Getting it Up:
The next part of the equation was to get the "Rock Taxi" up into the air to improve the breakover angle. This is a necessity after adding 20" in the middle. A 1980 K-30 Dana 60 front axle with 6.17:1 gears and a Lock Rite, with used Wrangler 4" lift springs for the spring over configuration was bolted in, located forward 3" from the stock location.

A Dodge ¾ ton van rear Dana 60 was swapped in, also with 6.17:1 gears and welded spider gears, replacing the AMC 20 rear axle. 38.5" Super Swamper TSL's were also installed on Hummer beadlock/run flat rims in place of the 33" Swamper SSR's that were previously on the "Taxi," and the suspension and drivetrain was complete.

During the assembly of the drivetrain, it became obvious that the stock AMC brake booster and master cylinder were not able to move enough fluid to actuate the BIG Dana 60 brakes. A quick call to Harold Off of Off Again Automotive got a custom booster and master cylinder shipped out for installation. The "Rock Taxi" now stops better than any other vehicle I have driven.

Testing:
Incredible! That's the only way to describe the difference between a CJ-5 and the new CJ-5 ½. The "Rock Taxi" rides better, climbs better, steers better on the highway (although the turning radius is much larger) and is much more stable off-road than before. The added length gives much more room for passengers and supplies and allows a rear driveline that will hold up much better due to less severe angles caused by a lift and short wheelbase. The added width kept the stability that I had before with my mild lift and smaller tires. Of all the modifications made to the Jeep, this rates as the most effective in my book.

The entire project took a full four months for me to complete, but could be completed much more quickly, as I only worked on the project at night. The cost for project is broken out below.

The inaugural run for the Rock Taxi will be at the Ft Worth Dallas - Four Wheel Drive Club's Memorial Day 2001 Event in Clayton, Oklahoma. I will be leading trails and doing some hard core testing of the modifications at that time. Action shots will be taken at the event.

Credits:
Mike Green - Excellent advice and loaning of quality welding machine
Phil Davis - Generous and selfless assistance throughout the project
David Matus - The best neighbor in the world, loaned his air tools, painting equipment, bodywork expertise and driveway for over two month! My wife appreciates him (and his driveway) more than you can imagine!

Project Cost:

· Rubicon Express - Spring Pads and Shock Mounts $50
· Local Steel Yard - 18 GA sheet metal, various .25" plate $75
· Local Paint Supplier - Bondo, Primer and Paint $50
· Time @ estimated rate - 100 hours @ $45.00/hr $4500
· Local Driveshaft Shop - Lengthen front and rear driveshafts $150
· Extra used fold and tumble rear seat and rear belts $60
· DOM tubing for rollcage $150
· Dana 60 Axles / Gears / Lockers / Install Kits $1250
· Used 16x38.5x16.5" Swampers and Wheels $772
· Sam's Offroad High Clearance Steering Arms $300
· Miscellaneous Costs $65

Total Estimated Cost $7,422
Cost not Including Estimated Labor (I did all the work except driveshafts) $2922
Cost for Lengthening Only (without Estimated Labor ) $475