Ronnie Da Ros Jeep JC Build

Fabrication

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Turn Key

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The Ultimate Frame-Up Evolution for the CJ/YJ Enthusiast.

Some Jeep builds are about nostalgia. Others are about capability. The Da Ros JC was built to deliver both.

Ron Da Ros didn’t want to lose the classic spirit of his Jeep, but he was ready to lose the limitations of a 30-year-old chassis. The answer was our Wide Open Design JC Chassis— designed specifically for classic Jeep CJ and YJ body platforms, the WOD JC Chassis transforms an old-school Jeep into a modern-link suspension crawler capable of serious trail performance without losing the character that made these Jeeps iconic in the first place. The end result is a clean, purpose-built Jeep that blends old-school style with modern suspension, drivetrain reliability, and real off-road capability.

The Power of Reliability:
Under the hood, we kept it "bulletproof simple" with a GM LS1 pushing a reliable 330 HP. This isn't about winning a drag race; it’s about having smooth, predictable torque when you’re halfway up a ledge. We backed it with the legendarily indestructible TH400/NP205 drivetrain combo and a custom S/S Flowmaster exhaust that gives it that signature American V8 growl.

Currie-Strength Foundation:
When it comes to the axles, Ron went with the best: Currie 9-inch housings front and rear. These axles offer the perfect balance of ground clearance and raw strength. Paired with 2.0 Coilovers and our WOD Wilwood Brake Kit, the "Da Ros JC" stops as fast as it climbs and rides smoother than any leaf-sprung Jeep ever could.

The Driver’s Office:
Inside, this build is all about business. We installed a WOD Steering Column topped with a Longacre suede wheel for maximum grip, while Momo seats keep Ron planted through the off-camber sections. High-intensity HID lighting ensures that when the sun goes down in the mountains, the trail stays visible.

The Chassis Changes Everything

The real transformation in this build comes from the WOD JC Chassis itself. Traditional CJ and YJ chassis designs were never intended for:

• long-travel coilover suspension
• modern axle geometry
• large tire clearance
• high articulation
• aggressive off-road use

The JC Chassis completely changes that. By starting with a purpose-built chassis platform, the Da Ros JC gains:

• improved suspension geometry
• increased rigidity
• better weight distribution
• modern drivetrain packaging
• improved ride quality
• significantly better articulation

Most importantly, it allows the Jeep to maintain the classic CJ/YJ appearance while performing like a modern custom crawler. That balance is what makes this build stand out.