4x4 Mag - Jeep CJ10 Special

Jeep CJ10 Special

compiled by Philip Walker

In the past we've reported on engine transplants in Land Rover products, the pros and cons of V8s in Series Land Rovers, the 3.9 lumps in Bowler Racers and we have lots more to write about in that connection. However, this month we will be moving sideways a little and taking a look at a rather interesting special, or rather a look at the rear since that's the view most folks will have of this awesome 4x4.

There is a V8 connection to our on-going theme, not the Rover lump but a Chevrolet V8 of 5.7 litre proportions which turns out enough horsepower to see off most hot hatches at the traffic lights, and certainly leaves "Mondeo Man" a gasp ! Whilst not built for speed it will cruise at 80 mph and pass 100mph without trouble. The engine note is absolutely glorious, a low burble at tickover escalating into a howl as the revs increase and the thing gets into its stride. All this power is handled by an auto box (TH350) from a Chevy Blazer and the low range bits and pieces through an NP203 transfer box off the back. This gives High and Low ratios and a lockable centre differential. Most of this is going to be unknown territory for the Land Rover guys out there, but believe me, this data is music to the ears of anyone versed in American automotive goodies !

As with most projects there's a fair bit of history to this machine and the parts certainly originate from a wide variety of sources. The current owner says credit must be given for the basic build to Richard Fulton from Berkshire. He took the original CJ6 chassis and fitted the CJ10 body, then built the rear tub and added the body. The photograph below illustrates an original ex-military CJ10 indicating what the vehicle would have looked like before the project started.

The body and chassis are of 1985 vintage, gearbox and transfer box 1978, the axles a combination of AMC Model 20 at the rear and Dana Model 30 at the front are circa 1979/80, everything carefuly installed and working in close harmony. The oldest part is the engine which was extracted from a 1974 Camero. This was then rebuilt in late 1998 and fitted with a "hotter" cam. There's a bespoke straight through exhaust system with Corvette headers to squeeze out some more extra horses. The carb is a GMC quadrajet with huge 5" chromium air-filter, which helps develop a consequently enthusiastic induction roar. Power output is in the 300 - 350 BHP range.

Inside we see standard Jeep dashboard with some extra dials, some comfortable seats courtesy of an Escort RS Turbo and a set of four point safety harnasses.

In recent months the project building has included fitment of 3" alloy double front and single rear bars, tubular side bars and lots of new chrome. The fuel tank is internal fitted inside the rear tub keeping it away from nasties when off-roading. Whilst this is a polished and tidy Jeep the owner is an enthusiastic off-roader and future modifications are all off-road orientated, to include fitment of front and rear air-locking diffs. Indeed, there's now a transmission oil cooler for low speed, off-road mud-plugging and a a set of twin 12" Kenlowe fans to keep the thing at the correct temperature. Current tyres are Marshall Powerguard AT 33"x12.5 R15 LT but by the time you read this have most probably be changed to BFGoodrich MT 33" x 9.5 R15, better suited to handling the mud.

As is often the case with off-roading in a non-standard vehicle the more you do the more the need for modifications arise. In this case it has been interesting ... on one occasion it was discovered that the front brake hoses where too short when driving over a sharp ridge and the front end took off and ripped both hoses off ! As is sometimes the case with Jeep owners the vehicle falls between the "show and shine" and the "throw it down the ravine" brigades, so it's likely that this Jeep will remain an excellent all round fun vehicle being nurtured for its street machine looks and enjoyed in the mud for its ability. The current owner is extremely satisfied with his creation giving him great pleasure and always creating a lot of interest at off-road events and whenever parked up, especially at the petrol station.

We'll let you know future progress as and when it happens. In the meantime if you attend off-road events around the Cheshire/Staffordshire area look out for this special Jeep, it'll probably be a rear view that you'll see though !...