LT
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E
POS
PUR

ES
D
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2024

MARCH/APRIL
ISSUE

A

G U I D E

T O

A U T O M O T I V E

A D V E N T U R E

&

O U T D O O R

L I F E S T Y L E

TECH
GEAR
GUIDES
HOW TO
TECHNIQUES
REVIEWS

Rodeo X Rigs King Shocks Toy Drive

THE OFF-ROAD COMMUNITY SAVES CHRISTMAS
FOR SOCAL KIDS IN NEED

TAKING IT TO
THE NEXT LEVEL
From The Editors Of Maximum Drive

VOLUME 10 ISSUE 1
U.S. $10.99
DISPLAY UNTIL 04/23/2024

04
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74820 01920
ENGAGED MEDIA LLC

7

HELLWIG SWAY BAR

INSTALL

Indominus

A JEEP OF JURASSIC
PROPORTIONS

RoXxie

BECAUSE IT GOES
OVER ROCKS

ADVENTURE BEYOND
BOUNDARIES

RMAX4 1000
LIMITED EDITION

WOLVERINE

RMAX2 1000

®

LIMITED EDITION

RMAX FAMILY
TM

The Proven Off-Road lineup of 2024 Yamaha Wolverine RMAX 1000
Side-by-Sides set the benchmark for quality, durability, capability & comfort.
All designed to take you further—it’s time to REALize Your Adventure.

RMAX2 1000
R-SPEC

RMAX4 1000
R-SPEC

RMAX2 1000
XT-R

Professional drivers depicted on closed areas. Side-by-Side models shown are recommended for use only by operators 16 years and older with a valid
driver’s license. Always wear your seat belt, helmet, eye protection and protective clothing. Yamaha recommends that all Side-by-Side riders take an
approved training course. For Side-by-Side safety and training information, see your dealer or call the ROHVA at 1-866-267-2751. Read the Owner’s
Manual and the product warning labels before operation. Models shown with optional accessories. Vehicle specifications subject to change. ©2024
Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. All rights reserved.

RMAX4 1000
XT-R

RMAX2 1000
SPORT

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TREAD TEAM

EDITORIAL

Chris Hamilton / EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Mike Alexander / EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
Devan Ence / EDITOR-AT-LARGE
Wendy Wilson / MANAGING EDITOR
John Mata Jr. / ASSOCIATE EDITOR

DESIGN

Ravinder Matharu / DESIGN LEAD
Pankaj BharTi, Vijay Kumar / GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

CONTRIBUTORS

Jim Cobb, Lindsey Fisher, Brandon Hoffner, Braxton
Klavis, Mercedes Lilienthal, Solomon Lunger, Curt
Reeson, Mike Self, Tim Stetzer, Nick Tellez, Even Walsh

ADVERTISING

Gabe Frimmel / ADVERTISING DIRECTOR
Chris Crispell / SENIOR ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVE
Becky Maas / ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVE
Sebastian Tirkey / ADVERTISING TRAFFIC COORDINATOR

OPERATIONS

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CIRCULATION MANAGER
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Surajpal Singh Bisht / PREPRESS MANAGER

EDITORIAL, PRODUCTION
& SALES OFFICE

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TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S

CONTENTS

6

Issue Forty-eight
March/April 2024

ON THE COVER
28
VIVIAN

76
SANCTUS

FEATURES

110
YEARNING FOR THE GREAT

A PRERUNNING TOYOTA TUNDRA TURNED
TROPHY TRUCK SPEC’D FORD F-100

16
ROXXIE

BECAUSE IT GOES OVER ROCKS, SEE?

56
NOT YOUR EVERYDAY RANGER

THERE’S NOTHING QUITE LIKE GOING 100PLUS ACROSS THE DESERT IN A PURPOSEBUILT FORD RANGER

66
INDOMINUS

A JEEP OF JURASSIC PROPORTIONS

A JEEP GLADIATOR MOJAVE BUILT FOR THE
LONG HAUL

OUTDOORS

CURT REESOR’S TACOMA SOLIDIFIES HIS
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

120
THE WILD, WILD WEST

RACING IN MEXICO IS LIKE THE WILD WEST,
ESPECIALLY IN A CLASSIC FORD F-250
TURNED RACE MACHINE

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TREADMAGAZINE.COM

EVENTS

DEPARTMENTS

SHOCKS TOY DRIVE

WILD RIDES AND EPIC
JOURNEYS AHEAD

44
RODEO X RIGS KING

THE OFF-ROAD COMMUNITY
SAVES CHRISTMAS FOR SOCAL
KIDS IN NEED

TECH
100
SWAY

HELLWIG SWAY BAR INSTALL
2018 RAM GETS AN UPGRADE

08
EDITOR’S LETTER
10
OUTFITTED

A ROUNDUP OF THE LATEST
AUTOMOTIVE ACCESSORIES

12
GEAR BOX

SUPPLIES FOR LIFE OFF THE
BEATEN PATH

86
MADE THE CUT

THE LATEST BLADES

88
THE FIRST KNIFE

CHOOSING THE PERFECT
STARTER KNIFE

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EDITOR'S LETTER

Wild Rides and Epic Journeys Ahead

W

hat's up, everyone? As I gaze out my window, the world outside is blanketed in a pristine
layer of fresh snow, painting a serene, almost magical landscape. The first part of 2024
has been nothing short of a whirlwind of radical trucks and travel adventures that have
broadened my horizons and fueled my passion.

I am buzzing with excitement to share this issue with all of you. You are going to see a bunch of
different builds from over-the-top prerunner builds to purpose-built off-road rigs. This one will
definitely be a page-turner.
We've also got some inspiring event coverage for you from Rodeo X King Shocks. This event had an
amazing turnout with wild rides and amazing people. Everyone came together to host a toy drive to
benefit Children’s Hospital of Orange County, which was a huge success! Events like this are why I
love this community.
Looking ahead at what the rest of this year has in store, I couldn’t be more pumped! The pipeline is
brimming with killer content and over-the-top builds that are sure to blow your minds. I hope all of you
are ready to ride this wave with me. It's going to be an epic journey filled with cutting-edge trends and
stories that resonate with our love for off-road adventure.
Gear up, stay tuned, and let's make 2024 a year to remember in the world of rad rides and mindblowing adventure!
Happy trails,
Devan Ence

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OUTFITTED

05

A Roundup of the Latest
Automotive Accessories
CO MP ILED BY TR EAD STAFF

01

02

03

01. FULL RIVER BATTERY / FT825-34
Full Throttle Series High-Performance AGM batteries
are made with high-compression cells and a heavyduty case. They use pure-lead cells and thin-plate
technology to deliver reliable power. Suitable for a wide
range of vehicles and applications, Full Throttle Series
batteries are designed for exceptional cranking power,
performance, and reliability.

MSRP $352.99

04

05. TUFFY PRODUCTS / RAM REAR
UNDERSEAT LOCKBOX
Organize your 2019 and newer RAM crew cab
truck with the Tuffy under rear-seat lockbox. This
high-security 16-gauge steel security lockbox
has a full width form-fitting design creating over
3,000 cubic inches of lockable storage. Easily
access your secured gear by flipping up the lid of
your 60/40 split bench seat. The unique design
allows the full width under the seat to be used
to organize and secure whatever life demands of
you. Provide additional organizational options by
adding a set of twist-to-lock pressure fit dividers
specifically designed for your RAM lockbox.
Feel confident securing your gear using Tuffy’s
Pry-Guard Locking System with a 10-tumbler
double-bitted security lock with built in weather
seals. The lockbox mounts inconspicuously
under the seat out of sight of opportunistic
thieves. Declutter your space by quickly and
easily installing this Tuffy lockbox using the
factory hardware without drilling.

MSRP $609
www.tuffyproducts.com

02. EDGE PRODUCTS / PULSAR XT
Pulsar XT is a total game changer for 2.3L and 2.7L Ford
Bronco owners. Unlike any other device on the market,
this innovative plug-and-play module offers feature
control and a Bluetooth wireless switch for power
adjustability on-the-fly. Engineered to keep your factory
PCM untouched, Pulsar XT is easily removed for dealer
services. Users can add up to 55 hp/69 ft-lbs torque
while improving drivability, mileage, and throttle response.
Pulsar XT also offers vehicle feature adjustment through
an innovative smartphone app that allows adjustability
of your speedometer for larger tires, access to TPMS
settings, user-adjustable throttle boost settings, disabling
your Auto Start/Stop system, making lighting control
changes, and more! Pulsar XT is the most advanced plugin module on the market today and offers more features
than the competition at a lower price.

MSRP $678
www.edgeproducts.com

03. TUFF COUNTRY SUSPENSION /
’21-’23 BRONCO 3.5-INCH LIFT
Tuff Country’s 3.5-inch suspension lift kit is
designed to make lifting your Ford Bronco simple
and affordable. This kit includes Tuff Country
upper control arms to ensure proper geometry and
alignment after the lift is installed, which in turn
improves handling characteristics and suspension
articulation. Not only that, but Tuff Country’s Bronco
kit improves your off-road capabilities and allows
for a larger tire size to be installed. All systems are
engineered to give the highest quality and best
value on the market backed by a limited lifetime
warranty.

MSRP $899.99
www.tuffcountry.com

04. SCORPION EXTREME
PRODUCTS / TACTICAL CENTER
MOUNT WINCH BUMPER
The Scorpion Extreme Tactical Series is
manufactured from high-quality cold roll steel, cut
using high-precision lasers and precisely formed
into a clean, low-profile hidden winch mount design.
The new Scorpion Tactical bumpers are built for
durability, strength and are finished with a highquality black powder coat. Each winch mount also
includes a 20-inch Scorpion low-profile LED light bar.

MSRP $749.99
www.scorpionextremeproducts.com

AERO6-DM

DIRECT-MOUNT

Brake kits for 2007-2022
Jeep JK, JL & JT
• Forged aluminum six piston calipers
• Full brake kits with stainless Flexlines
• Ceramic-based “Q” dual-sport pads for
everyday street and performance driving
• FITS MOST 17” AND LARGER WHEELS
Also available for Chevy/GMC, Ford, Ram and Toyota Trucks and SUVs

LEARN MORE

wilwood.com
805.388.1188

POWER. CONTROL. PRECISION.

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GEAR BOX

Supplies For Life Off the Beaten Path
BY TRE A D STAFF

05

02

01
03

05. L.T. WRIGHT KNIVES / COOKCRAFT
COLLECTION
The complete Cookcraft Collection features four
amazing knives that are equally at home in your
kitchen as they are next to the campfire. The knives
in the collection include the Camp Kitchen, Traveler,
Large Pouter, and the Small Pouter. All Cookcraft
Collection knives feature Austrian-made AEB-L—a
high carbon, stainless steel. This is the same steel
that they make razor blades from. AEB-L holds a
very good edge with the high carbon allowing for
ease of field sharpening and help in rust prevention.

MSRP $710

04

www.ltwrightknives.com

01. TEREN DESIGNS /
CAMPFIRE PUFFY 2.0

06

This jacket solves one of the most
common issues with puffies: burn holes.
The outer is made of a proprietary
fire-resistant material that is also
waterproof, windproof, and tear proof—
pretty much all the "proofs" for the
wildest adventures.

MSRP $399.95
www.terendesigns.com

02. COAST / ZX955
RECHARGEABLE BATTERY

03. EAGLES NEST OUTFITTERS
/ NOMAD HAMMOCK STAND

Truly a first of its kind, each ZX955 has its
own USB-C charging slot, allowing these
lithium ion batteries to go forever. In a
world where USB-C is the new standard
for charging, the ZX955 has become the
new standard in rechargeable AAs.

This hammock stand can go anywhere
your vehicle can, and farther. Its intuitive
design makes setting a hammock a cinch.
The stand weighs around 15 pounds,
which gives it ultimate portability where
there are no trees.

MSRP $24.99

MSRP $299.95

www.coastportland.com

www.eaglesnestoutfittersinc.com

04. CAMP CHEF / PONDEROSA

06. KORKERS / ALL AXIS SHOE

Forget what you've seen on the Internet
about smokeless; the only true smokeless
stove is gas. Adjusting the flame is as easy
as a turn of a knob, and setup takes seconds. With a 2-foot diameter, you'll make
sure that everyone with you stays warm.

Korkers’ All Axis Shoe was designed to
be an all-in-one footwear solution that
features the OmniTrax Interchangeable
Sole System for customized traction onthe-fly. Built with hydrophobic materials
for faster dry times, which lessen the
chance of spreading invasive species,
durable mono-mesh side panels keep
feet cool on hot days while blocking out
sediment. The internal channels allow
water to flow through the shoe then out
midsole ports, quickly removing excess
water and weight. The combination of
a covered toe and under-foot sole plate
provides added protection from rocks
and uneven terrain. This will be your goto shoe in and out of the water.

MSRP $269.99
www.campchef.com

MSRP $129.99
www.korkers.com

Explore
New
Heights.

PRO-LIFT-KIT
Available for the 2022-2024
Ford Maverick AWD
Eibach PRO-LIFT-KIT Springs provide 2.0” of lift up front and
1.0” of lift in the rear, without the use of coilover systems or
spacer lifts. Eibach spring lifts allow full range of suspension
travel without additional stress on bushings and ball-joints
as seen with spacer lift systems.

EIBACH.COM

®

Built to Roam

UNBEATABLE SERVICE, TECH ADVICE, SATISFACTION, AND SELECTION.

Order by 10 PM EST: In-Stock Parts Shipped That Day!
1.800.230.3030 • Int'l: 1.330.630.0230
SCode: 2403TD • Prices subject to change without notice. Visit SummitRacing.com for current pricing. Typographical, description, or
photography errors are subject to correction. Some parts are not legal for use in California or other states with similar laws/regulations.
Please check your state and/or local laws/regulations. © 2024 AUTOSALES, INC.

FIND IT AT

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B ecau se I t G oes O ve r Rock s , S e e?
STO RY BY MIKE SELF | PHOTOS BY B RAXTON KLAV I S

ROXXIE

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ROXXIE

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TREADMAGAZINE.COM

“LIVING IN ARIZONA WITH LIMITED SEASIDE VIEWS, SHE DECIDED ON AN
EYE-CATCHING AQUA WRAP TO REMIND HER OF THE SOCAL COASTLINE.”

j

olk Heyer, known as “aquajeepgirl” in the
cyber universe (that’s still something people
say, right?), has been exploring the great
outdoors in her trusty 2018 Jeep Wrangler,
affectionately named “Roxxie,” for a few years now.
Her passion for Jeeps and off-roading began during
her college days in Southern California, where she
cherished every moment in her roommate’s Wrangler.
Learning to drive stick, getting stuck in sand, and
having endless fun solidified her love for Jeeps.
Her Jeep journey started in 2019 when she acquired
Roxxie, a leftover 2018 model Wrangler JLU Sport S.
While she had hoped to find one in a vibrant color, she
found a black 6-speed at a killer price that she just
couldn’t pass up. Planning her build, she knew that
she’d have to change one thing immediately—the
color. Living in Arizona with limited seaside views, she
decided on an eye-catching aqua wrap to remind her
of the SoCal coastline.

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ROXXIE

“HER JEEP’S CURRENT BUILDSHEET BOASTS A LINEUP OF IMPRESSIVE UPGRADES: FROM
THE 40-INCH MICKEY THOMPSON BAJA BOSS ATS AND CUSTOM-PAINTED 17-INCH RACELINE
AVENGER BEADLOCK WHEELS TO VARIOUS MECHANICAL ENHANCEMENTS …”
Bring On the Upgrades
Initially a newcomer to off-roading, Julie didn’t
anticipate requiring lockers or beefier axles with
Roxxie. But, after venturing onto more challenging
trails and discovering her passion, she couldn’t resist
eventually making some upgrades—a classic Jeep
owner move! Her Jeep’s current buildsheet boasts
a lineup of impressive upgrades: from the 40-inch
Mickey Thompson Baja Boss ATs and custom-painted
17-inch Raceline Avenger Beadlock wheels to various
mechanical enhancements, such as the Dynatrac
ProRock 44 front axle, Dynatrac ProFloat XD60
rear axle, Yukon gears, TeraFlex 4.5-inch long arm
suspension, Falcon SP2 shocks, and more.
This Jeep has evolved significantly since her initial
purchase. Beyond boosting its off-road capability,
Julie has personalized it with other unique yet
functional touches, including enhanced lighting from
Baja Designs, Bestop Granite Series fenders, Jeep
Junk custom fender liners, and a GenRight Offroad
rollcage.

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TREADMAGAZINE.COM

Julie’s Wrangler has been her ticket to numerous
breathtaking destinations. Her passion for exploring
the great outdoors and conquering new trails fuels
her adventures. Beyond the trails, she cherishes the
vibrant Jeep community, forging lasting friendships
through her shared love for the off-road lifestyle.
Always seeking new adventures and trails to explore,
Julie embodies the spirit of an avid explorer with a
passion for her trusty four-wheeled companion.

A Labor of Love
The process of transforming Roxxie from stock to the
powerhouse she is today was a labor of love, but she’s
far from done. Each subsequent modification brings
her closer to her trusty Jeep, providing a therapeutic
escape whenever the trails call. Her journey with
Roxxie extends beyond the breathtaking landscapes
and challenging trails, though. It’s connected her to
fellow Jeep enthusiasts at off-road gatherings, sharing
anecdotes and driving tips. She’s found a community
that echoes her passion for exploring the unbeaten
paths of her home in Utah.
The memories etched into Roxxie’s aqua body panels
are quite tangible—not too long after this photo
shoot, Julie was caught off-guard on an unpredictable

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ROXXIE

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“IN ROXXIE, JULIE HAS FOUND NOT JUST
A VEHICLE, BUT A STEADFAST COMPANION
FOR HER EVER-GROWING ADVENTURES IN THE
GREAT OUTDOORS.”

TREADMAGAZINE.COM

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ROXXIE

trail, and she (and Roxxie) ended up flopping on their
sides. Luckily, they’re both doing fine, and of course
everything is documented on Instagram with Julie’s
usual array of captivating photographs and engaging
storytelling, sharing her tales with other enthusiasts.
The silver lining is that with every temporary setback
comes another barrage of new parts!
Julie’s dedication to exploring the outdoors with
Roxxie is more than a pastime—it’s a huge part of
her life. Her Jeep represents freedom, adventure, and
a spirit of resilience—a reflection of her unwavering
determination to tread uncharted paths and savor
life’s exhilarating moments. In Roxxie, Julie has found
not just a vehicle, but a steadfast companion for her
ever-growing adventures in the great outdoors.
And, oh yeah—check out her husband Matthew’s
Gladiator (“Indominus”) somewhere else in this issue!

2018 Jeep JLU Sport S
OWNER:

JULIE HEYER
SAINT GEORGE, UT

CHASSIS & SUSPENSION:

TERAFLEX ALPINE RT4 4.5-INCH LONG ARM
SUSPENSION LIFT KIT
FALCON FRONT AND REAR SHOCKS
TERAFLEX 1-INCH BODY LIFT
DYNATRAC PROROCK 44 FRONT AXLE W/5.13
YUKON GEARS AND ARB AIR LOCKER
DYNATRAC PROFLOAT XD60 REAR AXLE W/5.13
GEARS AND ARB AIR LOCKER
TERAFLEX DELTA FRONT BIG BRAKE KIT
QUADRATEC SKIDPLATES
TAPPED AND PORTED FACTORY STEERING BOX
RPM 2.5-TON ALUMINUM STEERING ROD KIT
PSC HYDRAULIC RAM STEERING ASSIST

WHEELS & TIRES:

17X9 RACELINE AVENGER BEADLOCK WHEELS
40X13.5R17 MICKEY THOMPSON BAJA BOSS MT
TIRES

ENGINE & DRIVETRAIN:

STOCK 3.6L PENTASTAR V-6 ENGINE
6-SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION
CENTERFORCE II CLUTCH
4:1 TRANSFER CASE FROM 2019 JEEP RUBICON
ADAMS DRIVESHAFT 1350 DRIVESHAFTS

BODY & PAINT:

GENRIGHT OFFROAD ULTRA CLEARANCE BUMPERS
BAJA DESIGNS LIGHTING ON FRONT BUMPER AND
COWL
BESTOP GRANITE SERIES FENDERS
JEEP JUNK CUSTOM FENDER LINERS
3M KEY WEST SATIN VINYL WRAP BY PROVINYL
IN TEMPE, AZ

INTERIOR & STEREO:

GENRIGHT ROLLCAGE
PRP ENDURO CRAWL SUEDE AND VINYL SEATS

Protection wherever you go
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Off-Road Maximum Traction
A durable off-road compound molded into an aggressive high-void
pattern gives the Grabber X3 the traction needed for the pursuit of
adventure. The DuraGen construction, sidewall protection lugs and
deflection ribs defend the sidewall from punctures to make sure you
can get out of any adventures you may find.

Off-Road All-Terrain
construction and impressive off-road traction, while ComfortBalance
Technology utilizes an acoustically-optimized
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VIVIAN

A Pr er u nn in g Toyota Tu n d ra Tu r n e d
Tr o phy Tr uc k S pe c ’d Ford F -1 0 0
STO RY BY JOHN MATA JR PHOTOS BY EVAN WAL S H

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“SINCE ERIC DOESN’T SPEND AS MUCH TIME ON A BOARD THESE DAYS, HE HAS
SINCE CHANGED HIS FOCUS TO ALL THINGS THAT REVOLVE AROUND BUILDING
CUSTOM VEHICLES AND OFF-ROAD RACING.”

F

olk who have a passion for extreme sports
have a tendency of carrying that same
excitement into whatever other activities
they choose to partake in. There must be
something imbedded into one’s DNA that craves that
action, speed, and all things that cause high spikes
of adrenaline. Whatever the scientific cause of this
is, Eric Conner, who was a professional street-style
skateboarder back in his youth during the ’90s, has
experienced long-term effects that go along with
wanting to land the next big trick in life.

From Decks to Dunes
Since Eric doesn’t spend much time on a board these
days, he has since changed his focus to all things that
revolve around building custom vehicles and off-road
racing. Technically, he still gets his kicks on four
wheels, but the stakes have increased dramatically.
Eric has owned and operated SoCal Suspension,
which has serviced the lifted-truck community in his
hometown, for the last 20-plus years. Business is
always a struggle no matter the industry, but Eric has

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VIVIAN

"AFTER TAKING A LONG LOOK AT THE MID-’70S F-100S ERIC WAS DRAWN TO AND
COMPARING THEM TO HIS TUNDRA, MORGAN SUGGESTED SWAPPING A FORD CAB
ONTO THE TOYOTA’S EXISTING BEEFY FRAME."
stayed true to the grind and has reached a place
where the tides have seemed to calm enough for
him to make a big step into something that would
score a huge personal and professional win.
Eric had built a radical Toyota Tundra that was set
up for hardcore off-road racing. This truck evolved
so much over time and was an absolute blast to
drive—but after rolling it, he figured it a great time
to do something with another vehicle. His taste
for something aesthetically different was starting
to become too distracting to put off any longer,
anyway. Eric wanted to build a significantly older
Ford truck into a legitimate prerunner to replace his
Tundra, so he reached out to Morgan Clarke Design
(MCD1) to assist in figuring out if such a project
could even work. Together, the two weighed out a
ton of potential options to make it happen but one
crazy idea stood out to be the most viable of them
all.

Body Swap
After taking a long look at the mid-’70s F-100s Eric
was drawn to and comparing them to his Tundra,
Morgan suggested transferring a Ford cab onto the
Toyota’s existing beefy frame. It could work, but of
course, it wouldn’t be as easy as it sounds. Eric
was down to see the transformation unfold, but he
was aware that the job was going to get expensive.
On the other hand, committing to the project
and trusting the process posed too cool of an
opportunity to let pass by. After a few brainstorming
sessions, Eric soon gave Morgan full reign on the
rebuild. What was to come was much more than

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just a replacement prerunner truck. Once the terms
“military-spec” and “trophy truck” started floating
around, the guys knew they were in for quite a ride.
One the Tundra cab was properly cut free and
removed from the chassis, Morgan first began by
making sense of the existing system, and then started
fabricating a network of structural metal tubing to
create a bulletproof cage around the engine and
within the Ford cab. Taking the platform back to this
stage allowed Morgan and the MCD1 team to design
points in the infrastructure that would allow a much
easier cab swap in the case of the truck rolling again.
Nobody wishes to see that happen, but it’s better
(and easier) to be safe than sorry. Once the bed was
mocked up, removable bedside mounts were also
fabricated, as were front and rear tub assemblies to
make replacing or repairing damaged panels less of
a pain.

Trophy Truck Agility
With deeps roots in the SoCal custom auto culture,
Morgan took a move from the mini-truck playbook
by performing a 4-inch bodydrop in order to position
the bottom of cab and bed to sit flush with the

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VIVIAN

“TO FURTHER ALLOW THE F-100 TO GLIDE THROUGH UNPREDICTABLE TERRAIN, A
COMBINATION OF 17X10 KMC FORGED MESA BEADLOCK WHEELS WITH 40X12.5 BFG BAJA T/A
KR3 TIRES WAS SELECTED.”

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“TAKING THE PLATFORM BACK TO THIS STAGE ALLOWED MORGAN AND THE MCD1
TEAM TO DESIGN POINTS IN THE INFRASTRUCTURE THAT WOULD ALLOW A MUCH
EASIER CAB SWAP IN THE CASE OF THE TRUCK ROLLING AGAIN.”

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bottom of the frame rails instead of inches above
it. This will give the truck a better center of gravity
when everything is buttoned back up. The updated
front suspension system features a custom center
pivot, double wishbone with J-Arm and features 24
inches of travel as per trophy truck spec. At the rear,
a triangulated 4-link, sway bar, and a full yard of
travel give the chassis a full range of articulation for
it to perform at its peak potential. Fox coilovers have
also been added to smooth out the ride as much
as possible, which is of utmost importance when

VIVIAN

attacking the dunes at top speed.
In the end, 43 inches of the original Toyota frame was
utilized, while 4130 chromoly TIG-welded tube stock
makes up the rest. The F-100 body forced Morgan
to bring the wheelbase down to 124 inches, which
was his ideal configuration for a truck of its proposed
purpose and stature.
To further allow the F-100 to glide through
unpredictable terrain, a combination of 17x10 KMC

forged Mesa beadlock wheels with 40x12.5 BFG Baja
T/A KR3 tires was selected. To help bring the truck
to a firm halt, JMR 6-piston front and rear brake kits
have been assembled and installed. Protecting the
undercarriage from unforeseen, damaging debris is an
MCD-1 side-to-side skid plate that goes all the way
up to the front bumper.

Pure Performance
Powering Eric’s Ford through the desert is a brand
new 460ci V-8 from Moruzzi Race Motors in Banning,

"WITH DEEPS ROOTS IN THE SOCAL CUSTOM AUTO CULTURE, MORGAN TOOK A
MOVE FROM THE MINI-TRUCK PLAYBOOK BY PERFORMING A 4-INCH BODYDROP.”

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California. The mill was soon outfitted with an
Edelbrock intake manifold and Holley Terminator fuel
injection and ignition systems. A one-off MCD1 3.5inch exhaust setup with a 4-inch exit through the cab
wall below the side window makes for an aggressive
growl and a unique exterior exhaust port. Keeping
the engine as cool as possible was a top priority, and
to help with that, steam ports were modified, and a
gargantuan 8x20-inch oil cooler was put into place.

Style for Miles
The Ford was left in its natural patina finish just as
Eric wanted. Mario Cazares hand-sculpted front
fenders produced by FiberwerX were included into the
truck’s new body design, as were McQueen prototype
bedsides and hood to give the F-100 a complete look
while adorning it with properly fitting armor for its
upcoming adventures. Looking into the bed reveals a
collection of custom aluminum panels and vents that
Morgan and crew designed to elevate the truck’s raw
and rugged demeanor.
In fact, the interior was also decked out with matching
MCD1’s aluminum handiwork with the incorporation
of even more panels along with dimple-die accents

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“FURTHER VISUAL STYLING COMES IN THE FORM OF A SUEDE CLAD FIBERWERX
DASH, CUSTOM DOOR CARDS, AND THREE PRP ALPHA COMPOSITE SEATS
DESIGNED SPECIAL FOR THIS PROJECT.”

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throughout. Further visual styling comes in the form of
a suede clad FiberwerX dash, custom door cards, and
three PRP Alpha Composite seats designed special for
this project. Holley instrumentation, a PCI race radio
with intercom and headsets, a digital rearview mirror,
an sPOD control pad for electronic accessories, and a
PRP steering wheel round out other notable amenities
found inside the F-100’s cab.
It wasn’t a simple task to pull off a conversion such
as this, but it was much more than a simple body
replacement. Just as much design time as fabrication
hours were invested into this build, and it shows.
Eric’s F-100 has unlimited handling capabilities, as
it can be driven as hard and as fast as his eyes can
process his surroundings whizzing past him. This
is what a true collaboration of what like minds can
accomplish. Eric and Morgan truly have solidified
their friendship through the creation of a prerunning
wonder truck that is almost too damn good to be true.

The guys ended up naming the Ford “Vivian” after
Julia Robert’s character Vivian Ward in the movie
“Pretty Woman.” For a full explanation, you might have
to jump into Eric or Morgan’s DMs OR check out the
Ford’s entire build series on MCD1’s YouTube account
(@MorganClarkeDesign1).

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VIVIAN

1974 Ford F-100
OWNER:

ERIC CONNER
EL CAJON, CA

ENGINE & DRIVETRAIN:

2022 MORUZZI RACE MOTORS’ BRODIX ALUMINUM
BLOCK V-8
ESTIMATED CRANK 850HP W/ WHEEL 700HP
EDELBROCK INTAKE MANIFOLD
HOLLEY TERMINATOR FUEL INJECTION
2¼-INCH STAINLESS PRIMARY
MORGAN CLARKE DESIGN (MCD1) CUSTOM 3.5-TO4-INCH EXHAUST
2022 MAXIMUM OFFROAD 4L80 TRANSMISSION W/
TROPHY TRUCK SPECS
CBR DUAL TRANSMISSION COOLER

WHEELS & TIRES:

17X10 KMC FORGED MESA RACE BEADLOCK WHEELS
40X12.5R17 BFG BAJA T/A KR3 TIRES
JAMAR 6-PISTON TROPHY TRUCK BRAKES AND
MASTER CYLINDER

CHASSIS & SUSPENSION:

SHOP: MORGAN CLARKE DESIGN, SIMI VALLEY,
CA
43 INCHES OF ORIGINAL FRAME
4130 CHROMOLY TIG-WELDED TUBE CHASSIS
CONSTRUCTION
DOUBLE-PASS TIG-WELDED, REMOVABLE BEDSIDE
MOUNTS AND FRONT AND REAR TUB ASSEMBLIES
BUILT-IN TOOLBOX AND STORAGE
FRONT FULL CUSTOM CENTER PIVOT, DOUBLE
WISHBONE W/ J-ARM, 24 INCHES OF TRAVEL
REAR TRIANGULATED 4-LINK TROPHY TRUCK
SPEC WITH A YARD OF TRAVEL AND SWAY BAR
FRONT FOX TROPHY TRUCK PACKAGE COILOVERS,
BYPASS, AND BUMP STOP
124-INCH WHEELBASE
TROPHY TRUCK 1-PIECE DRIVESHAFT
CAMBURG ENGINEERING 4-INCH HOUSING W/
36-SPLINE AXLE
MORGAN CLARKE DESIGN UNDERBELLY SKID
PLATES
POWER STEERING SOLUTION STEERING BOX
RAM ASSIST STABILIZER
BAFFLED 70-GALLON FUEL TANK

BODY & PAINT:

FACTORY PATINA FINISH
DOOR ART GRAPHICS BY KOLORTECH, MURRIETA,
CA
BAJA DESIGNS DOT LP6 PROTOTYPE HEADLIGHTS
AND ACCESSORY LIGHTS
4130 CHROMOLY CONSTRUCTION PLATE AND TUBE
TIG-WELDED BUMPERS BY MCD1
HAND-SCULPTED FRONT FENDERS BY MARIO
CAZARES PRODUCED BY FIBERWERX
MCQUEEN PROTOTYPE BEDSIDES AND HOOD
WHOLE TRUCK IS BODYDROPPED W/ CUSTOM
REMOVABLE ALUMINUM PANELS
REAR UPPER TAILLIGHTS WING HOUSING

EXTERIOR ACCESSORIES:

PRP ALPHA COMPOSITE CUSTOM SPEC SEATS AND
STEERING WHEEL
BLACK SUEDE UPHOLSTERY BY MCD1
FIBERWERX DASH WRAPPED IN ALCANTARA
SUEDE AND ALUMINUM DOOR CARDS
ROLLCAGE BUILT INTO THE CHASSIS
DOOR BAR INTEGRATED IMPACT MOUNTS FOR
CHANGING FLAT TIRES
REAR SHOCK VIEWING WINDOWS
HOLLEY INSTRUMENTS
DIGITAL REAR VIEW MIRROR
PCI RACE RADIO W/ INTERCOM AND HEADSETS
ELECTRIC WINDOWS

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The Off-Road
Community Saves
Christmas for SoCal
Kids in Need
WO RDS BY JA S O N F L O RE S
P HOTOS BY N I C K T E L L Z

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“WITH OVER 1,000 OFF-ROAD BUILDS ON HAND AND 5,000
PEOPLE IN ATTENDANCE, THIS WAS ONE OF THE LARGEST TOY
DRIVES TO COME TOGETHER IN THE OFF-ROAD COMMUNITY.”

T

he King Shocks Toy Drive took place
on Dec 16, 2023, at the King Shocks
facility in Garden Grove, California.
This was the first installment
of this annual event, and it exceeded all
expectations. The event was noticeably
packed with overland builds, off-road builds,
and prerunners, too. From a decked-out
Sprinter to a six-figure trophy truck, you could
find it here. Toyota was in attendance and
showcased three of its brand new Tacoma
models. With over 1,000 off-road builds on
hand and 5,000 people in attendance, this
was one of the largest toy drives to come
together in the off-road community.
The four-hour toy drive was spearheaded by
Trail Wolves, creators of the popular Rodeo
X Rigs meets, and planned by a combination
of teams. The teams included King Shocks,
Trail Wolves, Tacoma Beast, Terra Crew,
Desert Media, and Raceline Wheels. Their
collaboration resulted in a fantastic event
that benefited children in the community.
There was even an overland swap meet
integrated into the event by Eezy Supplies.

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“WE HAD THREE FLATBED
TRUCKS FULL OF TOYS.”
According to Jason of Trail Wolves, more
than 100 vendors attended the toy drive, and
their booths spanned half of a mile. Brands
onboard included Rigid Industries, Diode
Dynamics and Duro Bumps coming from
Arizona, Running 4 Tacos from Colorado,
Tacoma Beast from Texas, and Power Brakes
all the way from North Carolina.
The event managed to collect so many
toys, multiple drop-off locations had to be
arranged, he says.
“We had three flatbed trucks full of
toys,” Jason says. “Children’s Hospital of
Orange County couldn’t take them all, so
we donated some to Orange County Fire
Authority and the rest to the Magnolia
Park Family Resource Center. I’d say we
accomplished our mission. Next year we
might have to work with more organizations.
“This event is very unique in many ways,”
Jason continues. “First, you have media
giants like Terra Crew and Desert Media that

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“...IT’S A BEAUTIFUL
THING WHEN EVERYONE
CAN COME TOGETHER FOR A
GREAT CAUSE.”
host their own meets and toy drives. Then,
Mateo from Tacoma Beast, who travels all
over the country hosting his events, was also
there as well as those of us who produce
the Rodeo X Rigs tour. It’s really cool how
we all ended up coming together under
the King Shocks banner. If you need to call
it something, this was Pre Runners and
Presents combined with Rodeo x Rigs Vol. 8,
hosted by King Shocks and Raceline wheels.
“But then, you can’t forget all the support
from so many crews that came out today,
like Rigs N Paws, Team Battle, Down for
Mobbing, Pure 4x4, Rig Talk, SoCal Tundras,
SoCal Tundra Outlaws, Highland Trail Club,
Low Pressure Crew, The Overland Culture,
RPM Garage, SSA Haus, and SCPO that all
are community movers,” he says. “Honestly,
I’d call it Voltron, but you can call it whatever
you want. My role here was to make sure
that the toy drive was successful, and I think
it’s a beautiful thing when everyone can
come together for a great cause.”
The event footprint spanned over three city
blocks and seemed to be well organized.

R O D E O X R I G S K I N G S H O C K S TOY D R I V E

RIGID introduces the all-new 360-Series RGBW LED lights. The optimized beam
patterns project up to 23,232 raw lumens and are protected by an aluminum
housing, features a blacked-out circuit board, prominent RIGID branding, and
limited lifetime warranty making them the most robust and useful round lights
on the market. Choose between a 4-inch, 6-inch or 9-inch light and beam pattern
for a customized experience and look. RIGID’s 360-Series feature beam patterns
available from 17 degrees to 60 degrees, offering an option for any application.
Available with 7 backlight colors: red, green, blue, white, purple, amber, light blue
and a demo mode.
Check out our full range of lights and accessories at rigidindustries.com
*As a manufacturer of high-quality LED lights, we take immense pride in our work and stand behind our products. All RIGID products feature a non-transferable limited lifetime warranty.

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GRATITUDE
“Thank you to Garden Grove PD and the
Garden Grove Community Foundation
for supporting the event,” Jason mentions. “Also, thank you to Bret King, Jeff
Musgrave, and Ramses Perez. There were
hours of planning that went on behind the
scenes and without them being flexible
and fully supportive, it wouldn’t have
been as smooth. Thank you to Carter and
Raceline Wheels for being flexible and
sharing the block. Thank you to Garrett
and James of Terra Crew and Melvin of
Desert Media for planting the seed for
all of this to happen at last year’s drive.
Thanks to Mateo and Dustin of Tacoma
Beast for always supporting what we
do. Thanks to the outstanding group I
get to call the pack for help with all the
logistics, designs, promo, video, booth,
raffle, and toy collection. If I name one,
I have to name them all, and there’s a
lot—so I’ll leave it at ‘team.’ Thanks also to
all the companies, crews, and attendees
for making the toy drive successful. Also,
a shout out goes to 5-0 Brew. I’m a huge
supporter of military and first-responder-owned businesses. They dedicate
their lives to the community, so I believe
returning support should be a minimum.
Overall, the event made an unbelievable
mark with its success of the first annual
toy drive! See you next year.”

R O D E O X R I G S K I N G S H O C K S TOY D R I V E

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It started from the Raceline Wheels building
that consisted of a long walkway with vendors
along both sides of the street. In between,
event-goers came across fully built rigs, an
overland scratch and dent swap meet, and
a food truck area before arriving at the DJ
booth/staging area in front of King Shocks.
“Honestly, there was no chance we could
have pulled this off without everyone donating
their time,” Jason says. “The team did an
amazing job with getting everyone in place.
We were all here by 4:30 a.m. to conduct
roll-in and didn’t leave till until the toys found
a home and everything was cleaned up by 6
p.m. DJ Erok and JPistols set up the staging
area and Yota Joe brought the energy on the
mic. We even had some of our Trail Wolves
MTB team members come all the way down
from Northern California to manage the
general parking areas—it was crazy!”
For more info or to be part of future
events, follow @RodeoXRigs on
Instagram and Facebook or
visit RodeoXRigs.com.

R O D E O X R I G S K I N G S H O C K S TOY D R I V E

Whether navigating winding blacktop or traversing open country,
an Air Lift® air spring kit can give your vehicle the support it needs for
a safer, more comfortable ride...wherever the journey leads you.

See Air Lift in action at: nosquat.com
©2023 Air Lift Company

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There’s Nothing Quite Like Going 100-plus Across
the Desert in a Purpose-Built Ford Ranger
WOR DS BY L I NDS EY FI S HER | P HOTOS BY E VA N WA L S H

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E

veryone has that one vehicle that
causes them to pause—that
quintessential custom you can only
dream of emulating in some shape
or form in a future build. For off-road desert
speed fans, that truck is Rob Lindsay’s Ford
Ranger, turned insanely custom pre-runner!
And for good reason.
Rob’s Ranger started off life like any other
standard Ford Ranger—mildly capable, big
enough to haul some stuff around, but not
overly impressive when it came to, let’s face it,
any specifications. But, match that Ranger up
with one heck of a fabricator, an unbelievable
prowess for building off-road capable
vehicles, four years of work on nights and
weekends, and some of the best upgrades and
modifications money can buy, and you’ve got
yourself one legendary off- road truck!
A talented fabricator, Rob owns and runs
RJ Fabrication out of Hesperia, California,
specializing in building custom prerunners—vehicles meant to have the
suspension and clearance for off-road fun,

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“OUT BACK, 60-INCH
TRAILING ARMS AND
ANOTHER SET OF EIBACH
SPRINGS AND FOX SHOCKS
BUMP SUSPENSION TRAVEL
UP TO AN AMAZING 30
INCHES.”

with the style and comfort of a full race
vehicle. So when it comes to one of the
most well-known pre-runners in the off-road
world, it should come as no surprise that it
was commissioned, built, and is owned by
Rob himself. Chances are if you’ve spent
any time in the SoCal desert, you’ve seen,
and drooled over, this very truck.

Built from the Frame Up
This being a completely purpose-built
truck, everything from the chassis up was
customized, starting with the frame, which
started as a standard 1989 Ford frame but
was then plated and boxed in the front. Out
back, the frame was completely done away
with and replaced with a full custom tube
chassis, which runs up through the cab of
the truck for added stability and passenger
safety. From there, in true pre-runner style,
the suspension dynamics were significantly
changed, giving the truck the travel and ability
to speed through the desert with little trouble.
Up front, nickel-plated, RJ Fabrication
custom I beams and radius arms pair nicely
with Eibach springs and FOX shocks for an
impressive 20 inches of suspension travel.
Out back, 60-inch trailing arms and another
set of Eibach springs and FOX shocks

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N O T Y O U R E V E R Y D AY R A N G E R

“THE TRANSMISSION MAKES USE OF A COAN
RACING 4200-STALL CONVERTER, WHILE TWO
EXTRA LARGE CBR PERFORMANCE TRANSMISSION
COOLERS MAKE SURE THE FLUID PULSING
THROUGH ITS VEINS STAYS AS COOL AS
POSSIBLE.”

bump suspension travel up to an amazing
30 inches. Paired with a Power Steering
Solutions GM Saginaw 800 steering box and
a hydraulic ram stabilizer, this suspension
setup makes it possible for the truck to go
just about anywhere!
If you’re going off road, you certainly need
wheels and tires that can hold up under
pressure. This is why Rob chose to go
with Walker Evans Racing 17x9-inch billet
beadlock wheels and wrapped them in
39-inch BFGoodrich’s highly capable Baja
T/A KR tires. Stopping power on an off-road
truck is also a major consideration, so Rob
opted to give his truck the full Wilwood

treatment with 14-inch brakes and 6-piston
calipers on all four corners, fed by a
Wilwood dual master cylinder.

Power to the Pavement, and
Beyond
Whether its driving through the streets of
Hesperia or going fast over the dry lakebeds
of Johnson Valley, getting as much power
to the ground is vital for this truck. So what
better way to do so than to cram a stout
532ci Chevy big-block-based V-8 under the
hood?
Built by Ballinger Custom Engines to be all
but bulletproof, this massive fully balanced

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injection system, fed by a Harmon Racing
fuel cell behind the cab of the truck. Pulling
spent fuel from the engine are fully custom
2 1/8-inch primary headers that dump into
a custom 3-inch exhaust system with rear
bedside dumps, built by RJ Fabrications.
Backing the built 532 is a TH400 automatic
transmission, built by Chris Gardner
of Maximum Offroad Transmissions.
This bad-boy transmission can take the
pre-runner’s full punishment thanks to a
2018 Reid Racing case, billet internals, a
billet valve body, and a Maximum Offroad
Transmissions shift kit. The transmission
makes use of a Coan Racing 4200-stall
converter, while two extra large CBR
Performance transmission coolers make
sure the fluid pulsing through its veins stays
as cool as possible.
In staying true to getting as much of the
532’s power to the ground, Rob outfitted his
truck with a custom driveshaft built by High

and blueprinted powerhouse started off
with a Dart Machinery block before being
equipped with a Crower Cams forged
crankshaft and connecting rods, Diamond
10.8:1 pistons and rings, and a Straub
Technologies Bullet camshaft with a 0.760inch intake/0.780-inch exhaust lift, and
a 0.266-inch intake/0.270- inch exhaust
duration at 0.050-inch lift. An Air Flow
Research 315cc competition port cylinder
head was entrusted to control air flow in
and out of the engine’s cylinders, while also
controlling fuel deployment along side the
Edelbrock Victor Jr. EFI intake manifold and
Fuel Air Spark Technologies Gen II EFI fuel

Desert Driveline, as well as 45-spline axles
paired with a custom 3.5-inch, .250-wall
chromoly rear drive axle housing he built
himself. This is matched up with an Evan
Weller differential built with a GearWorks
case and a 45-spline spool, and topped off
with 5.14 rearend gears.

Pre-Running Beauty
Given its loads of power and ability to
charge through the desert, one could
forgive you for thinking there would be little
point in making this truck look fantastic in
addition to being highly capable. After all,
what’s the point in making something look

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N O T Y O U R E V E R Y D AY R A N G E R

“TO CREATE THE RANGER’S WIDE RACE TRUCK LOOK, ROB FITTED
THE TRUCK WITH A MODIFIED MCNEIL RACING FRONT CLIP AND
FIBERGLASS GRILLE, CREATING MINI FENDERS TO FILL IN THE
SIDES UP FRONT.”

nice if you’re just going to go thrash it off
road? Well, just like with many of our own
projects, this one snowballed, turning into
a much nicer looking truck than originally
planned by Rob. The result is an amazingly
unique desert powerhouse.
To create the Ranger’s wide race truck look,
Rob fitted the truck with a modified McNeil
Racing front clip and fiberglass grille,
creating mini fenders to fill in the sides up
front. Modified McQueen bedsides help
give the truck a girthier silhouette, while
the space where the truck’s bed would be
was exchanged for a custom rack for spare
wheels and tires. Of course, there is also
a McNeil fiberglass hood and prominent
custom skid plate adorning the front of
the truck, the latter to protect the radiator,
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from any pesky rock damage one could pick
up bombing through the desert.
For lighting, Rob opted to go with Raptor
headlights, while adding KC lights above the
cab, as well as a light bar in the front grille
for optimal illumination on dark back roads
and night-time desert treks. The entire truck
was then sprayed in Dupont black for a
sleek finish by Mike Doman of Doman Auto
Body, and topped with laser-cut rear cage
details from Western Fabrication.
Inside, the truck was treated to even more
custom fair, from the beige, marine-grade
vinyl covered PRP Podium seats with
custom embroidery done by Rudy’s Custom
Upholstery, to the custom aluminum dash,
center console and panels built by RJ
Fabrication. Safety still being of utmost

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N O T Y O U R E V E R Y D AY R A N G E R

OWNER:

1989/1995 Ford Ranger Prerunner

ROB LINDSAY
HESPERIA, CALIFORNIA

concern in his truck, Rob also built a
custom 2-inch chromoly rollcage, which
is integrated it into the custom interior
flawlessly.
Giving the driver ultimate control of the
truck’s direction is a MOMO steering wheel,
while a B&M Pro Ratchet shifter makes easy
work of manually shifting the truck from the
center console. Gauges in the custom dash
hail from both Speedhut and Fuel Air Spark
Technology, while a full Rugged Radios
push-button communication system with
AlphaBass headsets make for easy driver
and passenger communication when faced
with the roar of the modified Chevy Big
Block at full boar.
You may not be used to seeing luxury
prerunners like this one, but when it comes
to the trucks that Rob builds, they are
nothing but top-notch in performance and
aesthetics. The only question we have is
what is Rob going to build next?

CHASSIS & SUSPENSION: 1989 FORD FRONT FRAME SECTION, LATED AND BOXED BY RJ FABRICATION;
CUSTOM TUBE CHASSIS REAR BUILT BY RJ FABRICATION; 20-INCH FRONT AND 30-INCH REAR SUSPENSION
TRAVEL; EIBACH FRONT AND REAR SPRINGS; FOX FRONT AND REAR SHOCKS; CUSTOM I-BEAMS WITH RADIUS
ARMS IN FRONT END BUILT BY RJ FABRICATION; 60-INCH REAR TRAILING ARMS WITH UPPER WISHBONE
3-LINK; AIRCRAFT QUALITY 12-POINT HARDWARE THROUGHOUT THE CHASSIS; POWER STEERING SOLUTION GM
SAGINAW 800 POWER STEERING BOX; POWER STEERING SOLUTIONS HYDRAULIC RAM STEERING STABILIZER
WHEELS & TIRES: WALKER EVANS RACING 17X9-INCH BILLET BEADLOCK WHEELS; 39-INCH BFGOODRICH
BAJA T/A KR TIRES
ENGINE & DRIVETRAIN: 532CI BIG-BLOCK CHEVY V8 BUILT BY BALLINGER CUSTOM ENGINES; DART
MACHINERY BLOCK; INTERNALLY BALANCED AND BLUEPRINTED; CROWER CAMS FORGED CRANKSHAFT; CROWER
CAMS CONNECTING RODS; DIAMOND 10.8:1 PISTONS AND RINGS; STRAUB TECHNOLOGIES BULLET CAMSHAFT,
0.760-INCH INTAKE/0.780-INCH EXHAUST LIFT, 0.266-INCH INTAKE/0.270-INCH EXHAUST DURATION AT
0.050-INCH LIFT; AIR FLOW RESEARCH 315CC COMPETITION PORT CYLINDER HEAD; EDELBROCK VICTOR JR.
EFI INTAKE MANIFOLD; FUEL AIR SPARK TECHNOLOGIES GEN II EFI FUEL INJECTION; CUSTOM 2 1/8-INCH
PRIMARY HEADERS BUILT BY RJ FABRICATION; CUSTOM 3-INCH EXHAUST SYSTEM WITH REAR BEDSIDE DUMPS
BUILT BY RJ FABRICATION; MSD 6AL-2 IGNITION; HARMON RACING FUEL CELL; TH400 WITH 2018 REID
RACING CASE, FITTED WITH BILLET INTERNALS AND A BILLET VALVE BODY, BUILT BY CHRIS
GARDNER
OF MAXIMUM OFFROAD TRANSMISSIONS; MAXIMUM OFFROAD TRANSMISSIONS SHIFT KIT; B&M PRO RATCHET
SHIFTER; COAN RACING 4200 STALL CONVERTER; TWO EXTRA LARGE CBR PERFORMANCE TRANSMISSION
COOLERS; CUSTOM DRIVESHAFT BUILT BY HIGH DESERT DRIVELINE; 3.5-INCH, .250-WALL CHROMOLY REAR
DRIVE AXLE HOUSING BUILT BY RJ FABRICATION; EVAN WELLER DIFFERENTIAL BUILT WITH A GEARWORKS
CASE AND 45-SPLINE SPOOL; 45-SPLINE AXLES; 5.14 REAREND GEARS; WILWOOD 14-INCH BRAKES; WILWOOD
6-PISTON CALIPERS; WILWOOD DUAL MASTER CYLINDER
BODY & PAINT: MODIFIED MCNEIL RACING FRONT CLIP; MODIFIED MCQUEEN FIBERGLASS FENDERS AND
BEDSIDES; MCNEIL RACING FIBERGLASS GRILLE; MCNEIL RACING FIBERGLASS HOOD; CUSTOM BUMPERS BY
RJ FABRICATION; RAPTOR HEADLIGHTS; KC SECONDARY LIGHTS; CUSTOM SKID PLATE; LASER-CUT REAR CAGE
DETAILS FROM WESTERN FABRICATION; DUPONT BLACK PAINT SPRAYED BY MIKE DOMAN OF DOMAN AUTO BODY
INTERIOR & STEREO: PRP PODIUM SEATS COVERED IN BEIGE MARINE-GRADE VINYL BY RUDY’S CUSTOM
UPHOLSTERY; CROW SAFETY GEAR HARNESSES; CUSTOM ALUMINUM DASH, CENTER CONSOLE AND PANELS
BUILT BY RJ FABRICATION AND COVERED BY RUDY’S CUSTOM UPHOLSTERY; CUSTOM RJ FABRICATION 2-INCH
CHROMOLY ROLLCAGE; SPEEDHUT AND FUEL AIR SPARK TECHNOLOGY GAUGES; MOMO STEERING WHEEL; RUGGED
RADIOS PUSH-BUTTON COMMUNICATION SYSTEM WITH ALPHABASS HEADSETS

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A Jeep of J u ra ss i c P r opor ti on s
STORY BY MIKE SELF AND PHOTOS BY BRAXTON K L AV I S

INDOMINUS

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J

eeps and dinosaurs go together like peas and
very aggressive carrots. In fact, Jeep recently
released a limited edition Jurassic Park
appearance package through its Jeep Graphic
Studio program for those who want to feel like they
may get physically assaulted by a giant lizard at any
moment. Or maybe they just want their Jeep to look
like the ones in the movies.
And really, the connection makes sense outside of
the world of movies, too. Jeeps are tough, adaptive
to their environments, and the battle-scarred remains
of both can be found scattered throughout the hills of
Utah. Enter one 2020 Gladiator named “Indominus.” If
you guessed that that’s the name of a dinosaur, you’d
be right. Furthermore, it’s one of the main antagonists
in “Jurassic World,” although there’s one major
difference between the Jeep, owned by Matthew
Heyer, and the lab-designed Indominus Rex—the
Jeep is very much real, and potentially better suited
at survival. ”

Indomitable Jeep
Matthew is no stranger to building Jeeps, and as
thoroughly sorted and diverse as the aftermarket
has become with parts and accessories, he found
much of what he needed off the shelves of various
manufacturers. But, he was also able to infuse some
of his own ideas to create a unique build with some
one-off features.

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“MATTHEW’S JEEP GOT THE NOD TO RECEIVE RPM STEERING & SUSPENSION’S VERY FIRST
3-LINK FRONT/4-LINK REAR TRIANGULATED SUSPENSION LIFT KIT FOR THE JEEP JT, WHICH
WAS AN IMMEDIATE AND VAST IMPROVEMENT OVER THE FACTORY SETUP.”
Much like an artist painting on a blank canvas, the
first stroke is often the most difficult to make, and it
was no different for Matthew. For instance, how far
would the build go? It’s a crucial decision that pretty
much steers the direction of a complete rig build,
but in this case he wouldn’t find that out until he got
knee-deep and identified the Gladiator’s weak points,
and then improved upon them as needed.
That being said, he still planned to go big. In fact,
Matthew’s Jeep got the nod to receive RPM Steering
& Suspension’s very first 3-link front/4-link rear
triangulated suspension lift kit for the Jeep JT,
which was an immediate and vast improvement
over the factory setup. The front received two sets
of Bilsteins—a pair of 12-inch M 9200 bypass units
and a pair of 12-inch M 9200 coilovers—while the
rear got 14-inch M 9200 coilovers. The 4.5-inch
total lift gives enough clearance for the 42-inch Nitto
Trail Grappler M/T tires, which swallow up the 20x10
Raceline Avenger beadlock wheels.

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INDOMINUS

“… CLEARANCE IS NO ISSUE FOR THIS FORMERLY ASSHEAVY GLADIATOR!”

2020 Jeep Gladiator
OWNER:

MATTHEW HEYER
SAINT GEORGE, UT

CHASSIS & SUSPENSION:

MWORK BY RPM STEERING & SUSPENSION AND
MORGAN’S METAL WORX
SHORTENED REAR FRAME FOR BOBBED BED
FRONT OF FRAME SECTIONED FOR BUMPER
RPM STEERING & SUSPENSION SKID PLATES
RPM STEERING & SUSPENSION 4.5-INCH LIFT
RPM STEERING & SUSPENSION 3-LINK FRONT
RPM STEERING & SUSPENSION DOUBLE
TRIANGULATED 4-LINK REAR
FRONT 12-INCH BILSTEIN M 9200 BYPASS
SHOCKS AND COILOVERS W/HYPERCO SPRINGS
REBEL OFFROAD DSS (DUAL SHOCK SYSTEM)
SHOCK BRACKETS
REAR 14-INCH BILSTEIN M 9200 COILOVERS W/
HYPERCO SPRINGS
RPM STEERING & SUSPENSION REAR COILOVER
TOWERS
PSC BIG BORE XD GEAR STEERING BOX AND PSC
8-INCH RAM
13.25-INCH FUSION BRAKES FRONT AND REAR
RPM STEERING & SUSPENSION 26-GALLON FUEL
CELL MOUNTED IN BED

WHEELS & TIRES:

20X10 RACELINE AVENGER BEADLOCK WHEELS
42X13.5R20 NITTO GRAPPLER M/T TIRES

Way Beyond ‘Basic’

is no issue for this formerly ass-heavy Gladiator!

At this point, it was clear that Matthew’s Jeep was
evolving way past the point of “basic,” but with the
ball already rolling and picking up speed, he went
with it and succumbed to more upgrades—lots more
upgrades! And these would be modifications that
would leave no doubt as to Matthew’s intentions to hit
the toughest trails in his home state of Utah.

With all of this serious hardware now on Matthew’s
Jeep, it’d be silly to keep the stock axles, and
no one wants silly axles, so they got chucked in
favor of Fusion Pro Series fabricated 10-inch axle
assemblies front and rear, stuffed with 5.43 gears,
ARB Competition lockers, and 13.25-inch Fusion big
brake kits.

The bed-mounted RPM 26-gallon fuel cell provides a
ton of extra room underneath the bed, while an RPM
kingpin steering setup with PSC hydro assist beef up
the steering up front. As you can imagine, those bigboy 42s added some space between the framerails
and the ground but also reduced available space
between the body. But now, with the combination
of front Krashfab bumper, GenRight rear bumper,
Nemesis Industries Ultimate Clearance fenders, and a
full foot taken out of the freshly bobbed bed, clearance

Rig complete (for now) and ready to rock, Matthew’s
been everywhere from Jeep Jamboree to King of
Hammers with his JT, but he still has some additional
changes planned for it. Definitely a custom roll cage,
and possibly even an LS or Hemi swap to replace the
stock 3.6L V-6! And with his wife Julie right alongside
him in her own Jeep (check it out elsewhere in this
issue), you can bet that there’s plenty more fun to be
had in this Jeep before Matthew considers it extinct
and moves on to his next project!

ENGINE & DRIVETRAIN:

STOCK 3.6L V-6 ENGINE
STOCK 8-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
RUBICON TRANSFER CASE WITH 4:1 RATIO
FUSION PRO SERIES FABRICATED 10-INCH AXLE
HOUSINGS FRONT AND REAR
40-SPLINE AXLES
GEARWORKS HIGH PINION FRONT THIRD MEMBER
W/5.43 GEARS AND ARB COMPETITION LOCKER
GEARWORKS LOW PINION REAR THIRD MEMBER
W/5.43 GEARS AND ARB COMPETITION LOCKER

BODY & PAINT:

KRASHFAB FRONT BUMPER
WARN 8274 WINCH
GENRIGHT ALUMINUM REAR BUMPER
BAJA DESIGNS LED LIGHTS ON BUMPERS AND
COWL
BED BOBBED 12 INCHES

INTERIOR & STEREO:

STOCK INTERIOR AND STEREO

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A Jeep G ladiator M oj ave B u i l t
fo r t he Lo n g H a u l
STO RY BY JOHN MATA JR . AND PHOTOS BY B RAXTON K L AV I S

SANCTUS

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“TO ADD MORE TRAVEL CLEARANCE AND RIDE QUALITY, THE PATTONS
INSTALLED FRONT AND REAR SETS OF ROCK KRAWLER 3-INCH LIFT SPRINGS
ALONG WITH FOX 2.5 RESERVOIR SHOCKS.”

W

hile there are plenty of options to choose
from within the midsize pickup truck
segment, only a handful of them are truly
off-road-ready straight off the lot. Even
in that narrowed field of worthy rigs, it all comes
down to one in the end. Many factors are responsible
for convincing someone to fork over a healthy down
payment and to willingly participate in years’ worth of
monthly payments to come, but there are few factors
as powerful as staying loyal to vehicle type and brand
badging.

Keeping It Real
My husband Josh was in the middle of building his
third Jeep Wrangler when I said, ‘hey, it’s MY turn.”
says Michelle Patton, a real estate appraiser and
broker from Central California. “I’m a truck girl to
begin with, and I am obviously familiar with Jeeps, so
the Gladiator was naturally a perfect fit for me. I chose
the Mojave edition given its upgraded suspension
package, its uniqueness and rarity on the road—plus,
I was absolutely in love with the Gator color, which
was only featured on this model for only half of a
year.”

Upward and Onward
With a solid idea of exactly what she wanted for
her factory Gladiator, Michelle had zero intention of
leaving it in OE condition for long. Giving this truck
moderate trail capability was the number one goal. Of
course, Michelle also wanted her Jeep to handle well
on paved roads as well since she bought it to serve as
her daily driver.
To add more travel clearance and increase ride
quality, the Pattons installed front and rear sets of
Rock Krawler 3-inch lift springs along with Fox 2.5
reservoir shocks. To further promote frame rigidity and
overall comfort on all terrain types, Steer Smarts’ Yeti
XD front and rear track bars, drag link, and tie rods
and steering stabilizer were installed. A Rock Jock

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“MICHELLE PICKED UP A SET OF 17-INCH KMC GRENADE CRAWL BEAD LOCK WHEELS ALONG
WITH MILESTAR PATAGONIA M/T-02 TIRES THAT WILL ALLOW HER TO TRAVEL UP AND OVER
ANY OBSTACLE STANDING IN HER WAY.”

Antirock sway bar was also thrown into the mix for
good measure.
With so many suspension upgrades made to the
Gladiator, there was no chance of continuing to run
the stock wheels and tires. Instead, Michelle picked
up a set of 17-inch KMC Grenade Crawl beadlock
wheels along with Milestar Patagonia M/T-02
tires that will allow her to travel up and over any
obstacle standing in her way. Upgrading to 38-inch
tires required a switch from stock 4.10 gears to
Yukon 5.13 gears, which made a huge difference in
performance. Keeping a full size spare handy was
a piece of cake thanks to a DV8 spare tire mount
located conveniently in the bed.

Trail Style
Even though Michelle was quite fond of her Gladiator’s
outer appearance, she was more than ready to start
making some upgrades there, too. To add a dose of
rugged good looks to the frontend, as well as some
necessary function to boot, a high-clearance Quarter
Pounder steel bumper from Evo Manufacturing was
bolted up and quickly outfitted with a Warn winch and
remote Fox reservoirs.
Since nothing beats a killer auxiliary lighting setup
when surrounded by pitch blackness, a KC HiLiTES

Pro 6 lightbar containing 8 bright LEDs has been
mounted to the roof at the top of the windshield,
which required a special prototype bracket for
testing purposes. Additional Pro 6 Gravity LED lights
were then mounted to the A-pillars for even more
illumination power. To add an individual fingerprint
to her Gladiator’s exterior, Michelle then created her
own racing stripe design to the rear of the bedsides.
Pro Line Wraps of Chatsworth, California, then added
matching graphics to the lightbar to incorporate the

same design to the front end.

It’s All About the Journey
It’s been three years in the making, and the build
is still ongoing,” Michelle admits. “When you own
a Jeep, you never really are finished. Since owning
my Gladiator, I have already put 100,000 miles on
this baby, and it has taken my family on so many
adventures. We’ve hit the Easter Jeep Safari in
Moab, Utah, Trail Hero in Sand Hollow, Utah, Jeepers

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“…A KC HILITES PRO 6 LIGHTBAR CONTAINING 8
LED LIGHTS HAS BEEN MOUNTED TO THE ROOF AT
THE TOP OF THE WINDSHIELD…”
Jamboree on the Rubicon, and so many other local trails.”
Buying a new Jeep Gladiator Mojave isn’t cheap to begin
with. The total price becomes even heftier after purchasing a
ton of aftermarket parts, but Michelle has made it her life’s
mission to get her money’s worth. More importantly, she has
taken a lot of non-monetary value away from the process of
creating a trail-worthy truck.
“I’m not a mechanic, so every time my husband and I
wrenched on this thing, it was a learning experience for
me,” she adds. “I didn’t know much about anything when we
first started, but now I am able to assist in putting together
an amazing rig. Another important takeaway is that saving
money was not our motivation to take on most modifications
on our own. I have no idea what a shop would’ve charged me
to build this version of a truck, but I’m sure it wouldn’t have
been in my budget. That doesn’t matter though because the
feeling of doing things on our own felt way too awesome to
do differently.”

SANCTUS

B U I LT F O R

N O W AVA I L A B L E

RIDGELINE 8306
Combining rugged design with unmatched
performance, the 8306 Ridgeline wheels add to the
thrill of adventure. Conquer off-road trails and urban
avenues alike, experiencing a seamless blend of style
and durability when you embark on any journey.
Comes in Gloss Bronze with Black Lip & Satin Black
Available in 17x8.5”

See the complete line of off-road, truck, SUV, &
CUV wheels at MayhemWheels.com
Follow Us @MayhemWheels

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“…THE FEELING OF DOING THINGS ON OUR OWN FELT WAY
TOO AWESOME TO DO DIFFERENTLY.”

2020 Jeep Gladiator
Mojave
OWNER:

MICHELLE PATTON
SONORA, CA

ENGINE & DRIVETRAIN:

FACTORY 3.6L V-6 MORGAN’S METAL WORX
AFE MACH FORCE-XP HI-TUCK CAT-BACK EXHAUST

CHASSIS & SUSPENSION:

ROCK KRAWLER 3-INCH LIFT SPRINGS
FRONT FOX 2.5 SHOCKS W/ REMOTE RESERVOIRS,
REAR W/ PIGGYBACK RESERVOIRS AND DSC
ADJUSTERS
STEER SMARTS YETI HD STABILIZER, FRONT
AND REAR TRACK BARS, DRAG LINK AND TIE ROD
ROCKJOCK ANTIROCK SWAY BAR
5.13 YUKON GEAR AND AXLE
YUKON DIFF COVERS FRONT AND REAR
RPM STEERING & SUSPENSION DOUBLE
TRIANGULATED 4-LINK REAR

WHEELS, TIRES & BRAKES:

17-INCH KMC GRENADE CRAWL WHEELS
38X13.50R17 MILESTAR PATAGONIA M/T-02
TIRES

BODY & PAINT:

LED UPGRADE PACKAGE
FRONT EVO MANUFACTURING QUARTER POUNDER
BUMPER
WARN FACTOR 55 FLATLINK E VR 10-S WINCH
KC HILITES PRO 6 LIGHTBAR ROOF-MOUNTED,
PRO 6 GRAVITY LED LIGHTS ON A-PILLARS
GRAPHICS ON LIGHTBAR BY PRO LINE WRAPS,
CHATSWORTH, CA
BUILTRIGHT INDUSTRIES MOLLE PANELS IN
TRUCK BED
DV8 SPARE TIRE CARRIER
GENRIGHT HALF DOORS COLOR MATCHED BY
ANDERSON AUTO BODY, SONORA, CA
POWER TANK 10-LB CO2 TANK AND MONSTER
VALVES

INTERIOR & SOUND:

MOJAVE EDITION OEM SEATS W/ BLACK LEATHER
AND ORANGE STITCHING
STINGER HEIGH10 STEREO
TWO 8-INCH SUBWOOFERS, 1,000-WATT AMP
STINGER POD RBG LIGHTS UNDER THE DASH AND
FRONT SEATS
STINGER DUAL SIDE CAMERA SYSTEM
RUGGED RADIO GMRS HARD MOUNT
SPOD 6-CIRCUIT SWITCH PANEL
ULTIMATE 9 EVC THROTTLE CONTROLLER

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MADE THE CUT

ED C Knives
BY TRE A D STAFF

01. LT WRIGHT/
FRONTIER VALLEY

Overall Length: 6.625"
Blade Length: 2.625"
Blade Material: A2
Handle Material: Micarta
Weight: 2.8 oz
MSRP: $109
LTWrightKnives.com

02.WHITE RIVER KNIFE AND TOOL/
FIRECRAFT FC-PKO
Overall Length: 8.1”
Blade Length: 3.7”
Blade Material: CPM S35VN Steel
Blade Thickness: 0.125”
Scandi-grind edge
Weight: 2.6 oz Kydex sheath
MSRP: $109
WhiteRiverKnives.com

03. BEAR OPS/
AUTO BOLD ACTION V G-10
SURVIVAL KNIFE

Overall Length: 8”
Closed Length: 4.75”
Blade Length: 3.125”
Blade Material: Sandvik 14C28N
Handle Material: G-10
Weight: 4.4 oz
MSRP: $208.99
BearAndSonCutlery.com

04. SPARTAN/POROS

Overall Length: 9”
Blade Length: 3.75”
Blade Thickness: 0.125”
Blade Steel: 154CM stainless steel
finished with a black titanium
nitride coating
Blade Style: Folding, drop point,
flat ground
Handle Material: Carbon fiber over
black G-10 composite scales
Locking Mechanism: Liner lock
Weight: 5.33 oz
MSRP: $180
SpartanBladesUSA.com

05. BLUE RIDGE KNIVES/
BEGG KNIVES’ MINI GLIMPSE
Overall Length: 7.2”
Closed Length: 4.2”
Blade Length: 3”
Blade Thickness: 0.15”
Blade Steel: Satin Finish D2
Handle Material: Polished G-10
Locking Mechanism: Liner lock
Weight: 0.26 pound
MSRP: $99.95
BlueRidgeKnives.com

06. A.G. RUSSELL KNIVES/
FOLDING COOK’S KNIFE II
Overall Length: 9.875”
Closed Length: 5.375”
Blade Length: 4.5”
Blade Material: 8Cr13MoV
Santoku-style blade
Handle Material: G-10
Weight: 6.9 oz
MSRP: $79.95
AGRussell.com

01

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CHOOSING THE PERFECT
STARTER KNIFE
STORY AND PHOTOS BY JIM COBB

O

ur first grandchild, a precious baby girl named Ollie, was
born a few days ago. Being the avid knife collector and
user that I am, I’ve had her first couple of knives picked
out for months already. Every knife person I know has
looked forward to gifting the youngsters in their life with their first
knives. While I’m sure that the same could be said of those who
are passionate about virtually any hobby, the name of the magazine
is Knives Illustrated, not Action Figures Monthly or Baseball Card
Digest. So, let’s talk first knives.

ARE THEY READY?
A common question bandied about in various online forums and
social media sites is some variation of, “How old should a child be
before they get their first knife?” The thing is, there really isn’t a
hard and fast rule for this. It isn’t like being able to get a license
to drive or being allowed to buy a beer at the local pub. There’s a
saying people like to toss around when they’re aging but don’t want
feel old: “Age is just a number.” That applies here as well. Just
because a child turns a certain age doesn’t automatically mean
they’re ready for their very own blade.

THE FIRST KNIFE

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The Swiss Army
Knife Hiker, Swiss
Army Knife TL-29
and the Buck 110 are
all good options as a
first knife.

FIXED OR FOLDER?
In speaking with other knife aficionados,
most of them recall receiving a folding knife,
as opposed to a fixed blade, for their first
knife when they were growing up. Further,
most of them felt that a folding knife was a
good place to start for a young person.

©atihan / Pixabay.com

Sure, a very valid argument can be made
in favor of a sheath knife, such as the lack
of moving parts and the general durability.
However, in this day and age, most young
people would be better off carrying a folding
knife, something that can ride deep in the
pocket and that won’t cause alarm if it is
seen by an adult. Thus, folders will be the
focus of our discussion.
Remember, too, that times have changed.
When I was growing up in the 1970s
and 1980s, most guys I knew carried a
pocketknife, often either a Buck 110 or a
Swiss Army Knife of some sort. Today, even
that lowly SAK could mean a suspension or

possible expulsion from school, as it would
be considered to be a weapon.
There are a couple of things to consider
when you’re deciding whether they’re ready
for their first knife.

MATURITY
This is very subjective, but it is a key
element in the decision. It isn’t ruled by age,
gender, or education. Maturity is, at the core,
a level of development that governs how a
person responds to a situation. I mean, I’ve
met exceptionally mature 5-year-olds whom
I could trust with any tool they’re able to
hold, and I’ve known guys in their forties
who probably shouldn’t be allowed to use a
spoon unsupervised and without a helmet.
What it boils down to is whether the child
is able to follow basic instructions as well
as develop at least the beginnings of good
safety habits. Here are a few questions to
consider:

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THE FIRST KNIFE

Food prep is a great
way to teach a child
some basic knife
skills. Unsplash
photo.

“WHAT IT BOILS DOWN TO IS WHETHER THE CHILD IS
ABLE TO FOLLOW BASIC INSTRUCTIONS AS WELL AS
DEVELOP AT LEAST THE BEGINNINGS OF GOOD SAFETY
HABITS.”

Try to match the
knife to the size of
the child’s hand,
for comfort as well
as safety. Unsplash
photo.

The Hiker is a
standard-size Swiss
Army Knife that’s
loaded with useful
tools.

• Do they understand that the knife is a tool,
not a toy?
• Do they grasp the importance of keeping a
folding knife closed when it isn’t in use?
• Can they be trusted not to run with a
knife?
This doesn’t mean that they’ll never make
bad decisions. Many of us can probably
recall carving or cutting something we
shouldn’t have when we were younger. This
may have also included a few rounds of what
was simply referred to as “the knife game,”
where you’d splay your fingers out on a table
and use your knife to stab back and forth at
the spaces between your fingers, trying to
go as fast as you can. However, as a general
guideline, the more mature the youth is, the
more responsible they’ll be with their new
knife.

PHYSICAL CAPABILITIES

Unlike many lesser
imitators, the wood
saw on the Hiker
works incredibly well.

Just as you need to consider their maturity
and intellect, you need to take into account
the physical side of the equation. Start with
the size of their hands. Are they going to
be capable of holding and safely using the
knife you intend to give them? If the handle

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Visit spyderco.com to see the complete Salt ® Series product line.

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THE FIRST KNIFE

The TL-29 has a
knife blade and a
scraper/screwdriver
tool. Simple, but very
handy.

is too large, the knife will be awkward and
cumbersome, creating a risk of accident or
injury. It’s the same for grown-ups; if a knife
isn’t comfortable to hold and use, we’ll find
reasons not to carry it, which defeats the
whole purpose.
Along with hand size is dexterity. If it has
a liner lock, will they be able to safely
disengage it? If it has a flipper opening, will
they be able to operate it? While there’s
bound to be some degree of a learning curve
with a new knife, you don’t want to put their
fingers in danger because they struggle with
opening and closing the knife.
The length of the blade is a factor, too. Even
a well-balanced knife can feel clumsy if the
blade is too long for the task at hand. This
is even more apparent when you’re new to
using knives and haven’t developed your
skills yet. The last thing you want to do is to
handicap the child by saddling them with a
knife that’s ill-suited for them.

The screwdriver on
the TL-29 works
great on slotted
screws.

KNIFE SELECTION
Endless options on the market are perfectly
suitable for a young person’s first knife. Per-

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ax

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in our lineup. It’s our safest sheath and has
a two way locking mechanism to minimize
the risk of loosing your knife in demanding
situations.
Available for:
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S1
F1pro
S1pro
F1x/F1xb
S1x/S1xb
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Visit www.fallkniven.com for more information.

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US distributors:
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www.jboutman.com

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THE FIRST KNIFE

The screwdriver/
scraper on the
TL-29 has an edge
that’s sharp enough
to scrape bark for
tinder, saving the
edge of your knife.

The Buck 110 is an
iconic knife and
perfect for first time
users.

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SAFETY AND
MAINTENANCE
Handing a child a gift-wrapped box containing the blade you’ve
chosen for them is the easy part. Teach them how to sharpen
the edge and how to oil it to prevent corrosion, as well as how to
clean it as needed.
Safety is also an important topic to cover. Explain the Triangle of
Death, which is the area defined by knee to crotch to opposite
knee, and how it contains major blood vessels that, if cut, can be
deadly. That being the case, knives shouldn’t be used near them.
Other basic safety protocols to be discussed include:
 When handing an open knife to someone, it is best to set it
down on a stationary object, such as a tabletop, and let them
pick it up from there.
 Don’t brace the material being cut on your body. Put it on a
log or some other surface. If the knife slips, you don’t want it
cutting you.
 Avoid using undue pressure to make a cut. The harder you
push, the greater the likelihood that you’ll lose control of the
knife.
 Always cut away from your body, but be aware of your
surroundings so you’re not cutting toward someone else in
your immediate vicinity.

THE FIRST KNIFE

sonally, I tend to favor slip joint models for this momentous occasion
(with one lock-back exception that we’ll get to shortly). It is a classic
design that isn’t complicated by bells and whistles. While many of us
are fond of autos or assisted-open knives, they’re truly unnecessary
for a first-time user.
Plus, those sorts of features add to the price tag, which brings us
to another consideration—cost. It can be something of a fine line,
in that you want to give them a good quality knife, but there’s a
fair-to-middling chance that the knife is going to get damaged or
lost at some point. After all, just as with grown-up people, even the
most responsible kids can have a bad day. While price is somewhat
subjective in that what one person feels is fairly inexpensive another
might think of as costly, as a general rule I think keeping it under 50
bucks is reasonable.

RECOMMENDATIONS
I often suggest a handful of knives to parents who want to gift one to their
sons or daughters. These aren’t the only options out there, of course, and
there are probably another dozen or so that are popular choices.
SWISS ARMY KNIFE: HIKER
You can choose from dozens of Victorinox knives, but I favor the
Hiker in most cases. It has 13 tools on board, including a wood saw
that actually works fairly well. This is an excellent choice for a child

The blade of the
Buck 110 is thin
enough to make it a
great slicer for food
prep.

Oregon Knife Collectors Association 1/2 h is pending

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THE FIRST KNIFE

“THE GIFT OF A KNIFE TO A SON, DAUGHTER, NEPHEW,
NIECE, OR OTHER LOVED ONE IS A SPECIAL OCCASION,
AND CARRIES WITH IT SOME RESPONSIBILITY.”

who will be spending a good amount of time
outdoors. The size is perfect for smaller
hands, and the tools are easy to open and
close. It is available in classic red just about
everywhere, but if you wanted to splurge
on a more colorful pattern, you can find
exclusive models at DLT Trading.
$32.99 • Victorinox.com
TL-29
Sometimes referred to as an electrician’s
knife, the TL-29 is slightly lesser known
than the Swiss Army Knife lineup, but it
is no less useful. It has just two tools: a
single-edge spearpoint blade and a stripper/
screwdriver that can also function as a pretty
decent, small pry bar. It is an average-sized
pocketknife, so it won’t be cumbersome for
younger users. The downside is that it isn’t
currently being manufactured, so you’ll have
to turn to the used market, such as eBay, to
find one. However, they aren’t rare at all and
a quick search found a few that were listed
for under 10 bucks.
Price varies • Ebay.com
BUCK 110
This is the lock-back exception I mentioned
earlier. The Buck 110 is a truly classic knife,
and it was the first real knife for an untold
number of people over the last several
generations. However, it is on the larger side,
and that needs to be taken into account. It isn’t
the best option for smaller hands. But, even if it
isn’t their first knife, the Buck 110 deserves a
spot in every knife user’s collection.
$59.99 • BuckKnives.com

SPECIAL MOMENT
The gift of a knife to a son, daughter, nephew, niece, or other loved one is a special
occasion and carries with it some responsibility. Take the time to consider the options
available and make sure that you’re not only
giving them a knife at the right time of their
life, but also that you choose a knife that’s
well-suited to them.

There is a small lock
on the screwdriver
on the TL-29, though
not one for the knife
blade. This makes
sense, given that
with the screwdriver
the pressure exerted
could force the tool
closed.

One final suggestion: Be sure to speak with
the parents before giving the child a knife.
While you might feel that young boy or girl is
certainly ready for the responsibility of knife
ownership and use, Mom and Dad make the
final call. Yes, they even have veto power
over a grandparent.

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2018 Ram Gets an
Upgrade
WORDS AND PHOTOS BY BRANDON HOFFNER

H E L L W I G S W AY B A R I N S T A L L

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H E L L W I G S W AY B A R I N S T A L L

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A look at the OEM
rear sway bar and
the rust from the
long Ashton, Idaho,
winters. Hellwig
instructs that vehicle
weight should
remain on the axle
and springs. Do not
jack up the vehicle
for this install.

Checking out the
new Hellwig sway
bar and installation
hardware.

P

ickups are great, especially crew
cabs! I appreciate a vehicle that can
carry you, your family, and all your
gear to destinations beyond paved
roads, plus tow a trailer and haul household
appliances when necessary.
There is always a set of compromises to
consider when deciding between a ½, ¾, or
1-ton model pickup to meet your personal
needs. After years of owning ¾ ton Ram
2500s, I switched to a ½ ton Ram 1500
Ecodiesel to optimize fuel economy and ride
comfort. Let’s face it: Even though backroad
adventures are fun and I’d rather spend my
time on dirt, gravel, and sand, 85% of my
driving is around town or up and down the
highway. I have found, however, that ½ ton
pickups can struggle when approaching
the upper limits of their payload and towing

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I used to complete
the OEM sway bar
removal and the
install of the new
Hellwig setup: 18mm
wrench, 11/16 sockets
regular and deep,
5/8 socket, 15mm
socket, two 18mm
sockets, 5/16 Allen,
ratchet, breaker bar,
adjustable wrench,
impact guns, PB
Blaster, and the
instructions from
Hellwig! The torque
wrench I used for
the final snugging of
nuts and the bench
vise used on end
link bushings are not
pictured.

The folks at Hellwig
are helpful and
quick to respond.
Included directions
indicated that collar
clamps should be
placed near the axle
mount bushing. I had
no collar clamps!
Hellwig tech support
let me know that
they are no longer
needed.

H E L L W I G S W AY B A R I N S T A L L

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disconnected
with help with
a preplanned
application of PB
Blaster. Repeat on
the other side.

This photo doesn’t
do justice to how
much beefier the
Hellwig sway bar is!

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H E L L W I G S W AY B A R I N S T A L L

Grease the bushings
mounted on the
axles prior to
installation. This
photo better
represents the
increase in sway bar
diameter. I missed
the grease in the
package initially and
brought out grease
from another repair,
but the Hellwig
grease is thicker and
more tacky. I ended
using the Hellwig
grease.

The new bushings
holding the new
Hellwig sway bar. I
first used the original
bolts but finished the
job with the supplied
Allen head bolts.

Assemble the end
links as shown in
the instructions
by threading the
9/16-inch nut on
the male piece and
then threading the
male and female
halves together. Here
are built end links. I
ended up threading
the male end into
the female end
about another inch
to achieve proper
alignment of the
sway bar.

I used my bench vise
to seat the bushings
in the end links.
Grease the bushing
liberally before
insertion into the
end link.

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of the latest catalog.

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H E L L W I G S W AY B A R I N S T A L L

Tighten the jam
nut once you have
reached the proper
alignment. Hellwig
indicates that the
sway bar should
be parallel to the
ground.

Hellwig suggests
that you first set
up the sway bar at
the outer mounting
hole until you adjust
to the new ride
characteristics. I am
jumping right into
a Baja California,
Mexico, trip with
a loaded bed and
trailer. I opted to
start out in the
middle setting.

The scene outside
while I worked in the
garage!

capacity. I'd never recommend exceeding stated capacities for
payload and towing, but it is nice to have help as you near those
capacities, especially for long trips towing trailers. A sway bar helps
with this!
My family enjoys camping in a 2018 Taxa Industries Mantis trailer.
This trailer is a perfect companion for my 2018 Ram 1500, and
to make long trips even better, I am installing a Hellwig Rear Sway
Bar Kit for ’09-’22 RAM 1500 4WD W/ 2-4-inch lift (Part #7883).
Already installed were 2-inch Bilstein coil springs and an Air Lift
1000 HD air suspension kit.
In this article, we will go through the steps I took to replace the rear
sway bar on my 2018 Ram with a rear sway bar from Hellwig. I hope
this helps some of you when you take on a similar project!

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Y E A R N I N G F O R T H E G R E AT O U T D O O R S

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Curt Reesor’s Tacoma Solidifies
His Outdoor Adventures
STORY BY M ER C EDES L I L I ENT HAL | P HOTOS BY C U RT RE E S O R

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Y E A R N I N G F O R T H E G R E AT O U T D O O R S

Reesor’s Tacoma
rides on a Fabtech
Dirt Logic suspension
setup and 17-inch
WARN Diamond Cutter wheels wrapped
in LT285/70R17 BFGoodrich All-Terrain
A/T KO2 tires.

This Tacoma handles the dirt and
pavement courtesy
of a Fabtech 3-inch
suspension system
with upper control
arms, and Dirt Logic
coilover 2.5 reservoir
front and 2.25 rear
reservoir shocks.

A

lthough Curt Reesor owned other
4x4s, he always appreciated
Toyotas. His first new truck was
a 1988 Toyota single cab 4x4
boasting a 22RE four-cylinder engine
and manual transmission. His Toyota was
bombproof, giving Reesor years of reliable
service, including thousands of miles off
the beaten path. To him, that truck was
built to last.
Reesor and his wife Erika frequently visited
the Colorado and Mojave deserts and
places along the Eastern Sierras. They even
took his beloved Toyota on their honeymoon
via dirt roads spanning the entire state of
Oregon, from the California border to the
Columbia River.
He kept his storied ’88 for several years
until they had a child, suddenly they didn’t
have enough room. Sadly, they had to let
it go.

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“MY VEHICLE IS A BACKCOUNTRY CAMPING MACHINE. BESIDES THAT, IT’S MY
DAILY DRIVER,” REESOR EXPLAINED.”
Returning to Your Roots
Departing from his Toyota, Reesor deviated
from the brand and owned two Jeep
Wrangler TJs, a Ford F-150, and a Ram
truck. However, the memories of his ’88
Toyota brought him back to the brand.
Reesor bought a new 2019 double cab
Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport. He promptly
hooked up the couple’s Wisconsin-made
XVENTURE XV-3 off-road trailer and
traveled from Oregon to Anza-Borrego, a
stunning area approximately 20 miles from
the Mexican border. They celebrated by
exploring Mother Nature, detaching from
everyday duties.
The Reesors yearn for the great outdoors;
they love exploring remote backcountry
together. They camp near breathtaking

landscapes and enjoy the life of solitude
together. “For me, the Toyota Tacoma is the
classic overland rig,” Reesor stated. “It’s
reliable and capable, both on and off the
pavement. I’ve spent most of my life living
in California and Oregon, two states I know
well and have enjoyed very much,” he said.
“My Toyota is key to getting out beyond the
crowds.”

The Perfect Platform
Reesor purchased his 2019 Tacoma
for the extra space it offered. He can
easily carry cargo and extra passengers.
However, Reesor opted for a short bed
instead of the longer version. He didn’t
want a “land yacht.” The duo purchased
the TRD Sport versus the TRD Pro Series
Tacoma, as they didn’t plan to visit places
where a rear locker was needed. The

couple compromised, knowing they’d
have adequate storage and off-pavement
capability with their new setup, mated
to an XVENTURE trailer. “My vehicle
is a backcountry camping machine.
Besides that, it’s my daily driver,” Reesor
explained.
The Tacoma and XVENTURE trailer
were strategically customized to travel
thousands of dirt-filled and tarmactopped miles, not be a rock crawler. While
capable in stock fashion, it was upgraded
for when the trails got more difficult and
to store more stuff.

Reesor’s Ultimate Upgrades
“I’m drawn to blank places on the map
with bad roads,” Reesor said, “places
that most people have not even heard of,

This TRD Sport isn’t
an overbuilt wheeler,
rather it was outfitted
enough to get Reesor
to the places he
wants to visit.

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Reesor’s home away
from home is this
outfitted XVENTURE
XV-3 trailer. It’s complete with everything
he and his wife need
for camp, including
the James Baroud
rooftop tent.

Y E A R N I N G F O R T H E G R E AT O U T D O O R S

“…REESOR KNEW THEY’D
HAVE ADEQUATE STORAGE
AND OFF-PAVEMENT
CAPABILITY WITH THEIR
NEW SETUP, COUPLED
WITH THEIR XVENTURE
TRAILER.”
which are becoming harder to find.” His
current
favorite? The three corners region of
Oregon, Idaho, and Nevada.
Key upgrades included aftermarket niceties
like the newly released 17x8.5-inch WARN
Diamond Cutter wheels shod in beefy
LT285/70R17 BFGoodrich KO2 all-terrain
tires. While the factory front skid plate
remains in place (soon to be upgraded to
the TRD Pro Series version), bolt-on CBI
rock sliders were added for side protection
when navigating tough trails with potential
hazards.

The advantage of
having a roof top
tent on the trailer is
that he can leave the
trailer and tent setup
at camp and take
the Tacoma out to
explore on its own.

The American-made
XVENTURE XV-3
trailer has a matching wheel and tire
setup that allows for
plenty of capability
but doesn’t require
carrying a dedicated
trailer-specific spare.

Reesor’s factory suspension was upgraded
with a Fabtech 3-inch suspension system,
including upper control arms and Dirt
Logic coilover 2.5 reservoir front and
2.25 reservoir rear shocks. This increased
ground clearance and ride quality. A
set of Firestone Ride Rite air bags were
also added for extra load support and
leveling ability when pulling the XVENTURE
trailer. Lastly, a set of 1-inch Supreme

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Reesor didn’t build
this 2019 Tacoma to
be a hardcore wheeler, but the vehicle has
enough capability to
get to many remote
places.

Suspensions lift blocks were added to the
rear, fine-tuning the truck’s stance.
“The Fabtech kit feels rock solid on and off
the road, giving me extra confidence that
it’ll hold up to extended beatings the truck
may take,” Reesor explained, “when heavily
loaded on long backcountry journeys.”

Winch When Ready
There are times when Reesor travels to
remote locations without a companion
vehicle or a cell signal. He needed the extra
confidence of a winch to get them out of
potential trouble. He incorporated a WARN
ZEON Platinum 10-S winch, mounted
within a WARN Semi-Hidden winch bumper,
creating a low-profile look. It respects the
Tacoma’s front-end design.
“The winch is mounted out of sight, behind
the bumper,” Reesor stated. “It fits perfectly
within the generous open space of the
Tacoma’s lower front end.” To minimize
weight, Reesor opted for the ZEON Platinum
with a lightweight synthetic rope. “I wanted
the Platinum’s remote clutch, which makes
it easy to engage and disengage the
winch’s freespool clutch, even when the
winch is completely tucked away behind
the steel bumper,” he said. The factory

supplied WARN winch hook was upgraded
to the Factor 55 UltraHook, adding a great
dal of confidence of the company’s closed
loop system.
“When traveling off-road, I always pack a
full winch recovery kit that includes a winch
rigging strap, tow strap, and shackles,”

Reesor said. He also occasionally carries a
Pull Pal land anchor, depending on terrain
difficulty.

Storage, Lighting, and
Electrical Add-Ons
Reesor added storage capability with the
Leitner Active Cargo System, including

The combination of
a WARN winch and
bumper and Factor
55 rigging equipment
makes this Tacoma
ready for recovery.

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Rock sliders from CBI
help to protect the
Tacoma’s rocker panels from trail hazards
such as stumps,
boulders, and logs
when venturing off
the pavement.

A Rugged Radio is
secretly stashed
in Reesor’s center
console, and the
magnetic roof antenna helps amplify the
radio’s reach.

Reesor’s engine bay
includes an Off-Grid
Engineering dual battery system with two
Odyssey Extreme
Series Group 35 AGM
batteries as well as
a Trigger Six Shooter
12-volt power distribution system.

A Prinsu Cab Rack
is at the ready for
any extra storage
opportunities that
may arise.

“THE REESORS CAMP NEAR
BREATHTAKING LANDSCAPES AND
ENJOY THE LIFE OF SOLITUDE
TOGETHER.”

Reesor added Trigger
Six Shooter in-cabin
switches to help
control his vehicle’s
upgrades.

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The Tacoma and
XVENTURE trailer
setup have been a
great combination
for Reesor and his
wife to explore the
western part of
the U.S.

Y E A R N I N G F O R T H E G R E AT O U T D O O R S

four Leitner GearPODS. He also included
a DECKED truck bed drawer system and
Prinsu double cab roof rack, giving him an
abundance of storage.
Electrical affairs incorporated an OffGrid Engineering dual-battery setup with
two Odyssey Extreme Series Group 35
AGM batteries. This carries the load for
auxiliary lights and other camp accessories.
A Trigger Six Shooter 12-volt power
distribution system easily connects and
wirelessly controls all fo the electrical
additions to the rig. A Rugged Ridge comms
system was mounted in Reesor’s center
console, and a magnetic roof antenna
amplifies its signal. Lastly, lighting additions

include Denali D2 light pods on the winch
bumper and Rigid Adapt XP Xtreme lights,
configured for ditch lighting.

A Wisconsin-Made XVENTURE
Trailer
One of Reesor’s most memorable
experiences with his new Tacoma was
camping on the edge of a remote cliff
overlooking a sweeping view of the
Utah Canyonlands. “The drive in was an
adventure; we had this world-class location
to ourselves,” he said. “It was unbelievable.
It would not be possible without a capable
rig and some careful planning.”
Along for the ride is their trusty sidekick,
an XVENTURE XV-3 trailer. It’s an

American-made, military-proven cargo
hauler incorporating the couple’s kitchen,
water and propane, additional cargo
area, shade, and sleeping quarters. Its
all-aluminum weldless Huck bolt chassis
making it an ideal tow-behind companion. It
surpasses the weld-together competition by
decreasing chassis fatigue and vibrations.
For Reesor, the XV-3 tracks well behind his
new 2019 Tacoma TRD Sport. It is wonderfully
balanced and is perfectly mated to their new
adventure machine. Since their TRD Sport
came tow-ready, fully wired with a hitch,
they’ve increased their adventure potential.
“The XV-3 gives us the ability to set up a
multi-day base camp while keeping the tow

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“MY TOYOTA IS KEY TO
GETTING OUT BEYOND THE
CROWDS.”

A Leitner Designs
Active Cargo
System and DECKED
drawer system help
to manage this
Tacoma’s cargo. The
XVENTURE XV-3
trailer wears a James
Baroud Evasion
rooftop tent.

2019 Toyota Tacoma
TRD Sport

ENGINE: 3.5L
SUSPENSION:

6 CYLINDER

FABTECH MOTORSPORTS 3-INCH SUSPENSION SYSTEM WITH UPPER CONTROL
ARMS, DIRT LOGIC COILOVER 2.5 RESERVOIR FRONT AND 2.25 RESERVOIR REAR SHOCKS;
FIRESTONE RIDE RITE AIR BAGS, 1-INCH SUPREME SUSPENSIONS LIFT BLOCKS (REAR)

WHEELS & TIRES: WARN EPIC DIAMOND CUTTER IN GUNMETAL 17X8.5 W/6X5.5 BOLT
PATTERN, 0 BACKSPACING; BFGOODRICH KO2 LT285/70R17
rig free to explore the surrounding areas,”
Reesor said. “We appreciate the XV-3’s
smaller dimensions and extreme off-road
capability. It’s light and easy to tow. It can
go literally anywhere the Tacoma goes.”
Set up and breakdown is fast and easy;
the couple enjoys the convenience of fullperimeter lighting, an electric ARB fridge,
and on-demand hot water. Solar panels
allow the couple to power accessories when
parked for extended stays—perfect for
solidifying Reesor’s outdoor adventures.
You can follow Curt Reesor’s adventures via
his landscape photography on Instagram
@curtreesor.

INTERIOR ACCESSORIES: RUGGED RADIO COMMS; OFF-GRID ENGINEERING DUAL
BATTERY SYSTEM WITH TWO ODYSSEY EXTREME SERIES GROUP 35 AGM BATTERIES; TRIGGER
SIX SHOOTER 12-VOLT POWER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM
EXTERIOR ACCESSORIES: WARN SEMI-HIDDEN WINCH BUMPER; RIGID ADAPT XP
XTREME LIGHTS; DENALI D2 LIGHT PODS; WARN ZEON 10-S PLATINUM WINCH, WARN EPIC
SHACKLES; FACTOR 55 ULTRAHOOK; LEITNER ACTIVE CARGO SYSTEM WITH FOUR GEARPODS;
DECKED TRUCK BED DRAWER SYSTEM; PRINSU ALUMINUM ROOF RACK; CBI OFFROAD ROCK
SLIDERS; MAGNETIC RADIO ANTENNA
OFF-ROAD TRAILER: XVENTURE XV-3 (UPGRADED); FIFTEEN52 TURBOMAC HD CLASSIC
WHEELS IN CARBON GRAY 17-INCH; YOKOHAMA GEOLANDER A/T LT285/70R17; LINE-X
CARGO BED; 22-GALLON WATER SYSTEM; MAX COUPLER HITCH; INDEPENDENT MECHANICAL
PARKING BRAKES; SPARE TIRE CARRIER; SLIDE-OUT KITCHEN GALLEY; WATER HEATER;
TONNEAU CARGO BED COVER; RHINO RACK BATWING AWNING; RHINO-RACK PLATFORM TRAY
(SET ATOP HEIGHT-ADJUSTABLE FRAME); JAMES BAROUD EVASION ROOF TOP TENT; TWO
WAVIAN JERRY CANS WITH FRONT RUNNER JERRY CAN HOLDERS; CUSTOM TRAILER PAINT
TO MATCH THE “QUICKSAND” TACOMA COLOR; ARK EXTREME OFFROAD SERIES 750 TRAILER
JACK, 20 LBS. PROPANE TANK, MOUNTED WITH A POWERTANK STAINLESS STEEL BRACKET;
RENOGY 100-WATT 12-VOLT FLEXIBLE SOLAR PANEL; ARB CLASSIC SERIES II FRIDGE/
FREEZER; 50 AH DEEP CYCLE BATTERY AND CHARGER, SEPARATE POWER DISTRIBUTION
CENTER

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TREADMAGAZINE.COM

R aci n g i n M ex i co i s L i ke the Wi l d
West, Es pe ci a l l y i n a C l a ss i c Ford
F - 2 50 Tu r n e d R ace Machi ne
STORY BY L I NDS EY FI S HER P HOTOS BY SO L O M O N LU N G E R

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TREADMAGAZINE.COM

“FOR JERRY, IT WAS ALL ABOUT RACING THE NORRA 500 AND
HE NEEDED THE PERFECT RIG TO DO SO.”

c

rawl over rocks, speed through the desert
sand, and take a beating over long stretches
of often off-camber, rolling divots in the
form of “whoops” all while trying to follow a
specified route between Point A and Point B and do so
as quickly as possible—that's what racing in Mexico
on the Baja Peninsula is like. If this sounds like a good
time, you're in good company, including that of offroad aficionado Jerry Souza of Gilroy, California.
There are a handful of very well-known races that
take place on the Baja Peninsula every year, every one
of them having their challenges, as well as amazing
aspects. For Jerry, it was all about racing the NORRA
500 and he needed the perfect rig to do so. Enter this
gorgeous 1976 Ford F-250 crew cab.
OK, so we may be getting ahead of ourselves a
bit—let's rewind. Jerry's original purpose for building
this truck was to have a rig he could take off-road,
whether that was weekend wheeling or attending
various off-road events. But he didn't want just any
old truck. He had his heart set on a classic, built to
be as capable off-road as it was on pavement. Three
and a half years of work and we're looking at that very
truck.

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“… EVERY ASPECT OF THE BUILD HAS TO BE WEIGHED AGAINST HOW YOU WANT THAT
TRUCK TO PERFORM AND ON WHAT KIND OF TERRAIN, HOW YOU'RE GOING TO KEEP FROM
BREAKING JUST ABOUT EVERY MECHANICAL COMPONENT POSSIBLE, AND HOW YOU'RE
GETTING HOME AT THE END OF THE DAY SAFE AND SOUND.”

Capable On and Off Road
Building a capable off-road truck is more than just
slapping on a lift and some sticky tires. Rather, every
aspect of the build has to be weighed against how you
want that truck to perform and on what kind of terrain,
how you're going to keep from breaking just about
every mechanical component possible, and how you're
getting home at the end of the day safe and sound.
Therefore, many people start with the chassis.

To achieve his ultimate build, Jerry opted to stick with
the Ford's original frame to start things off, but he
had it cut and notched by M-Fab. A cage was then
integrated into frame that goes throughout the truck
for added rigidity and safety.
From there, M-Fab added Eibach springs and King
shocks dialed in by KDM on all four corners to give
the truck longer wheel travel while increasing the

ride quality substantially from what the truck boasted
stock. A Red-Head F150 ported steering box and PSC
hydraulic-assist steering stabilizer were also added,
boosting the handling of the truck tenfold.
Under the truck you'll find 17x8.5-inch Method
MR704 wheels wrapped in differing rubber depending
on the situation, with Jerry going back and forth
between 40x13.5x17-inch Toyo MT tires, and the
pictured BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A tires.

Power From an Unexpected Force

Looking for some decent power to push this beast
forth, Jerry went against the purist grain and outfitted
the truck with a 2008 GM 6.2L V-8 he salvaged from
a junkyard. To that, he added custom 1 7/8-inch
headers and a custom 3-inch exhaust system with
side dumps, as well as a Speartech harness before
handing it over to ZMOD Performance for the perfect
tune. Other than that, the engine is as it came from
the factory, fed by a Fuel Safe fuel cell behind the
truck's cab.
Tied to the 6.2L V-8 is a CBR-cooled 2012 GM 6L90
transmission touting heavy-duty NP205 transfer case
with a Offroad Design Magnum underdrive, adding
up to a 5.33:1 final low-range drive ratio. This low
gear is the perfect “crawl gear” for Jerry's off-road
adventures, while hardy Tom Wood's front and rear
driveshafts give the truck's drivetrain extra fortification
for the same task.

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As far as the axles go, Jerry also went tough here,
with a 2014 Ford F-350 Super Duty Dana 60 in the
front, and a 2014 Ford F-350 shaved Sterling 10.5 in
the rear. Both axles are equipped with 4.88 gears and
electronic lockers for targeted dual wheel rotation at
the touch of a button.
Ford Super Duty brakes both front and rear give the
truck some powerful stopping power, fed by a GM
Hydroboost master cylinder and upgraded with a
proportioning valve and line lock.

What About the Looks?
While Jerry built his truck to be highly capable offroad, he also wanted it to stand out in a crowd. Thus,
using his automotive painting skills to his advantage,
Jerry gave his truck a one-of-a-kind look, featuring
Ford Vineyard Yellow paint with custom black and
white “cartoon-like” accents.
A 1975-1977 Ford F-Series grille, custom tube
bumpers and rock sliders, and a custom integrated
spare tire rack over the truck's bobbed bed add to the
build's rugged appearance. Cutout wheel wells make
for better tire clearance as well as less rubbing and
denting of body panels from off-road shenanigans.

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Speaking of off-road shenanigans, Jerry's upgraded
lighting system, which includes 7-inch KC HiLiTES Gravity
LED Pro headlights, a KC light bar above the truck's cab,
and 30 rock lights throughout the body help light the way
for just about any after-dark adventure Jerry may want
to go on, including those races in Baja we spoke about
earlier.
Inside, the truck is just as custom, with brown and tan
PRP suspension seats, as well as a matching center
console, door panels, and dash, bringing the old-west
vibe of the truck's exterior from outside in. As discussed
before, an M-Fab rollcage is continued throughout,
while a full Rugged Radios communication system with
headsets guarantees proper communication between
the driver and the passenger, whether they are out night
wheeling, enjoying an event, or racing in Mexico. Other
interior features include AEM Electronics digital gauges, a
MOMO California Wood Heritage steering wheel, and an
on-board refrigerator/freezer.
Purpose-built and gorgeous all in one package, Jerry's
vintage crew cab is one impressive truck, so much so
that in 2023, Jerry and his team raced the NORRA 500
and pulled out a third-place finish in their class in the
truck's first race. If that isn't a testament to the capability
of this truck and its owner, we don't know what is.

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“TIED TO THE 6.2L V-8 IS A CBR-COOLED 2012 GM 6L90 TRANSMISSION TOUTING
HEAVY-DUTY NP205 TRANSFER CASE WITH A OFFROAD DESIGN MAGNUM UNDERDRIVE,
ADDING UP TO A 5.33:1 FINAL LOW-RANGE DRIVE RATIO.”

TREADMAGAZINE.COM

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OWNER:
JERRY SOUZA

1976 Ford F-250 Crew Cab

GILROY, CALIFORNIA

CHASSIS & SUSPENSION:
1976 FORD FRAME CUT AND NOTCHED BY M-FAB, CUSTOM INTEGRATED CAGE, 144-INCH WHEELBASE, CUSTOM
3-LINK SUSPENSION LIFT BY M-FAB, EIBACH FRONT AND REAR SPRINGS, KING FRONT AND REAR SHOCKS,
CUSTOM TUNED BY KDM,RED-HEAD F-150 PORTED STEERING BOX, PSC HYDRAULIC-ASSIST STEERING
STABILIZER

WHEELS & TIRES:
17X8.5-INCH METHOD MR704 WHEELS, 40X13.5X17-INCH TOYO MT TIRES; BFGOODRICH MUD-TERRAIN T/A
TIRES, 4.25-INCH BACKSPACING FRONT AND REAR

ENGINE & DRIVETRAIN:
2008 GM 6.2L V-8, CUSTOM 1 7/8-INCH HEADERS, CUSTOM 3-INCH EXHAUST SYSTEM WITH SIDE DUMPS, GM
E38 IGNITION, ZMOD PERFORMANCE TUNE, SPEARTECH WIRING HARNESS, FUEL SAFE FUEL CELL
ON-BOARD ARB AIR COMPRESSOR, 2012 GM 6L90 TRANSMISSION, 14X16-INCH CBR TRANSMISSION COOLER,
HEAVY-DUTY NP205 TRANSFER CASE WITH AN OFFROAD DESIGN MAGNUM UNDERDRIVE ADDING UP TO A 5.33:1
FINAL LOW-RANGE DRIVE RATIO, TOM WOOD'S FRONT AND REAR DRIVESHAFTS, 2014 FORD F350 SUPER DUTY
DANA 60 FRONT AXLE, 2014 FORD F350 SHAVED STERLING 10.5 REAR AXLE, 4.88 FRONT AND REAR GEARS,
ELECTRONIC LOCKERS BOTH FRONT AND REAR, 2014 SUPER DUTY BRAKES FRONT AND REAR, GM HYDROBOOST
MASTER CYLINDER,

PROPORTIONING VALVE AND LINE LOCK

BODY & PAINT:
1975-1977 FORD F-SERIES GRILLE, CUSTOM TUBE BUMPERS, CUSTOM TUBE ROCK SLIDERS, CUSTOM SPARE
TIRE WRACK INTEGRATED INTO THE ROLLCAGE, CUT-OUT WHEEL WELLS, BOBBED BED , 7-INCH KC HILITES,
GRAVITY LED PRO HEADLIGHTS, KC HILITES LIGHT BAR, 30 KC ROCK LIGHTS, FORD VINEYARD YELLOW PAINT
WITH BLACK AND WHITE “CARTOON-LIKE” ACCENTS, ALL DONE BY JERRY

INTERIOR & STEREO:
CUSTOM BROWN AND TAN UPHOLSTERED PRP SUSPENSION SEATS, MATCHING BROWN AND TAN CENTER CONSOLE,
DOOR PANELS AND DASH, M-FAB ROLL CAGE, AEM ELECTRONICS DIGITAL GAUGES, MOMO CALIFORNIA WOOD,
HERITAGE STEERING WHEEL, FULL RUGGED RADIOS COMMUNICATION SYSTEM WITH HEADSETS, ON-BOARD
REFRIGERATOR/FREEZER

MotorHead
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