA TACOMA TRD OFF-ROAD
DRIVETRAIN
’20 JEEP GLADIATOR RUBICON •The lowdown: The onX Offroad crew piloted the Jeep Gladiator Wayout concept during Overland Adventure and demonstrated just how useful the onX Offroad mobile application can be during backcountry travel. onX provided its app to participants of Overland Adventure and it was loaded with each day’s trails, waypoints, land use boundaries, and more. To make the app even more enticing, its functions continued even when cell phone reception was lost, and participants were reminded that base maps could be downloaded ahead of off-grid travel for use offline. At camp, the Decked drawer system in the bed revealed abundant cargo space and Wayout’s pneumatic blender was on hand for meal and beverage preparation.
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Vehicle: ’20 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon
DRIVETRAIN Engine: 3.6L Pentastar V-6 Transmission: ZF 850RE 8-spd auto Transfer case: NV241OR Low range ratio: 4.00:1 Crawl ratio: 70.3:1 Front axle/differential: Dana 44, 3.73 gears/factory electric locker Rear axle/differential: Dana 44, 3.73 gears/factory electric locker
SUSPENSION Front: Jeep Performance Parts 2-in lift kit, Fox 2.0 shocks Rear: Jeep Performance Parts 2-in lift kit, Fox 2.0 shocks
TIRES/WHEELS Tires: 37x12.50R17LT Falken Wildpeak M/T Wheels: 17-in steel
MISCELLANEOUS Lighting: IPF driving lights Armor: Stock rocksliders w/built-in steps Cool stuff: Jeep Performance Parts snorkel, custom-built dual locking fuel cans, Decked drawer system, custom carbon-fiber bed rack, cowl-mounted air chuck and air pressure gauge, Warn 12,000-pound-capacity winch, Autohome Maggiolina rooftop tent, Baja Designs LED task lighting, pneumatic blender system
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WEBSITE: ONXMAPS.COM
AT A GLANCE
Feature OA SPONSORS 2021
’17 TOYOTA LAND CRUISER WEBSITE: REDARCELECTRONICS.COM
•The lowdown: REDARC’s Toyota Land Cruiser had all the suspension, armor, lighting, and storage solutions needed to accommodate long trips into the bush, and it was towing a Patriot Campers X1-N off-road trailer for even more off-grid capability. To make towing easier, the Land Cruiser was fit with REDARC’s Tow-Pro Elite electric brake controller. Instead of an intrusive knee-abusing module, the Tow-Pro Elite mounted discreetly and offered a wide array of functions for on- and off-road conditions.
AT A GLANCE Vehicle: ’17 Toyota Land Cruiser
DRIVETRAIN Engine: 5.7L 3UR-FE V-8 Transmission: AE80F 8-spd automatic Transfer case: Aisin JF2A Low range ratio: 2.62:1 Crawl ratio: 41.6:1 Front axle/differential: Toyota 8.75-in, 3.31 gears/open Rear axle/differential: Toyota 9.25-in, 3.31 gears/stock electronic locker
SUSPENSION Front: Old Man Emu BP-51 shocks, Old Man Emu 2.5-in-lift coils, SPC Performance upper control arms Rear: Old Man Emu BP-51 shocks, Old Man Emu 2.5-in-lift coils
TIRES/WHEELS Tires: 285/65R18 BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 Wheels: Stock 18-in alloy
MISCELLANEOUS Lighting: ARB Intensity driving/spot combo Armor: ARB Summit front bumper, Slee Off-Road rear bumper/tire carrier, Slee Off-Road SliderSteps Cool stuff: ARB Twin Air Compressor, ARB Safari Snorkel, ARB Outback Drawers, Patriot Campers XN-1 off-road camper, James Baroud tent, REDARC Tow-Pro Elite trailer brake controller, REDARC Manager30, REDARC RedVision Total Vehicle Management System
60 MARCH 2022 FOUR WHEELER
’17 TOYOTA TACOMA TRD OFF-ROAD WEBSITE: REDARCELECTRONICS.COM
•The lowdown: REDARC ditched the factory bed on this third-gen Tacoma and replaced it with an MITS Alloy aluminum tray bed and canopy. Inside, you’ll find an array of the company’s power management equipment, including a REDARC dual battery gauge and 200-amp battery isolator, a REDARC BCDC 35-amp DC charger, and the REDARC RedVision Manager30 battery and onboard device managing system, among other goodies.
AT A GLANCE Vehicle: ’17 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road
DRIVETRAIN
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Engine: 3.5L V-6 Transmission: AC60F 6-spd auto Transfer case: VF2CM Low range ratio: 2.57:1 Crawl ratio: 36.1:1 Front axle/differential: Toyota 8-in, 3.90 gears/open Rear axle/differential: Toyota 8-in, 3.90 gears/stock electric locker
SUSPENSION Front: Stock IFS Rear: ICON Vehicle Dynamics 1.5-in Add-A-Leaf, Daystar airbag kit, stock shocks and leaf springs
TIRES/WHEELS Tires: 265/75R16LT Falken Wildpeak A/T3W Wheels: Toyota TRD Off-Road alloy
MISCELLANEOUS Lighting: Rigid Industries 30-in LED lightbar and LED pods Armor: CBI Offroad Fab Covert front bumper Cool stuff: Warn VR EVO 10-S winch and soft shackles, Factor 55 fairlead and FlatLink, Alu-Cab Gen 3.1 Expedition rooftop tent and Shadow awning, MITS Alloy flatbed tray canopy, ARB Dual Air Compressor, ARB Zero fridge, Clearview fridge slide, dual Expion360 batteries, 30L water tank, Front Runner Outfitters roof rack, SDHQ dual battery tray, Fullriver Full Throttle FT750-35 battery, REDARC 200-amp Smart Battery Isolator, REDARC BCDC Universal Mounting Bracket and 25-amp DC charger, REDARC Tow-Pro Elite, REDARC Dual Battery Gauge, REDARC RedVision Total Vehicle Management System, REDARC Manager30
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FOUR WHEELER MARCH 2022 61
Feature OA SPONSORS 2021
AT A GLANCE Vehicle: ’20 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon
DRIVETRAIN
SUSPENSION Front: JKS J-Konnect 2.5-in-lift system, HD springs, Fox 2.0 IFP shocks Rear: JKS J-Konnect 2.5-in-lift system, HD springs, Fox 2.0 IFP shocks
TIRES/WHEELS Tires: 37x12.50R17LT BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM3 Wheels: 17-in Warn Epic Diamond Cutter aluminum
MISCELLANEOUS Steering: Fox 2.0 steering damper Lighting: Warn HID driving lights, Xray Vision lightbar, LED work lights Armor: Warn Elite rear bumper and tire carrier, Warn brushguard, Warn rocksliders Cool stuff: Warn VR EVO 10-S winch, Warn AXON 55-S rear-mounted winch, Factor 55 recovery kit and Rope Guard, Dee Zee roof rack, CVT Mt. Hood rooftop tent, CVT 79-in hybrid awning
’20 JEEP WRANGLER UNLIMITED RUBICON WEBSITE: WARN.COM •The lowdown: Brad Goodfellow brought his Warn-equipped Jeep Wrangler Unlimited clear across the country to join the 2021 Overland Adventure. His Jeep showed off dual winches to aid in recovery no matter the angle. In the front, Brad’s Warn VR EVO 10-S winch fit cleanly onto the Jeep’s stock bumper and out back, there was a Warn AXON 55-S mounted to the company’s Elite rear bumper. Warn rocksliders protected the sheetmetal and to further streamline the recovery process, Brad showed us how Warn’s Hub Wireless Control can turn Bluetooth-equipped smart devices into remotes for Warn winches. 62 MARCH 2022 FOUR WHEELER
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Engine: 3.6L Pentastar DOHC V-6 Transmission: ZF 850RE 8-spd auto Transfer case: NP241OR Low range ratio: 4.0:1 Crawl ratio: 77.4:1 Front axle/differential: Dana 44, 4.10 gears/stock electric locker Rear axle/differential: Dana 44, 4.10 gears/stock electric locker
THANK YOU ★ ★SPONSORS!
Presented By
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FOUR WHEELER MARCH 2022 63
FEATURE
THE FIRE TRUCK This Toyota HiAce will go just about anywhere— just not quickly rfhage d Kowhe Jerege@ Byd.ko eler staff four eler.com Photos: Four Whe rfha jere
Presented By
64 MARCH 2022 FOUR WHEELER
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POINT YOUR PHONE CAMERA AT THIS CODE TO SEE A MASSIVE PHOTO GALLERY FROM DAY 2 OF THE 2021 OVERLAND ADVENTURE PRESENTED BY JEEP
SPONSORED BY
Feature the fire truck
T
wo truths and a lie with Mike Hilbrandt. He’s been part of the United States Coast Guard and on a Search and Rescue team. He’s not afraid of plowing through hood-deep fluffy powder with a lifted Subaru Forester. He spent many hours crafting the fearsome baby doll Valkyrie on the front of his Toyota HiAce Fire Truck. If you know Mike or Monica (Mike’s wife and the other driver of the Fire Truck), you might’ve already heard the story behind the unusual hood ornament and that it, in fact, took very little work to procure. But the big question is, how did this duo end up traveling North America in a Japanese Fire Truck? For Mike, he’s been a “dirt person” ever since his dad took him into the northern Michigan wilderness to explore Jeep trails. From there, he learned to ride dirt bikes before graduating to trucks and SUVs—and he’s a climber and a backpacker, too. For a while, Mike’s mode of backcountry transportation was a ’91 Toyota 4Runner, before he started lifting and modifying an ’08 Subaru Forester XT. Between the five inches of lift, custom high-clearance bumpers, and that all-wheel-drive power, Mike was able to push the Subaru through more off-road challenges than he thought possible. He even recalls keeping up with lifted rigs (with true four-wheel drive) and big tires in a particularly nasty winter jaunt through Oregon called the Veteran Overland Cold Hearts Run. His Subaru fun came to an end when he passed the AWD SUV to his brother and began scoping out his next project.
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HOW DID MIKE AND MONICA END UP WITH THIS FORMIDABLE ORNAMENT ON THE FIRE TRUCK? WELL, THE DOLL HEAD WAS LAyINg ON A TRAIL IN OREgON. MIKE REACHED OUT OF THE RIg WITHOUT EvEN STOPPINg AND SNATCHED UP THE HEAD, HANDINg IT TO MONICA. NOW, WITH THE ADDITION OF BUT A TUFT OF HAIR FOR A MUSTACHE, THE HEAD LIvES AT THE HELM OF THE FIRE TRUCK. BECAUSE THE TRUCK WOULD BE OPERATED IN ExTREME COLD AS WELL AS SWELTERINg HEAT, MIKE AND MONICA gUTTED THE CAB AND INSTALLED SOUND DAMPINg MATERIAL AND INSULATION. HEATED SEATS KEEP THEM TOASTy IN THE DEAD OF WINTER AND BEADED SEAT COvERS gIvE ADDITIONAL AIRflOW IN HIgHER TEMPS. TINTINg THE WINDOWS PROvED TO BE A CHORE FOR THEIR TINTINg SHOP HAD NEvER WORKED WITH THE ExACT gLASS PANELS OF A TOyOTA HIACE.
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</ THERE’S A CUSTOM-BUILT BUMPER ON THE
BACK OF THE HIACE WITH RECOvERy POINTS AND A RECEIvER HITCH. THE PAIR OF DIAMOND-PLATED UNDERBED BOxES jUST HAPPENED TO fiT THE CONTOURS OF THE FIRE TRUCK’S FENDERS.
|> -> BFGOODRICH T/A KO2 ALL-TERRAINS CAME WITH
THE HIACE WHEN IT WAS IMPORTED, AND THEy HAvEN’T FAILED. SHARP EyES MIgHT NOTICE THE POWDERCOATED TOyOTA 4RUNNER WHEELS, DONE By PORTLAND POWDER COATINg. THE 2.4L DIESEL LETS THE TRUCK IDLE LIKE A LITTLE TRACTOR OvER AND THROUgH SOME SURPRISINgLy vILE TERRAIN AND IS WORTH SOMEWHERE IN THE BALLPARK OF 20 TO 23 MPg ON THE TRAIL. THOSE figURES DROP TO 17 WHEN LOADED DOWN ON THE HIgHWAy KEEPINg UP WITH TRAFfiC.
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Feature the fire truck Mike and Monica were perusing Craigslist when they happened upon the Fire Truck—and they fell in love with it. It was six months before they could bring it home to Oregon, so they spent the interim planning how they’d make the truck fit for their travels. By the time the day came to fly south to Los Angeles to pick up the Fire Truck, the rooftop tent was already picked out, aluminum was ordered to build storage racks, and much more was in the works. Driving the Fire Truck home to Oregon was a small adventure in itself. The tiny diesel engine meant the truck was relegated to the right lane most of the trip and the dim headlamps were … dim, but Mike remembers it being “super fun to drive” and rather intuitive, even for his first time in a righthand-drive vehicle. The HiAce required some custom work because of its exotic nature but it didn’t take long to convert the Japanese truck into an all-weather and all-terrain exploration machine. Though it doesn’t go anywhere fast, Mike and Monica have ventured from the Pacific Northwest down to Baja California, and back. We caught up with the pair in Utah for the 2021 Overland Adventure where the Fire Truck rumbled confidently through the wildlands by day and transformed into a welcoming camp by night.
/> <| \> IN THE CARgO AREA, THE FRIDgE STAyS WRAPPED IN A REflECTIvE TARP TO HELP KEEP IT
COLD—IT’S HOLDINg ALL THE BEvERAgES, AFTER ALL. FOOD SUPPLIES ARE ON ICE AND KEPT IN COOLERS. SWAy-A-WAy TOOK UP THE CHALLENgE OF MAKINg CUSTOM TORSION BARS FOR THE HIACE SINCE THERE’S A DISTINCT LACK OF AFTERMARKET SUPPORT FOR THE TRUCK. AFTER A FAIR AMOUNT OF RESEARCH, MIKE FOUND BILSTEIN MONOTUBE SHOCKS THAT WERE COMPATIBLE WITH THE FIRE TRUCK. OUT BACK, A PAIR OF RANCHO SHOCKS DAMP MOvEMENTS WHILE THE STOCK LEAF SPRINgS HOLD THE WEIgHT OF THE HIACE.
AT A GLANCE GENERAL VEHICLE: ’92 Toyota HiAce OWNERS: Mike and Monica Hilbrandt STOMPINg gROUNDS: Portland, Oregon BUILD TIME: 12 months
DRIVETRAIN ENgINE: 2.4L 2L I-4 TRANSMISSION: G55 5-spd manual TRANSFER CASE: Toyota 2-spd LOW RANgE RATIO: 2.28:1 CRAWL RATIO: 39.5:1 FRONT AxLE/DIFFERENTIAL: Toyota 7.5-in, 4.87 gears/open REAR AxLE/DIFFERENTIAL: Toyota 8-in, 4.87 gears/open
SUSPENSION FRONT: Bilstein monotube shocks, Sway-A-Way custom-built torsion bars REAR: Stock leaf springs, Rancho RS9000 shocks
</ UP TOP, THERE’S A ROOFNEST
TENT MOUNTED TO MIKE’S RACK AND A CVT AWNINg FOR THE BACK OF THE FIRE TRUCK. WHEN THEy ARRIvE AT A DESTINATION, MIKE AND MONICA UNWIND WITH BEvERAgES WHILE gETTINg LOST IN A gOOD BOOK.
TIRES/WHEELS TIRES: 30x9.50R15LT BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 WHEELS: 15-in alloy Toyota 4Runner
MISCELLANEOUS LIgHTINg: Baja Designs and Diode Dynamics LED lights, functioning fire truck lightbar ARMOR: Adventure Fab bumpers and hitch COOL STUFF: Warn EVO 10-S winch, Go Treads recovery mats, Roofnest tent, 80/20 rack, front- and rear-facing cameras, CVT awning fw
|> /> YOU’D NEvER KNOW THERE’S A WARN EVO 10-S WINCH MOUNTED BEHIND THE BUMPER, WHICH ALSO HOUSES AN ARRAy OF BAjA DESIgNS LED PODS. THE DIODE DyNAMICS LED LIgHTBAR UP TOP IS ALMOST AS NIFTy AS THE FIRE TRUCK’S FACTORy LIgHTBAR.
68 MARCH 2022 FOUR WHEELER
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Heavy Duty Transmission Pans and Differential Covers Often Copied, Never Duplicated
818.786.8325 ✔ Magnetic drain plugs
New Ford Dana M300
✔ Magnetic dipstick ✔ Cast Aluminum A356-T6
Just Released Ford 6R140
✔ Tapped for temperature probe ✔ 25 to 50º Heat reduction ✔ ARP O-rings on Most applications ✔ Longer service intervals ✔ Quicker, cleaner maintenance
Perfect for that tow rig that will keep you on the road
www.mag-hytec.com
FEATURE FEATURE GRANVILLE SALUTE Due to many requests, we’re republishing some of Granville King’s “From The Backcountry” columns as space permits. These columns ran in Four Wheeler from 1984 until Granville’s passing in 1989 at age 70. Granville was a retired aerospace engineer and television screenwriter who lived off-grid in a trailer in Baja, Mexico. His off-road experiences were many, and his storytelling was amusing, riveting, timeless, and unparalleled.
70 MARCH 2022 FOUR WHEELER
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FOUR WHEELER MARCH 2022 71
Feature Granville Salute
72 MARCH 2022 FOUR WHEELER
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S PLU
COMING NEXT MONTH
LONG-TERM TEST BY SEAN P. HOLMAN EDITOR@FOURWHEELER.COM PHOTOS: SEAN P. HOLMAN
2021 RAM 1500 TRX First report: Does the TRX live up to the hype?
B
y now you are probably wondering if our 2021 Pickup Truck of the Year-winning Ram 1500 TRX lives up to the hype. Is it a one-trick pony? Does 702 horsepower wear on you after a while? Is it too big for city driving or the trail? Is it too much truck, or is it one of the best vehicles we’ve ever had the keys to? Over the next year we plan to answer these questions, but we have a few initial thoughts through the first 3,500 miles of use.
So far, we can tell you that Ram’s TRX, which is pronounced “T-R-X” and not “T-Rex”, is one of the most amazing pickup trucks we’ve driven. From the way it drives and sounds, to the way it doles out copious amounts of adrenaline dumping torque, the TRX is a head-turner in its Flame Red paintjob. So much so, that we have trouble avoiding eye contact with people waving us down or wanting to “have a go” on every trip to the grocery store. The TRX has a base price of $70,325 and ours arrived with an as-tested price of $92,080, including a destination fee of $1,695. Almost every option box was checked, including the Technology Group ($1,095), Trailer Tow Group ($195), Advanced Safety Group ($995), Bed Utility Group ($845), Lower Two-tone Paint ($250), TRX Carbon Fiber Package ($1,295), TRX Level 2 Equipment Group ($7,920), TRX Red Interior Accents ($1,495), TRX Exterior Graphics ($495), TRX Hood 74 MARCH 2022 FOUR WHEELER
Graphic ($895), Mopar Rock Rails ($995), 19-speaker Harmon Kardon Premium Sound ($1,195), 18x9-inch Beadlock-capable Wheels ($1,895), and Trailer Reverse Steering Control ($495). We skipped the panoramic sunroof, knowing we’d be hitting the trails hard and didn’t want to risk any body creaks or rattles that might stem from a giant hole in the roof. One of the selling points of the TRX are the semi-active electronic Bilstein Blackhawk e2 shocks, and in daily life they don’t disappoint. Combined with coils at all four corners, the shocks have been impressive, delivering a sporty, yet compliant ride on everything from twisty mountain roads and highway to whooped-out terrain. Sometimes you want to hit cross-ditches and heaves hard just to feel that full foot-plus of suspension travel cycle underneath you and listen for the audible and harshness-free engagement of the Jounce Cut-Offs (JCO) at full compression. It makes us smile every time. fourwheeler.com
Report: 1 of 4
1 The state-of-the-art Bilstein Blackhawk e2 shocks are pivotal to the capability of Ram’s TRX. The semi-active shocks feature anodized aluminum bodies with three pistons per shock and the ability to react to terrain on both the compression and rebound circuit, independently.
Previous reports: First report Base price: $70,325 Price as tested: $92,080 Four-wheel-drive system: Full-time, two-speed
OPTIONS AS TESTED
2 Even when the optional beadlockcapable wheels are not in the beadlock configuration, they offer a sacrificial ring and, in our opinion, are the better looking TRX wheels. 3 The TRX uses a traditional console shifter, instead of the knob found on other Ram 1500 models, at the expense of center console storage.
1 2 3 4
4 We think the optional red interior accents are a tasteful and sporty touch that break up the otherwise businesslike black interior. 5 Hidden under the engine cover is this playful wink and nod to the competition. 6 Under the hood is the 6.2L supercharged Hemi V-8 pumping out 702 hp and 650 lb-ft of dirt-ripping torque. While Ram doesn’t use the Hellcat moniker for the brand’s marketing, it is still the Hellcat powerplant.
Technology Group ($1,095), Trailer Tow Group ($195), Advanced Safety Group ($995), Bed Utility Group ($845), Lower Two-tone Paint ($250), TRX Carbon Fiber Package ($1,295), TRX Level 2 Equipment Group ($7,920), TRX Red Interior Accents ($1,495), TRX Exterior Graphics ($495), TRX Hood Graphic ($895), Mopar Rock Rails ($995), 19-Speaker Harmon Kardon Premium Sound ($1,195), 18x9-inch Beadlock-capable Wheels ($1,895), and Trailer Reverse Steering Control ($495)
LONG-TERM NUMBERS Miles to date: 3,478 Miles since last report: First report Average mpg (this report): 10.21 Test best tank (mpg): 12.74 Test worst tank (mpg): 8.89
MAINTENANCE This period: None Problem areas: None
WHAT’S HOT, WHAT’S NOT
5 6 The exhaust barks like a guard dog, especially on cold startup with an aggressive “I’m awake” sound. In fact, the truck isn’t the only thing that wakes up. With no “quiet mode” to the exhaust, your neighborhood knows when you are ready for your morning commute. We had to stop backing into our driveway because morning start-up would launch sound waves off our garage door and into the unassuming neighborhood. Oops. Fortunately, we live in a neighborhood with people who can appreciate the melody of a raucous, supercharged 6.2-liter pushrod V-8. Everywhere we go we get stopped by people who want to hear the truck, sit in the truck, and, of course, see some of the easter eggs they’ve heard about. “Is there really a Tyrannosaurus Rex eating a Raptor?” is a common question. It’s a fun party trick to show them that there is indeed a playful nod to the competition. The interior is typical Ram, which means it is spectacular. Between the fit and finish; materials such as real metal, real leather, and real carbon fiber; and the technology, the TRX is a fantastic place to spend all those miles sliding sideways through the desert with the V-8 at full wail. It turns out, though, that the TRX is also exceptional on the highway, delivering a remarkably quiet and docile experience if you are just cruising with almost no fourwheeler.com
hint as to what is quietly simmering under the hood. However, you are always just one pedal stomp away from experiencing the visceral urgency typically reserved for supercars. Acceleration, especially with launch control activated, is unbelievable for a vehicle that weighs 6,500 pounds with a driver on board. Our kids call it the rocket ship. Ford Raptor drivers stay away. Every Camaro wants to line up. It’s hard not to show them all that the TRX might have the best factory exhaust note this side of an Italian V-12. So, is there anything we don’t like? Well, not much. While the console shifter is nice, we miss all that great console storage space afforded by the knob in other Ram 1500s and our tester has the typical “Hemi tick” at idle, which takes away from the enjoyment of hearing the engine and exhaust do their thing when you are showing it off. Short of that, we are hard-pressed to find any fault with the TRX so far. Some might complain about the dismal fuel economy, but then again, that’s not why you buy this truck. And with a 33-gallon tank, we have plenty of range. So, we will just chalk that up to the cost of doing business for the experience, and not a negative. The bottom line is that when people ask us if we like it and if the TRX is everything it promised to be, then our answer is an emphatic “yes” on both counts.
Hot: Fast, smooth, capable, luxurious, and an absolute riot to drive Not: “Hemi Tick” just doesn’t sound cool at idle
LOGBOOK QUOTES -> “The exhaust of the TRX is like a snarling guard dog that is doing its best to ward off the impending future that could make the TRX the last of a breed.” -> “Wonder how long we will be able to buy amazing vehicles like this. If you love it, don’t wait, now is the time.” -> “The sound on cold start is incredible. Unless you are a neighbor and I am leaving at 5:30 in the morning.” -> “The guy in the Raptor won’t make eye contact with me, but every Mustang and Camaro is seemingly seeking me out.” -> “The thing is so in its element in a fast desert wash. It’s sublime automotive Zen in that exact moment to punch the throttle and the TRX simultaneously leaps ahead while pitching sideways as the exhaust fights to overpower the supercharger whine. There isn’t anything like it.” FW FOUR WHEELER MARCH 2022 75
LONG-TERM TEST BY JERED KORFHAGE JERED.KORFHAGE@FOURWHEELER.COM PHOTOS: JERED KORFHAGE
POINT YOUR PHONE CAMERA AT THIS CODE TO READ THE FIRST LONGTERM REPORT ON THIS 2020 JEEP GLADIATOR
2020 JEEP GLADIATOR RUBICON Third report: Many kinds of hauling
D
oing truck stuff can’t always mean playing in the dirt, and for this segment of time with the ’20 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon, we focused on one of the things that makes the Gladiator stand out from the rest of the Jeep lineup—its bed. If you haven’t caught the first two installments, ever since the ’20 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon won the 2020 Four Wheeler Pickup Truck of the Year award, we were eager to spend more time in Jeep’s first new pickup since the Cherokee–based MJ Comanche ceased production in 1992. We checked just about every box when specing our Gladiator, from the color-matched fenders and hardtop to the heated seats and the Hydro Blue Pearl-Coat paintjob. The most important stuff, the 33-inch Falken Wildpeak all-terrain tires, 4.0:1 transfer case, steel bumpers, functional towhooks, Fox shocks, steel rocksliders, and more; already came with the Rubicon package. We’ve put the truck to work ever since, starting with a week exploring the Utah backcountry during the 2021 Four Wheeler Overland Adventure. From there, the Gladiator has been a reliable road trip machine, a confident off-roader, and a sometimes surprising help when asked to move unwieldly items.
Gladiators come with a bed that can be occupied comfortably by one laying-down Danny DeVito (read: 5-foot bed). Ours had Mopar’s Hard Tri-Fold Tonneau option ($950) installed and it did a commendable job of keeping our gear contained and out of sight. Minor headaches arose when we moved larger items and the cover had to be tri-folded against the Gladiator’s back glass, blocking our view to the rear. From motorcycles and mattresses to couches and camping gear, we tried to move it all with the Gladiator and we were not disappointed. When the bed and back seats were stuffed with a hefty payload, however, we couldn’t
76 MARCH 2022 FOUR WHEELER
help but wish for a bit more power, especially when climbing highway grades. There were more than a few hills where we thought Fourth gear could handle the ascent, until we had to downshift to keep the 3.6L in its powerband. Those thoughts quickly vanished when the cargo was unloaded, we pushed the button to disconnect the front sway bar, and the truck flexed and crawled its way down the next rutted trail. In our final months with the Gladiator, we’ll be sure to log many more off-road miles in the dirt, shift the Rock-Trac transfer case into 4-Lo, and put Jeep’s Off-Road Plus mode to work. Stay tuned!
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<\ |> </ Between the Trail Rail System and the multiple tie-down points, we were able
to secure many types of oversized cargo. Tire treads molded into the Gladiator’s bedliner reminded us that a pair of fullsize motorcycles can be transported in the bed. For now, our project dual-sport and 80cc bike will do. The only piece of adventure gear we couldn’t fit beneath the tonneau was the cooler or fridge/freezer.
Report: 3 of 4 Previous reports: Sep. ’21, Nov. ’21 Base price: $43,875 Price as tested: $62,005 Four-wheel-drive system: Part-time, manually shifted, two-speed
OPTIONS AS TESTED Hydro Blue Pearl-Coat Exterior Paint ($245), Leather ($1,595), Cold Weather Group ($695), Premium LED Lighting Group ($1,195), 8.4-inch Radio and Premium Audio Group ($1,845), Jeep Active Safety Group ($895), Adaptive Cruise Control ($795), Auxiliary Switch Group ($295), Hardtop Headliner ($555), Cargo Management Group with Trail Rail System ($895), Hard Tri-Fold Tonneau ($950), All-Weather Slush Mats ($165), Remote Proximity Keyless Entry ($495), Body-Color 3-Piece Hard Top ($2,295), Winch-Capable Steel Front Bumper ($845), Body-Color Fender Flares ($495), Wireless Bluetooth Speaker ($295), 17-inch x 7.5-inch Polished Black Aluminum Wheels ($995), Spray-In Bedliner ($495), Forward-Facing TrailCam ($595), Destination ($1,495)
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LONG-TERM NUMBERS Miles to date: 13,188 Miles since last report: 5,378 Average mpg (this report): 16.6 Test best tank (mpg): 20.6 Test worst tank (mpg): 13.2 (heavy off-road travel day)
MAINTENANCE This period: Swept out the bed Problem areas: None
WHAT’S HOT, WHAT’S NOT Hot: Can move a couch and crawl rocks in the same weekend. Not: Engine/transmission combo seems out of breath on hills.
LOGBOOK QUOTES -> “The Forward-Facing TrailCam proved its worth again … didn’t have to get out and spot over that hill!” -> “Really wasn’t confident this could move a queen-size mattress, but it did.” -> “Getting into the Gladiator after driving any other vehicle with a clutch is almost heartbreaking.” -> “Where’s the torque?” -KJ Jones, Editor, Diesel Power magazine -> “I love this truck on the highway … until it has to go uphill.” FW
FOUR WHEELER MARCH 2022 77
TECHLINE
COMPILED BY VERNE SIMONS EDITOR@FOURWHEELER.COM PHOTOS: VERNE SIMONS, DIESEL POWER PRODUCTS, ROB BONNEY FABRICATION, AND FOUR WHEELER ARCHIVES
CHEVY SQUARE BODY CUMMINS SWAP I’ve been a fan of the magazine for as long as I can remember. When I was a kid, at the store with my mom I used to grab any and all off-road magazines off the shelf and read them. You can only spend so much time looking at potato salad with your mom. Often, I came home with several of the magazines back when there were a ton. I’m sad that most of those magazines are gone, but I’m glad that Four Wheeler is still here. I’ve never written in with a question but thought I would today. I’m contemplating building a new (to me) tow vehicle although this is still all hypothetical. Something that I can use to tow my trailer with off-road toys or a camper that won’t break a sweat with a load behind it, and something that I can take down sandy backroads or to the campsite without worrying about getting stuck. I’d really like something that can tow about 10,000 pounds or a bit more with a crew cab for space. I really love the Cummins engines (the 12and 24-valve 6BT engines) but finding one of those old Dodge trucks that has any life left is hard these days, and the crew cab trucks are expensive or pretty rough. I also like the style of the old GM square body trucks and think that might be the best place to start since they seem to exist as Crew Cab trucks for sale locally with some regularity. So, I think I’d like to build a Cummins-swapped square body Crew Cab but have a few questions. First, am I stuck finding a used Cummins or can a crate engine be sourced from somewhere? Secondly, what’s the best transmission to use? What about the transfer case? Do I need to find a 4x4 Crew Cab square body to start with, or can I start with a 2WD Crew Cab and convert it to 4x4? Do I need to box the frame? Any insight or ideas would certainly help. MARK VIA EMAIL
WHERE TO WRITE Have a 4x4 tech question you want answered in Techline? Drop an email to editor@fourwheeler.com or message us through our Facebook page at facebook.com/fourwheelermag. All letters become the property of Four Wheeler, and we reserve the right to edit them for length, accuracy, and clarity. Due to the volume of mail, electronic and otherwise, we cannot respond to every reader, but we do read everything.
78 MARCH 2022 FOUR WHEELER
You’re not alone in being sad at the loss of most of the many awesome off-road magazines, and you are also not alone when it comes to wanting to build a Cummins-powered square body 4x4. On both topics we agree. We can’t help bring back the other magazines but will keep working hard to make Four Wheeler the best it can be. In regards to a Cummins-swapped square body Chevy, others have had the same idea, making the task a bit easier for you. In the end, it’s hard to deny the classic styling of the square bodies and they are plentiful, which means there are many great sources for parts and more. In order to make this project happen you will either have to be good at fabrication and at finding a deal on good used parts, or you’ll need to have some deep pockets to fund the build, as the price of the components can add up quickly. To answer your question about sourcing an engine, our buddy Cooper at Diesel Power Products tells us there are a few new and several remanufactured crate Cummins 6BTs available in the aftermarket. You can spend what you want on a new or remanufactured engine at a place like dieselpowerproducts.com or start the hunt for good used parts. You can choose the Cummins diesel best-suited to your needs—12valve, 24-valve, Common Rail, or 6.7-liter—but be warned, we have heard some pretty sad tales about folks buying junk used diesel engines. For transmission choices you have a couple of decent options, but in the end, you should select based on what route you want to take and what you want your truck to do. If you can source a used engine locally, it may even come with fourwheeler.com
a transmission that can be serviced or rebuilt. You can choose between one of the reliable and venerable five- or six-speed manual transmissions or one of the heavy-duty automatic transmissions that can be mated to the Cummins blocks. In manual flavor, you can opt for an NV4500 five-speed, a G56, ZF6, or NV5600 sixspeed. As far as automatics go, you can run a built 47RH, 47RE, 48RE, 68RFE; Ford 5R110 or 6R140; or an Allison without any problem. We’d stick to a name you know in the aftermarket to source a transmission, like ATS, Suncoast, or Firepunk, assuming you don’t have a local transmission shop to build you one to suit. When it comes to what transfer case you should use, that again may depend on your parts source. Here again, the path of least resistance would be to go with the transfer case that came from the factory with the transmission you are running. Another nearly bulletproof and safe option would be to source an NP205, which is likely the strongest transfer case commonly used in trucks like this. NP205s are available
in driver-drop (Ford) or passenger-drop (GM) configurations to match the front axle you will use. NP205s have lots of upgrade options from places like Offroad Design and are pretty easy to rebuild. Speaking of axles, you’d probably be better off with a Dana 60 in front. Either a passenger-drop kingpin-style from a GM or a driver-drop Dana 60 from a Ford (the latter being much more common). That brings us to another part of your question: Should you start with a two-wheel-drive or a four-wheel-drive square body GM truck? Again, the answer is that it depends largely on what you can find. Ideally, you could get ahold of a GM 1-ton Crew Cab 4WD with a kingpin Chevy Dana 60 front axle and an NP205. But those trucks are rare to come across. When it comes to boxing the frame on a square body Chevy it’s more than just a really good idea. The frames on these trucks, while beefy, can always use some additional strength and some of the 4x4 frames of this era are known
REPLACEMENT PADS FOR THE DYNATRAC PROGRIP BRAKE SYSTEM I’m the owner of the Jeep JK that Verne Simons and I put the Dynatrac ProGrip Brake System on a few years ago for an article on fourwheeler.com. The Jeep is still doing well and stops great, but the brake pads are getting pretty worn down and I would like to get new brake pads that perform as well as the Dynatrac ProGrip did when we first installed them. Please let me know what I should do. CHAD VIA EMAIL
I had to dig into the memory banks a bit on this one. The Dynatrac ProGrip Brake System we installed on your Jeep uses the factory calipers and upgrades the brake rotor size to increase brake performance. So, in theory, stock replacement brake pads from your local auto parts store would work. Having said that, the pads that come from Dynatrac are a proprietary compound, specially formulated to work with the given caliper pressure and larger rotors, so the best idea is to use replacement brake pads directly fourwheeler.com
for having weak spots around the steering box mount. Luckily, and getting back to what we said above when talking about 2WD vs 4WD, Rob Bonney Fabrication (RBF, robbonneyfab.com) has steering box outer reinforcement plates for ’73-’87 Chevy K series vehicles, and frame boxing plates for most GM K series trucks built between 1967 and 1987 and Suburbans built between 1973 and 1991. RBF also has frame boxing plates for ’73-’87 C30 trucks with plans to expand into C20 and C10 trucks soon. The company designed these frame boxing plates specifically for trucks receiving Cummins swaps, although many can be modified to be used even if a Cummins swap isn’t the end goal. RBF also has a few other parts available for GM-toCummins swaps including motor mount kits, radiator and intercooler mounting parts, battery trays, and a high-mount alternator bracket kit. Finally, we love the idea of this build and want to do one for ourselves, too. You should end up with a stylish, solid rig that will tow with the best of them and should last for decades.
from Dynatrac (dynatrac.com). These brake pads are very competitively priced, basically costing the same as parts store replacement pads. One of the nice things about the Dynatrac kit is that the stock wear parts will work in a pinch. For example, if you are away from home on a long trip and need to replace your worn brake pads with what you can find on short notice they can be found at a local parts store. You can also look at EBC Brakes (ebcbrakes.com), which has brake pad options with different compounds. EBC has been in the business of making performance brake pads and rotors for decades and lists both YellowStuff brake pads and Extra Duty Light Truck, Jeep and SUV brake pads. The YellowStuff is EBC’s flagship top-selling high-friction brake pad for improved braking that offers improved performance. These pads are also smooth and quiet with excellent cold bite coupled with high-temperature fade resistance. YellowStuff may cause more brake dust than stock or Dynatrac pads. The Extra Duty Light Truck, Jeep and SUV pads offer higher than stock performance and are designed for towing and off-road use. They may be some of the longest lasting brake pads available. Both of these performance brake pads for a JK will work with the Dynatrac ProGrip Brake System. FW FOUR WHEELER MARCH 2022 79
CALENDAR COMPILED BY JERED KORFHAGE JERED.KORFHAGE@FOURWHEELER.COM
March 3-5
March 5-6
March 17-20
What: Table Mesa Jeep Jamboree Where: Anthem, Arizona Hosted by: Jeep Jamboree USA Info: jeepjamboreeusa.com
What: Monster Jam Where: Little Rock, Arkansas Hosted by: Simmons Bank Arena Info: monsterjam.com
What: Rednecks With Paychecks Spring Break Where: Saint Jo, Texas Hosted by: Rednecks With Paychecks Off-Road Info: redneckswithpaychecks.com
March 4-5
March 8-11
What: Toughest Monster Truck Tour Where: Saginaw, Michigan Hosted by: Dow Event Center Info: toughestmonstertrucks.com
What: Work Truck Week Where: Indianapolis, Indiana Hosted by: The Association of the Work Truck Industry Info: worktruckshow.com
March 4-6 What: Southeast Overland & Off-Road Expo Where: Starke, Florida Hosted by: Florida International Rally & Motorsport Park Info: southeastoverlandoffroadexpo.com
March 18-19 What: Toughest Monster Truck Tour Where: Lafayette, Louisiana Hosted by: Cajundome & Event Center Info: toughestmonstertrucks.com
March 12-13
March 25-27
What: Monster Jam Where: Louisville, Kentucky Hosted by: Freedom Hall Info: monsterjam.com
What: Overlander Expedition Where: Hickory, North Carolina Hosted by: Overlander Project Info: overlanderproject.com
March 5-6
March 17-19
What: Lone Star Jeep Invasion Where: Conroe, Texas Hosted by: Lone Star Convention Center Info: lonestarjeepinvasion.com
What: Texas Spur Jeep Jamboree Where: Llano, Texas Hosted by: Jeep Jamboree USA Info: jeepjamboreeusa.com
WHERE TO SEND SUBMISSIONS Address your correspondence to: Calendar, Four Wheeler, 831 S. Douglas St., El Segundo, CA 90245, or email jered.korfhage@fourwheeler.com. All submissions become the property of Four Wheeler, and we reserve the right to edit them for length, accuracy, and clarity. The editorial department can also be reached through the website at fourwheeler.com. Due to the volume of mail, electronic and otherwise, we cannot respond to every reader, but we do read everything.
80 MARCH 2022 FOUR WHEELER
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TRAIL’S END BY JERED KORFHAGE JERED.KORFHAGE@FOURWHEELER.COM PHOTOS: FOUR WHEELER ARCHIVES
BILL HETRICH’S FRAME-CHOPPED AND BODY-SWAPPED ’39 CHEVY
B
ill Hetrich’s ’39 Chevy-bodied ’75 Blazer caught our attention one night as we leafed through the Four Wheeler archives. There’s far more to it than the old-iron body and Gumbo Monster Mudders. Bill used three different trucks and the bartering system to build the Corvette-Yellow machine seen here. Take a look back with us to the June 1990 issue of Four Wheeler and how Bill’s truck came to be.
The process began with a ’75 Blazer which Bill and his brother stripped down to its frame. The duo took six inches out of the frame, filled in its imperfections, and painted it all, before shifting their attention to the body. According to Bill, attaching the ’39 Chevy body to its new frame “wasn’t easy, but wasn’t that hard,” and required some custom work on the body and bed mounts. Between the hand-forged hood ornament; the custom-built running boards and firewall; the hardwood-hewn tailgate; and the steel tube frame, fenders, and bumpers, over 700 man-hours of work were poured into sculpting the ’39’s curves. Where’s the fiberglass, you ask? There isn’t any. All the work was steel, and it was coated in ’72 Corvette Yellow and treated to custom pinstripes. Some might argue that the ’39 Chevy was one of the most aesthetically pleasing trucks
to ever be offered by the Bow Tie. In its day, the truck came with a 216ci inline-six, and Bill wanted nothing to do with those dismal displacement figures. Instead, the general contractor opted to trade the construction of a new garage for a built-to-the-hilt smallblock Chevy mill. The engine was bored 0.060-inch over, landing its displacement on 327 cubes while TRW 10:1 pistons and a 0.447-inch-lift, 306-degree-duration Dynamic cam helped boost power. A trio of 400-cfm Rochester dual-throat carburetors fed fuel to the factory GM manifold and Hedman headers dumped spent gases into a set of 2.5-inch exhaust pipes. Bill’s power figures were 375 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque, and it all flowed into the TH350 and NP203 combo, before hitting the axles. Up front, Bill’s Dana 44 came packed with
3.08 gears and held a pair of 15x10 Continentals and 44x18.5-15 Gumbo Monster Mudders. It took a set of leaf springs and a pair of Rancho RS5000 shocks to handle suspension in the front while three Moog steering dampers kept shimmies at bay. Out back, the Chevy 12-bolt was located by heavy-duty leaf springs, axlewrap was limited by 1-inch square steel traction bars, and four Rancho RS5000s smoothed out the bumps. Bill would calmly reassure anyone that the 327 had plenty of power to turn the 44-inch mudders, especially since the whole truck weighed in at only 3,500 pounds. Inside went red velour front seats and door panels with red carpet to match. The tilt steering column came from a ’69 Monte Carlo and it was topped with a wheel from Cal Custom. You’d also find gauges from Classic Instruments to monitor the truck’s vitals, a cassette deck for audio entertainment, and a fuse box stationed beneath the front seat. Do you have a classic 4x4 project in the garage? If so, head out and snap some pictures and send them our way via email to editor@fourwheeler.com along with a description of where you want the project to go or where it stands now. FW
FOUR WHEELER (ISSN 0015-9123) March 2022; Vol. 59, No. 3. Copyright © 2022 by Motor Trend Group, LLC. All rights reserved. Published monthly by Motor Trend Group, LLC, 831 South Douglas Street, El Segundo, CA 90245. Periodicals postage paid at Los Angeles, CA, and at additional mailing offices. Single copy price is $6.99. SUBSCRIPTIONS: U.S. APO, FPO and U.S. Possessions $19.97 for 12 isssues. Canada orders add $12.00 per year and international orders add $24.00 per year (for surface mail postage). Payment in advance, U.S. funds only. POSTMASTER: Send all UAA to CFS. (See DMM 707.4.12.5); NON-POSTAL AND MILITARY FACILITIES: Send address corrections to FOUR WHEELER, P.O. Box 37198, Boone, IA 50037.
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FOUR WHEELER MARCH 2022 81
INTRODUCING THE..
NEARLY 60 YEARS OF PROOF… THAT LEGENDS NEVER DIE. INTRODUCING THE BAJA LEGEND EXP.™ OUR NEW “BAJA-PROVEN” HYBRID ALL-TERRAIN FOR MAXIMUM ON-AND-OFF ROAD TRACTION. THIS TIRE REPRESENTS DECADES OF LEGENDARY MICKEY THOMPSON RACING HERITAGE & OUR INEXPLICABLE NEED TO FEED THIS BEAST WE ALL CALL ADVENTURE.
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