Wendy Karsch: '84 Jeep CJ-7

I have always liked 4-wheel drive vehicles. I met Jeff in 1985 and we went to our first Moab Easter Jeep Safari together. I drove his '66 CJ5 on a flat, sand road. I didn't have much interest in learning how to wheel myself at that time because I'm not too tall and I couldn't reach the pedals, let alone feel like I was in control. I have been the passenger/photographer since then. For a while I didn't know if I wanted to wheel anymore. Like some wives, I felt like I was in competition with the Jeep for Jeff's attention.

Two years ago Jeff sold the '66 and bought a '77 body and frame. After he got it put together we went for the Labor Day event in Moab and I was still the passenger, but I liked the '77 a lot better. I could ride for long periods of time and not get fatigued. I also found that in this new Jeep I could reach the pedals.

Easter Jeep Safari '98 rolled around and we were helping Brian and Beckie officiate on the Flat Iron Mesa trail. Not too far into the trail Jeff had to do some spotting so he asked me to pull the Jeep up to where he was. I ended up having to pull the Jeep further ahead to make room for more of the group and Jeff said he'd catch up to me. Around lunch time and a few obstacles later I heard Jeff on the C.B. asking if anyone had seen his Jeep. I just chuckled and asked him if he'd found a ride or if I needed to come back for him. Except for the major obstacles on the trail I didn't see much of Jeff that day. Driving the Jeep renewed my interest in 4-wheeling. Jeff was so excited about my attitude change he didn't mind being left in the dust.

The rest, as they say, is history. I bought my '84 CJ7 in June of '98 with the help of our friend BCGPER ( another story in itself ). By Labor Day I was driving my own Jeep on Flat Iron Mesa. I'm still intimidated sometimes, but I trust my husband and my friends to spot me. They don't pressure me to do things I'm not ready for. The advantage of being a girl for me is, if I get scared I can get out and Jeff or one of our friends will drive it through an obstacle or out of a stuck for me. I have gotten a lot of support from everyone.

My Jeep has a 258 I-6, automatic transmission with a shift kit, Dana 30 front axle, Lockright front locker, 21/2" (who knows what brand) lift, Dana 300 Transfer case, a model 20 rear axle and 31" all terrain tires (Big-O brand). Hopefully this summer I will be able to get a new lift put on for a smoother ride and some Steel Horse seats ( they are so comfy). I have a list of other goodies I'd like, but those are first on the list. Find out more about Wendy's CJ here