Jeep NuKaiser: Images and Driving Impression
- Thread starter Scott Brady
- Start date
Metcalf
Expedition Leader
Few details for ya after a quick read....
-The wheels are forged aluminum units I believe after talking with the hutchinson guys at EJS. Lighter than you would think, but still heavy with the rubber beadlock liner. They are 5.8X" backspacing also. They would be just about perfect for a J8 in my opinion
-The front axle is a pro-rock D44 center with D60 knuckles I think? Perhaps a little lighter than a full D60, but still pretty dang heavy knowing dynatracs historic axle stoutness.
-Can you say full float rear axle WITH the huge J8 brakes....no more c-clips.
I think the concept was spot on, if they offered it it would sell in a heart beat. The vehicle market is screaming for stuff like this...stuff that still has a soul. It might not be perfect with the chopped windshield and top, but it isn't any worse than an H2 or H3 in visibility. Jeep needs to bring back the endless style of a properly done utilitarian vehicle. This and the J8, or even J7 concept, come very close in my opinion. Also, PLEASE, if your reading this Jeep, give us the diesel already. How many times do you need it proved that it will work and can sell in the USA.
-The wheels are forged aluminum units I believe after talking with the hutchinson guys at EJS. Lighter than you would think, but still heavy with the rubber beadlock liner. They are 5.8X" backspacing also. They would be just about perfect for a J8 in my opinion
-The front axle is a pro-rock D44 center with D60 knuckles I think? Perhaps a little lighter than a full D60, but still pretty dang heavy knowing dynatracs historic axle stoutness.
-Can you say full float rear axle WITH the huge J8 brakes....no more c-clips.
I think the concept was spot on, if they offered it it would sell in a heart beat. The vehicle market is screaming for stuff like this...stuff that still has a soul. It might not be perfect with the chopped windshield and top, but it isn't any worse than an H2 or H3 in visibility. Jeep needs to bring back the endless style of a properly done utilitarian vehicle. This and the J8, or even J7 concept, come very close in my opinion. Also, PLEASE, if your reading this Jeep, give us the diesel already. How many times do you need it proved that it will work and can sell in the USA.
Metcalf
Expedition Leader
I think it was the same axle that was featured in this article....
http://www.4wheeloffroad.com/techar...7_dynatracs_full_float_pro_rock_60/index.html
Dynatrac makes a custom full float snout and bearing hub with the 5 on 5.5 pattern and the ABS tone ring machined in. They then mate all this up to the J8 brake package. VERY close to ideal in my view. I would spice it up a bit with a replaceable spindle and one of those upcoming Sixty9 3rd members in a heat treated fabricated 9" style housing. This would give you best of all worlds. Full float, drop out diff, replaceable and serviceable bearings, etc....
http://www.4wheeloffroad.com/techar...7_dynatracs_full_float_pro_rock_60/index.html
Dynatrac makes a custom full float snout and bearing hub with the 5 on 5.5 pattern and the ABS tone ring machined in. They then mate all this up to the J8 brake package. VERY close to ideal in my view. I would spice it up a bit with a replaceable spindle and one of those upcoming Sixty9 3rd members in a heat treated fabricated 9" style housing. This would give you best of all worlds. Full float, drop out diff, replaceable and serviceable bearings, etc....
FreeManDan
Adventurer
It crossed my mind how cool it would be if it went into production with a suv platform as well, kinda like a through back to the grand wagoner. OR why not make one vehicle to fit both, much like a CJ8, just have an option of truck top or full length top as an option from the factory. Or even give dealers and owners the option of changing it themselves. That kinda concept just seems more like a jeep to me...:costumed-smiley-007
Root Moose
Expedition Leader
Can't say I'm a fan of that particular full float setup (in the article). The spindle needs to be removable. It is effectively a wear item and/or has the potential to get screwed up due to unforeseen circumstances or lack of maintenance.
Another minor quibble is the flanged shafts. I'd like to see drive slugs and optional locking hubs so the vehicle can be flat towed if desired. But this point is just to be contrary and to complain about something.
Another minor quibble is the flanged shafts. I'd like to see drive slugs and optional locking hubs so the vehicle can be flat towed if desired. But this point is just to be contrary and to complain about something.
Viggen
Just here...
Yeah right. Who would buy this? This could be the new Brodozer. If you want a pickup, youll buy a Ford, Dodge or GM product and save some money and gain a purpose built truck rather than just a pickup body on a Jeep chassis. Im a huge fan of the HCPU Defenders and still dont like this Jeep.
Gorgeous Willys. Im thinking about pulling the trigger on a Wagon. Would love to build one up.
Metcalf
Expedition Leader
Its not just a jeep pickup though. Even with the stock J8 style axles it is still firmly in the 1/2 ton pickup category, perhaps even in the 3/4 ton category. The J8 can haul 2000lbs in the bed....and it rated for that from the military. It is also rated to tow 7000lbs if I remember right. I don't know if they would ever release the J8 chassis to the public.....but the tech is there to make this concept work WELL.
Also remember that this vehicle doesn't have much if any lift either....and 38" tires!
Also remember that this vehicle doesn't have much if any lift either....and 38" tires!