Ultimate Adventure 2007, what would you build?

Ultimate Adventure 2007 is in the works.  We’re putting together our plans for the official UA vehicle.  But before we reveal what that vehicle is going to be we'd like to hear what you would build if you could put a rig together to lead the trip.  

Oh lets see... I would get a new Suzuki Samurai from somewhere overseas (they still sell them someplace right?) toss a Dana 80 in the front, a Dana 110 (from the new F-450) in the rear, linked front and rear, 54" Boggers (could double as steps to get into it), drop an LS-7 under the hood and put a wheelie bar on the back. Oh yea... that would be sweet!  
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Long Travel 4WD - The best of Both Worlds

Questions? Comments? Concerns? PM Me!

Does it have to be something newer? Seems like I remember most of them have been? Id like to see an older rig. Maybe a 80s 4 door dodge truck shortbed with a newer cummins. Or a one of those Military Duece and a halves with the 4x4 conversion (loose the rear axle and shorten the frame) and a cummins. Or a Mog. Somthing different!  

Build a Kia Sportage and really show it is what you build.
Lator....  

ok, so who can afford a brand new truck to rip apart and put 60's under? Anyone?  That's what I thought! Lets be pratical here. Not all of us have lots of money, or want to take a new truck apart, so we can't relate when you take a new FJ, Tacoma or SD and go crazy with it! Don't get me wrong it's cool, but just a dream for everone else. Now take a 91-94 Explorer foe exsample. Tons of parts, tons of owners who don't know what they have other then a soccer mom mobile, and you can find them dirt cheap! Use something people can relate to, something they could maybe build in there own garage.  

Oh yeah and Fred, what happen to the Avalanche? I never see you drive it around anymore, just the FJ and the Sled.  
'99 Full Width Solid Axle Explorer XL 4x4 ~ Toy!

'05 F-150 Super Crew XLT ~ Tow Rig/DD

UAJK,

I would like to see an SUT version of the JK, like a mini hummer bodystyle. 4 door cab, with an exposed bed in back, and a rollbar redesign to fit more of a truck look, diagonal bars possibly vs. the 90* bend tubes.  

I noticed a blurb in the August issue for Portal Tek axles.  Why not give those a spin on the UAJK.

A blower could be cool too, is anyone making a roots package for the Chrysler 3.7?  

I think you should be different with the drivetrain and suspension. I think you should use ford 9in portal hybrid axles(Humm 9 or Mog 9hybrids) which you can find at www.differentialeng.com. and use that new atlas 4 transfer case with the 10.34 low range. As for the suspension i think you should use those half air-bag, half coil-over springs that you did a story on about a year ago at https://www.universalairsuspension.com/product_info.php?cPath=32&products_id=66&osCsid=e7b800e5042c26dc519dc1ba0be7ab64  
and then 4-link it. If you really want to get wild maybe put in a diesel such as a cumins. If you're not obligated to run BFG Krawlers, I think you should run 47" swamper LTB's or 40 in Maxxis Creepy Crawlers.

That's Just my 2 cents though.

*** I think you should do an Hummer H1 or H3 for next year's UA!  

I second the Portal Tek axles idea.
I also second the diesel engine idea.  But don't feel limited to just the Cummins 6BT truck engine.  I've seen 3BT's (3.9L) put into Jeeps, or even use Jeep's own 3.0L CRD out of the '07 Grand Cherokee (for you high-buck magazine types   ).  

But what I REALLY want to see is a Mercedes OM617 3.0L 5cyl diesel (most available) or the over 3L Mercedes diesels; the OM603, OM608, or OM648 dropped into the UAJK.

They run forever, LOVE Straight Vegetable Oil and Biodiesel and are EXACTLY what I want to drop into my '80 Solid Axle Bronco when its current (and 3rd) I6 dies.  

Oh! And paint!  So you say Olive Drab is getting over done, how about Snow Camo?  Don't see a lot of that in the deserts where you play!  

Maybe a paint scheme somewhere between Winter and Urban(City) seen on:
Battle Dress Uniform  

My favorite choice would be a fj75, but for a more US baised vehicle, I would go for a 93 FZJ80 Land Cruiser. I would keep it simple with a OME kit, stock wheels, and 33's. Do bumpers, sliders, winch, roof rack, roll cage, rear drawer system, etc. Set it up as an expedition vehicle, and prove that with a talented driver-spotter combination, you can drive the truck anywhere you can drive a YJ on 40's. This means fred Cant take it out to the hammers.    

A new JK Unlimited with Mattracks.  Under the hood, the 3.0 CRD; if that can't be done, a V-8.  And for paint...hm...  Something near impossible to do but would certainly stand out: the digital design used by our Army troops on their ACUs.    I think that's a pretty expensive build, but it's certainly drool-worthy.  

I say build up the new JK with some Portal-Tek axles,and some kind of trick coil-over suspension,and supercharge/nitro the new V6  

That thing would be sick with some Portal-Tek axles!

Is it sad or what that I don't even know what is on the UA JK... lol  
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Long Travel 4WD - The best of Both Worlds

Questions? Comments? Concerns? PM Me!