SWAP SITE TO COMPETITION

By Christian Sturtz, [email protected]

Photos by Christian Sturtz

hear rock bouncing champion Tim Cameron’s conversation on Conversations with Big Rich.ent/uploads/2026/02/SWAP-SITE-TO-COMPETITION-1-300×300.jpg” alt=”SWAP SITE TO COMPETITION 1″ width=”300″ height=”300″ />For years, I have wanted to get into the W.E. Rock competition series at the beginner level. I have been in the off-road industry for over 20 years but have no experience competing or spotting competitively. I want to be competitive but also want to start with a vehicle that matches my ability. I would love to begin with a full-blown tube chassis portal car, but I don’t think it would be good for me – budget also plays into this. I want to start slow and small to see if I want to stick with this and take it to the next level.

I recently purchased an ’01 Jeep Wrangler TJ listed on a swap site. This TJ was low mileage, had a 4.0, and an automatic- just what I was looking for! This purchase also gave me the excuse to get out the Aluma trailer. This trailer is great if you are in the market for a rig trailer- check out my article “Towing in Style” in a previous issue of 4Low. I bought this trailer to haul my rigs around the country to different events and pickup projects. Oh yeah, and to look good doing it. (Figure 1)

This Jeep was set up as a capable wheeler, but I don’t think some of the parts will hold up to the abuse of a competition series. (Figure 2) I plan to relist some of the removed parts for sale to offset the build cost. I’m happy with the engine and transmission in the Jeep, but I’ll slowly upgrade or replace many of the components.

Starting at the front and working to the back. (Figure 3) I’m thinking: custom front/rear bumpers, GenRight body protection and suspension, Chris Durham hood, after-market axle housings with Yukon axle shafts and covers, Tom Woods drive shafts front and rear, Behemoth drivetrain flip kit on a Dana 300, and JB conversions 4 to 1 gears and heavy-duty front/rear outputs. I also really like the Yokohama Geolander X-MT tires and would like to try them in competition. Follow along for a great series of articles, and hold on – you are in for an intense competition!  

Sources: 

Aluma Trailers

101 East Seneca. 

Bancroft, IA 50517

1-866-415-3285

www.alumaklm.com