Don't see that every day.

Awesome it is.

I cannot tell you how simple this is, not over the top at all and it drives out as nice as my 07 pickup.

First gear is stupid low and reminded you of low range. I started off in second all day low and it felt like first in most other vehicles.

The sound of this baby sucking air is awesome. In fourth gear at 50 MPH it will put you back in the seat and pull like a son of a gun.

It's been a while since I have driven something this cool.

The guy that owns it worked at one of the premier 4 x 4 shops in our area for several years. Actually I did not know until yesterday that he was no longer there. He is asking $10K and I offered my Jeep and $2K cash but it looks like a no go. One of my employees offered him $8K cash and I think it may be his right now. The guys wife is expecting and he wants the cash more than the Jeep which I understand. I have the cash from my 500's but I would be in divorce court!

At 80 MPH on the interstate you can take your hand off the wheel and it tracks perfectly straight. The guy built it to tow a 10K trailer and he says it does a great job of it.

The batteries were dead in my camera and I borrowed for those pictures. I'll try and get some more tomorrow.

I finally found something a Cummins engine is good for!:evilb:

Mark, if he does not sell it, let me know. I may know a buyer.

Cummins' speak for themselves! :ernaehrung004:
Jay

I knew you would like that one Jay!

Man this beautiful weather is killing me. Everything is finally underway at home with my new shop and I had to get back to the office because we have three employees off this week on vacation.

A few of the guys had not seen my Jeep so I drove it today and they are real off road freaks. I let two of them take it for a drive and they came back with smiles on their faces. We have a steep area where it transitions from a drive in door down to our loading dock and we tested the ground clearence and she passed with flying colors. Actually the Jeep makes turns the area you don't want to even walk down into a flat piece of ground. Yeah that's how it's supposed to be.

I hope someone is out enjoying the sunshine today!

A few more

December 30, 2008 = 63 degrees and SUNNY!

It is nice out. I had to take the boat out for a little spin just to get my fix.
It's cold moving on the water, but gorgeous sitting still.
Just got back.

Love that jeep Dock.

You are my hero Mike!:ernaehrung004:

I knew someone would be out. I have a lot of young folks with families that like to be off for the holidays and we have decided to allow them that luxury which requires us to be in the office. I used to be at Myrtle Beach every new years from 1989 to 1999 and then it just got too hard to get away. But that's all good except when the weather is so pretty. Did you see any one else out? We will be leading a group on Harley's Thursday to Lake Norman Marine to watch the polar bear club barefoot water ski for new years day and it looks like mid 40's.

Thanks!

Okay Matt, Adam and you other off road boyz.

I really feel like taking the Jeep to the next level. The 304 is nice but I have always wanted a 350 V8 in a Jeep and I want an automatic tranny.

Help me design a new drive train around what I have. I'll keep the axles and 4.56 gears but the engine, tranny and transfer case will go.

Take a look at the following pictures of a couple of Jeeps I saw down in Fort Lauderdale. Does anyone know what kind of shift control these are and where you get them?

I'm thinking 350 V8 350HP
Automatic Tranny - Which one?
Transfer Case - Which one?

Matt I know you have all the answers.

700r4 low first gear for a good crawl ratio and quickness out of the hole plus overdrive for getting to the mud hole. They are relatively short for better driveline angles, readily available, many aftermarket parts, etc. Should be able to build one that will live forever behind 350-400hp fairly inexpensively. Advance adapters will set you up with an adapter to go the the dana 300 case, which is a damn good case, strong gear to gear and compact. Chevy performance ramjet 350 crate motor with a warranty. Any cable actuated ratchet shifter.

Sounds like you got some work to do! Good night.

Mark,

Another good resource for information is Novak's website. They go into quite a bit of detail about these types of swaps.

http://www.novak-adapt.com/index.htm


I agree with the above to keep your current Dana 300 t-case, they don't get much better in a Jeep since they are gear driven and not chain driven. Plus you can convert them to a twin-stick set up and have not only 4wd, 4-lo, and 2wd but 2-lo.

I also like the 700-r4 if you want a 4 speed but if you don't mind a three speed the tried and true TH400 would also not be a bad choice. It all really depends on how much money you want to spend. Since Jeeps are short wheelbase vehicles, any addition of an automatic transmission makes for a very short rear driveshaft. You will have to have new driveshafts made up for both front and back. I would recommend Tom Woods for that. He actually has a design specifically for short shafts.

http://www.4xshaft.com/index.html

As above, there are several companies that offer a cable actuated shifter. These would include TCI, Hurst, B&M and several others.

The only real weak link will be the axles. I know you mentioned he updated them with stronger axle shafts but if I am not mistaken, they are still going to be a C-clip Dana 35 and those little c-clips ain't that strong and are always the weak link. If you are going to use it mostly as a cruiser, this won't be a huge problem but remember HP+torque+big right foot+little axles+big tires=boom. Plus, I would guess the front axle is still a Dana 30, marginal at best for even a 6 cylinder engine. Small shafts, small u-joints, small yokes. Just keep in mind a nice swap to some dana 44s would not be a bad idea if you want the axles to live.

Overall, this is a very common swap. Either Novak, or Advance Adapters can pretty much offer any type of adapter and info you would need to get it worked out. I believe Painless Wiring also makes conversion wiring packages as well.

Adam,

I appreciate the response and we are totally on the same page with the engine choice. I spent a lot of time researching engines last night and that seems to be the best bang for the buck no question. Thanks for the tranny suggestion that is where I really don't have a clue and with the lower 4.56 gears I would like a four speed for sure.

Thanks & HAPPY NEW YEAR buddy

Doc

Matt,

Awesome information as always and much appreciated. I would perfer to stay with a four speed hoping for a higher top end gear. Yes having dual shifters on the transfer case would be awesome that is a great idea. I understand and agree fully with the weak link on the axles and that will eventually come but will be the final part of the build.

Thanks for the link

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Mark

http://www.mandmfab.com/

Hey guys check out the above link. This is a buddy of mine that lives and has his shop just two miles from my house. His name is PJ and he used to work at a premier 4 x 4 shop down in Charlotte for many years. He talked to me about a job with our company three years ago because he did not like the hour plus commute one way six days a week but I could tell he really did not have a passion for what we do. Instead he made the right choice and started his own company building buggies and rock crawlers. He has a ROCK in his back yard that HUGE! I cannot even climb up on it and they take these buggies and try and climb it and flip them over to test them out.

Long story short I spoke with himyesterday and I'm taking the Jeep over there in a few days and he's going to do some minor improvements and he'll do the major stuff for me when I get the engine and transmission together.

He is my Adam & Dave "XT Innovations" for the off road non-water side of life.

Happy New Year everyone

http://www.mandmfab.com/id32.html

The above link is to pictures taken right in his back yard. You will see that BIG rock I'm talking about.

There is also a picture mid way down with a tree caught behind a tire. That was actually on one of my employees property and he was there watching when this happened. He lost traction going up and snagged the tree. They winched it up from there. You cannot tell in the picture but it is about a 60 foot hill at a pretty steep angle and he is 3/4 of the way up.

Those guys are crazy!

The buggy in the picture on the left of the home page is brand new and still under construction. He makes those frams from scratch out of straight tube and does all the bending and welding at his house!

Matt those website links you gave me are AWESOME.

That is a wealth of information.

Thanks buddy

Dock, Ive been a Suburban fan all my life. It was our "family truckster" going on vacations as a kid. I cant remember how many Suburbans dad has owned. BUT, that Jeep is just plain badass. If I lived anywhere south of here Id definately have a Jeep. I say keep the Jeep and let Adam talk you into doing something stupid! :drink:

No problem, happy to help.

That should be easy!

1-1-2009

Happy New Year all

Since this is my official non-baja thread in the Baja section I figured I'll just keep it going with non-baja stuff.

The wife and I are joint activities directors for our local HOG Chapter here in Statesville. Here is the email I just sent to all chapter members which will explain what we did on New Years Day 2009.

It was 26 degrees this morning when we left the house at 9:30 AM and got up to a blistering 44 degrees! We got ack home around 4PM and it was a great day. I hope all of you have had a Blessed New Years Day also.


Dear Chapter Members

The first chapter ride of 2009 was a huge success with everyone having a safe and enjoyable ride.

There were eight bikes that met at Tilley’s with a total of ten people that rode over to the Lake Norman Marina on Hwy 150 at 11 AM. Many other chapter members, fellow Harley and Honda riders along with Tilley employees met up at the marina for a total of over 100 motorcycles.

The roads were dry and clear. The sky was blue and not a single cloud could be seen. It was not only a beautiful day but a fantastic New Years Day to be alive and go for a ride with friends. Many of us rode to the Cracker Barrel after the event was over for our traditional New Years meal of ham, black eyed peas and greens plus a lot more. I’m sure that no one left hungry!

This was my first time to this event but I will plan to go back as long as they have it. It was so impressive to see a six man pyramid on water skies right after we arrive followed by very talented barefoot skiers ranging in age from teens to 65 year young.

The Carolina Show Ski Team out of Tega Cay, South Carolina did a wonderful job of entertaining us and they looked like they were really enjoying themselves also. It’s really awesome to have this talent right here in our back yard. They had an intercom system to keep everyone up to speed on what was happening and they also sold food and drinks.

www.carolinashowski.com

I’m still pumped up and did not want to quit riding today but all good things must come to an end. Until our next ride.

God Bless you all and Happy New Year

Mark & Tommie Terry

A few more pictures.

Man I'm glad I was introduced to Gerbing Heated Clothing.

Tommie and I bought each other the jacket liner and heated gloves for Christmas and they make it feel like a 65 degree day. That stuff is awesome!

April 16, 2009

Okay another project FINISHED!

Many thanks to Clayton Tackett of Kustom Kolors and Tom and Andy for a FANTASTIC custom paint job.

2008 Harley FLHX Street Glide

New rubber front & back
New billet front wheel - 18" Renegade Tahoe
Matching chrome front brake rotors
Complete chrome front end
Paul Yaffe billet chrome fork covers
Wild 1 Chubby 575 handle bars
Vance & Hines True Duals
Vance & Hines Monster Ovals
SE Programer
Chrome lady brake & clutch levers
ARC Stereo Amp & Speakers
Braided clutch cable
Mustang Seat
Bagger Brace Stabilizer

CUSTOM PAINT SET

I found a stock Harley Pearl White paint set off a new bike and Clayton did a very cool design for me and added the PPG "Oh-So-Orange", silver trim and the shadows.

The wife and I rode the bike about an hour after we picked it up and it is stupid crazy how much attention this bike attracks. Every where we stop people gather around it.

I hope to enter it in a local bike show this weekend and see how it does.

Thanks very much Clayton, you guys "ROCK"!:ernaehrung004:


I know what does this have to do with Baja?

Clayton and his guys have layed down more custom paint on Baja's than all others combined. Congrats to Clayton for getting his first paint work on a Sunsation. Also this same orange paint is the paint used on the 40 Outlaw spotlight poker run carbon fiber boat and the Donzi 38 ZRC we drove last year.

#36

Oh yeah I got to have a 36 on there.

Nice touch Clayton

It's just about impossible to get a good picture that really shows what this paint does in the light. It is highly metallic and changes color from orange to yellow to even a green tint according to the angle you view it at.

Good lookin scooter Doc!

Saturday April 18, 2009

Tilley's Harley Davidson - Statesville, NC
Rolling Thunder Bike / Car Show / Poker Run

Beautiful blue Carolina sky and 75 degrees.

The bike has been in the shop for four weeks and we had several friends that wanted us to ride with them today. We wanted to ride with them and we felt real bad telling then no but we wanted even more to enter our bike in the bike show.

We showed up at Tilley's at 10 am and they put us in the Touring class. There were only three bikes in that class and they were all Ultra's and I wanted more of a challenge. We asked to be put in the "CUSTOM" class with the choppers and wild paint jobs.

As it turns out there were only five bikes in this class ranging from a 1971 Honda classic chopper to a very custom soft tail chopper that belongs to a friend and he has a ton of $$$ in it to a Suzuki M109R with a wild paint job with about 10,000 skulls.

Well guess what?

We WON 1st Place!

Man I was thrilled!

Come to find out we were tied with our friend Keith that has the chopper and they sent three women over to vote and break the tie.

The ladies loved both bikes but they all three voted ours best because "YOU CAN RIDE IT" and not just look at it as they said.

I was blown away! The wife was blown away and we are both still on cloud 9.

Well it gets even better. Sit down and take another drink of that beer before you read the following.

All together there were 17 cars and trucks, and a total of 19 bikes for a total of 36 entries. The last trophy they gave away was the "PEOPLE's CHOICE" award for the "Best of Show".

WE WON THAT ALSO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am so proud of our bike and even though we have won many poker runs with our boat that is only a poker hand. This was actually your fellow bikers and show goers telling you that you have a NICE bike.

Sorry I know this is long but I had to share it with all of you.

Congrats Doc! The bike looks really good.

Looks great Mark, very nice indeed. Love the colors course I am a little biased being a UT fan.

Thanks Matt

That is funny because the first time I saw the finished product I thought about you and knew you would like it!

Oh well better "T" orange then that school in SC right? LOL

Congratulations Mark,

This could be a really good summer for you with the bike winning awards, the boat ready to win Poker Runs, and lets not forget about the Jeep to play with also......

Hey, even the gas prices might remain down this year.

XT:ernaehrung004:

Well I have had the good fortune to be in a dozen magazines with the Baja but now with the motorcycle I just got my first article published in "Full Throttle Magazine".

Full Throttle Magazine
May 2009
Issue #130
Page #90

The wife and I are the activities directors for the local HOG chapter and our "Moose Hunt Ride" caught the attention of a local writer for the magazine and he contacted me. I'm pretty excited about this and considering a possible carreer change!:rolleyes:

Here is the article and the picture. You can pick up a copy of this magazine in the Carolina's at most all motorcycle shops.


Story and photo by Mark Terry

Not many people have gone moose hunting, but I think it is safe to say that no one had gone moose hunting in North Carolina before now. A few of The Statesville HOG Chapter members, sponsored by Tilley H-D, scouted out the illusive hunting grounds where legend had it that a moose towering more than 15 feet tall lived. It was confirmed to be true and because of the huge size of this moose it was determined that the entire chapter would be called on to help bring it down.

On Sunday, March 8, 2009 at sun up 48 brave men and women on 40 Harleys and one VW trike headed out on a 45 mile ride to bag a trophy for our dealership. I’m proud to say that the only fear in the air that morning was the fear felt by the moose as the roar of 40 bikes and a trike, that could be heard for miles, drew near.

Our lead rider signaled the group to keep the engine noise as low as possible. When we topped the hill, there right before our eyes stood the largest moose any of us had ever seen. You could see the fear in its eyes as it stood proudly displaying its enormous rack. Frozen in its tracks the group quickly surrounded the moose, took aim and fired the shot with our camera.

The moose was too beautiful to kill so we left it for others to enjoy for years to come. If anyone tries to tell you there are no moose in North Carolina you now know there is One Big Moose in Mooresville, NC.