Shifting duties are handled by the stock AW4 automatic transmission but after that things get a little more interesting. The stock NP242 has been swapped out for a custom-built NP242HD out of a Hummer H1. The T-case has been modified with some Jeep NP242 parts to convert the full-time Hummer case to allow 2WD selection. The Hummer case nets a wider chain, 32-spline-output shaft, a six-gear planetary low-range gearset, differential side-gear needle bearings and a transfer case cooler, which isn't currently hooked up.
From there, power goes to the stock front Dana 30 high-pinion housing which has been stuffed with 4.88 gears, a Quick-Lok, and later-model shafts modified for full-circle U-joint retaining clips. Power then flows out to the WJ knuckles with '00-'06 TJ unit bearings. The brakes get a boost in the form of WJ twin-piston Akebono calipers and 12-inch-diameter vented rotors. The WJ knuckles lend themselves well to a high-steer setup obtained by flipping the tie rod to the top of the knuckle, and a WJ tie-rod end bolted to the ZJ pitman arm (which provides 1-inch of drop from stock). The axle gets some beef from JKS in the form of mini-skids for the lower control arm mounts and an Over-Axle track bar bracket welded to the axle.
Out back, a shaved high-pinion Currie 9-inch heavy-duty axle got Torino-style large bearing housing ends, 11/2-inch 35-spline shafts, a Detroit Locker with 4.86 gears, Explorer disc brakes with 48mm twin-piston calipers, and custom 11/4-inch-lift axle spring pads. A WJ master cylinder and dual-diaphragm brake booster with a proportioning valve modified to account for the rear discs round out the braking upgrades.
Body and Interior
Mike left well enough alone when it came to the body, and that theory has served him well. A lot of the modifications he has done are so subtle and contribute to the stock-like appearance, so you could mistakenly underestimate this rig's capabilities. The front Warrior bumper was moved back 11/4 inches for less front overhang and better approach angle. By moving the bumper back, the ends had to be trimmed for tire clearance and the factory tow hook mounts had to be moved back as well. The factory rear bumper was left alone, aside from the occasional rock impact.
The front and rear wheelwells were trimmed for tire clearance and the stock flares were moved up and/or stretched out to cover the opening and maintain a stock appearance. The somewhat uncommon grille isn't your normal XJ fare, but part of the Wagoneer package, which also included the faux wood trim that is still gracing the doors of this Jeep.
In the back of the Jeep and located in the grocery compartment is a recovery/tool/spare parts kit that makes your head swim. Not that there is a kitchen sink and a vise, but there's just enough to cover what he's likely to encounter. One of the big things you learn by wheeling the same vehicle hard for years is what breaks, what tools you need to fix it, and what spare parts you need. Mike not only has the tools and parts, but also has a spill kit to mop up and a tire plug/patch kit in lieu of a spare tire.
In the cab you'll find a Garmin 3006c Marine GPS with a 6.4-inch color screen and a tuned Uniden CB radio. Both units have antennas up on the roof, with a Wilson 1000 feeding the Uniden. Seats and dashboard are factory Jeep parts.