The Rock Baddie:
03’ Jeep wrangler TJ
In 2025 I purchased another TJ and left the build up for my audience to decide what to do with it: build another beach baddie, just a different concept, or build a fully capable offroad rock crawler capable of racing?
The rock crawler beat the beach concept by a landslide and certainly engaged not only the audience and followers, but aftermarket companies really came forward on wanting to be apart of the build.
I am building a super capable, overly built rock crawler. This TJ race buggy/rock crawler will not only be built on a chassis table, but it’ll also be 100% fully tig welded. The main focus here is not only the performance and capabilities of this truck, but also the build quality, craftsmanship and attention to detail that you can actually put into something truly special like this build.
The suspension setup will be as follows: Rear will be double triangulated 4-link with 2.5in DOM lower links and 2in DOM upper links, not running a drag link. Rear axle will be trussed and braced to the max. Out back it will also have 16” coilovers with coilover shock towers BRAND NEW from Camburg Racing. I will be the only vehicle outside of the Camburg Racing and Magnaflow Spec Truck running these shocks and towers. These are the same shocks that helped the dynamic duo, Kyle Jergensen and Shawn Shanks win the overall Mint 400 Race and countless races to date; this component will be one of the biggest pieces of evolution in the offroad industry. The rear frame will also be back-halved and stretched, to include the front half of the frame to accommodate the wheelbase I'm shooting for. Ultimately, I’m shooting for 118”-120”+ wheelbase. The front suspension will also be triangulated 4-link with the same size upper and lower links as the back. I am considering throwing a drag link up front, however, for now, I am going to first build the 4-link first and get it geometrically sound; so there is a strong potential that it wont need it. Motobilt production is a huge component of this stretch as a majority of the triangulation mounting system, frame kits and body armor has been supplied by the brand. Additional components as the build progresses will be used as well.
The roll cage will be totally 100% custom with two things in mind when designing it.
1. The chassis, cage, all the chassis shock mounts and 4 link chassis mounts will all be tied into one with tube work.
2. The cage will represent something so aesthetically pleasing and functional that it'll take on the look of a modern TJ rock crawler that nobody has ever seen before.
The axles we will be using are going to be junk yard dana 60’s that are approximately 72.5” front and rear composed of eaton lockers and a 5.38 gear ratio and internals from Revolution Gear and Axle. Steering components and setup will be determined upon the completion of the rolling chassis and suspension setup. It is imperative that I establish the framework. Ideally, I want to keep it as a mechanical steering box with steering shaft , however, I am not opposed to making a steering box mount/relocation. But there will be more to come as the build progresses.
The Jeep will sit on a 17” KMC Beadlocks and will be on 42” Nitto Tire Mud Grapplers for rock crawling and wheeling and 37” Nitto Trail Grapplers for racing. This build will feature a custom fabricated Magnaflow exhaust and lighting will consist of all Baja Designs, LP4s, headlights, light bar, and rocklights and sPOD 4×4 switches. The interior of the vehicle will be outfitted with PRP seating in the front, and the rear, as well as harnessing. Interior dash components will be replaced entirely with a digital Dash and cluster gauge and dash will be replaced with a custom fabricated layout. I will be working with Tamco Paint to create a custom color paint, that will become a part of their available line of colors for consumers. I will also be working with Prismatic Powders supplying powdercoat and designing a custom color.
The vehicle is anticipated to be powered by a naturally aspirated 750hp Gen 5 LT with plans of pairing with a Turbo400 or 4L80p Trans; Ideally, we are hoping to get around 800-850hp in totality upon build completion.
For build updates, please see my youtube channel, and blog!
26’ SEMA Build-Brand Partnerships
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Motobilt
Motobilt is a leading American manufacturer of high-quality, fabricated off-road aftermarket parts, specializing in Jeep bumpers, armor, suspension components, and DIY builder parts. The company designs and builds products in-house for extreme rock crawling and off-road durability
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KMC Wheels
17” Machined Beadlocks (style coming soon!)
KMC Wheels is a premier manufacturer of high-performance off-road and street wheels, established to serve motorsports enthusiasts, trucks, SUVs, and UTVs. Known for rugged, innovative styles, KMC produces cast and forged aluminum wheels designed for both extreme, sanctioned racing (like the Baja 1000) and daily street driving
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Baja Designs
Lighting
LP4s, rocklights, headlights, aux lights, actuators, light bars and SPod command center.
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Camburg Racing
Suspension Components
Camburg Racing specializes in designing, manufacturing, and racing high-performance off-road suspension systems and components. -
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Magnaflow
Custom Exhaust
MF is a leading manufacturer of performance exhaust systems, mufflers, and catalytic converters known for producing a deep, smooth exhaust tone and improving vehicle performance. MF specializes in durable stainless steel construction, featuring straight-through, free-flowing designs that enhance horsepower.
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Artec
Artec Industries is a U.S.-based manufacturer of high-performance aftermarket off-road vehicle parts, specializing in components for Jeep, Toyota, Ford, and other 4x4 platforms. The company is best known for its axle trusses, suspension systems, armor, bumpers, brackets, and fabrication parts, with a focus on products that improve strength, durability, and off-road performance.
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PRP
Front & Rear seating and harnessing
High-quality, AMERICAN made, aftermarket suspension seats designed for off-road vehicles, including UTVs, Jeeps, and sand rails. PRP specializes in enhanced comfort, safety, and durability, often featuring customizable, high-containment designs with suspension liners to reduce rider fatigue, which is ideal for rugged terrain.
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Revolution Gear & Axle
Revolution Gear & Axle is a premier, veteran-owned manufacturer and supplier of high-performance aftermarket drivetrain products, specializing in ring and pinions, 4340 chromoly alloy axle shafts, and differential bearing kits. They are widely trusted for Jeep, truck, and SUV upgrades, offering durable products for off-road and daily use.
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Nitto Tires
42” Nitto Mud Grapplers
Nitto Tires is a high-performance tire brand, known for specialized, enthusiast-driven designs for trucks, SUVs, and cars. Nitto is famous for its "Grappler" line, which offers aggressive, durable off-road capabilities alongside, in many cases, surprisingly comfortable on-road handling
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Black Rifle Coffee Company
Black Rifle Coffee Company is a veteran-founded premium coffee company that roasts and sells coffee, ready-to-drink beverages, and energy drinks through retail stores, wholesale partners, and direct-to-consumer subscriptions. Founded in 2014 by former U.S. Army Green Beret Evan Hafer, the company is known for its patriotic branding and its commitment to supporting veterans, active-duty military personnel, and first responders through hiring initiatives and charitable giving.
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Motown Speed & Fab
Motown Speed & Fab is a custom fabrication and performance shop based in Warren, Michigan, owned by Nick Franc, specializing in high-end automotive fabrication, TIG/MIG welding, custom exhaust systems, turbo kits, roll cages, chassis work, and one-off performance builds. The company is known for its craftsmanship-first approach, creating custom solutions for enthusiasts who prioritize quality, precision, and durability over mass-produced parts.
