PROJECT: The "Knight Krawler" LJ
High-End Engineering. Zero Ego.
Jeremy and Wendy Knight didn’t come to Wide Open Design for a showpiece; they came for a legacy rig. The goal was simple but surgical: Create an LJ that looks like a factory-refined masterpiece but wheel it like a custom-built monster.
The Foundation: We started with our signature Jeep LJ Chassis, integrated with a fast-back Sport Cage and precision-engineered shock mounts. Beneath that striking blue paint isn't steel—it's a 100% aluminum tub. Our team hand-massaged the aluminum to perfect the body lines around the tires, ensuring that the "long tail" aesthetics of the LJ remained iconic while housing elite-level hardware.
The Mechanical Soul:
Reliability was the mandate. We stayed "tried and true" with an LS/Turbo 400/Atlas powertrain—the gold standard for power on demand without the headache. But the muscle is in the axles: Crane Axle Ready-To-Ride 14-bolts, Magnum Knuckles, and 40-spline shafts.
The Ride Quality:
We didn't just "bolt on" shocks; we tuned the chassis to utilize 100% of the travel from the Radflo 2.0 coilovers and 2.5 three-tube bypasses. Paired with a Currie rear sway bar, this Jeep doesn't just crawl; it glides.
The "Wife-Approved" Cockpit:
Inside, the hand-formed 16-gauge aluminum dash is a work of art—powder-coated raw with zero filler. It’s loaded with tech: Holley EFI vitals, Lowrance GPS with a backup cam, and Rugged Radios. But the real win? A custom glovebox and dedicated USB ports specifically for Wendy, tucked behind heated PRP seats.
Our Take: The standout of this build isn't a single part—it’s the harmony. No one component screams for attention, yet the entire package commands it. It’s a "Ready-To-Ride" benchmark that proves you don’t need to be loud to be the leader.
| Category | Component | Technical Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Chassis | WOD Jeep LJ Chassis | Integrated Sport Cage & custom shock mounts |
| Body | Full Aluminum Tub | 100% Aluminum; custom-massaged body lines |
| Engine | GM LS V8 | Tuned for reliability and "power-on-demand" |
| Transmission | GM Turbo 400 | Race-proven automatic |
| Transfer Case | Atlas II | Twin-stick geared for precision crawling |
| Front Axle | Crane Axle 14-Bolt | RTR (Ready To Ride), Magnum Knuckles, RCV Big Bells |
| Rear Axle | Crane Axle 14-Bolt | 40-Spline shafts, ARB Air Locker |
| Suspension | Radflo Dual-Shock Setup | 2.0 Coilovers + 2.5 Three-Tube Bypass (100% travel) |
| Steering/Stability | Currie Anti-Rock | Rear-mounted sway bar for high-speed stability |
| Interior | WOD Custom Dash | 16-gauge hand-formed aluminum (Zero filler) |
| Electronics | Tech Suite | Holley Gauge Pod, Lowrance GPS, Backup Camera |
| Comms/Audio | Rugged Radio | Complete in-car and car-to-car communication |
| Seating | PRP Custom | Heated elements with WOD-specific mounting |
| Storage | Custom WOD Solution | Low-profile fuel cell + integrated matching tool box |
| Recovery/Utility | Trail Ready | Built-in electric cooler mount & custom glovebox |
