Projects in the Shop: Custom Jeeps, Mega Tire Rock Bouncers & New Axle Options
One of the things we enjoy most at Wide Open Design is the variety of projects that come through the shop. On any given day, we might be building a desert-inspired Jeep capable of crossing the country, assembling a rock bouncer on 50-inch tires, fabricating custom axle assemblies, or updating a customer's long-loved trail rig with modern suspension technology.
This month is no different. Several major projects are nearing the finish line, and before they head to powder coat, we wanted to give everyone a behind-the-scenes look at what's currently happening inside the shop.
Watch the Full Shop Update
The "Moab to Mexico" Jeep LJ
One of the most unique builds currently in the shop is a custom Jeep LJ designed to do something many vehicles struggle with—excel almost everywhere. The owner wanted a vehicle capable of:
- Tackling the hardest trails in Moab
- Running East Coast rock trails
- Pre-running with desert race teams in Mexico
- Remaining comfortable enough for long-distance adventures
The foundation starts with a Wide Open Design LJ chassis and an Aqualu aluminum body tub.
Key Components
- Wide Open Design LJ Chassis
- Aqualu Aluminum Tub
- Crane Axle 14-Bolt Axles
- Crane Magnum Knuckles
- RCV Big Bell Axle Shafts
- Radflo 2.0 Coilovers
- Radflo 3.0 Bypass Shocks
- WOD 7075 Aluminum Trailing Arms
- WOD 7075 Aluminum Link Bars
- LS Engine
- TH400 Transmission
- Atlas Transfer Case
One of the most distinctive features is the custom body modification performed to maximize suspension up-travel. The rear quarter panels were extensively reshaped to create clearance for the long-travel suspension while maintaining the recognizable Jeep LJ profile.
Other standout features include:
- Actuated adjustable light bar
- 40-gallon fuel system
- Lockable tool storage
- Removable roof rack
- Hand-formed aluminum dashboard
- RacePak instrumentation
- PRP fresh-air system
This build represents exactly what custom off-road fabrication is all about—designing a vehicle around the customer's intended use rather than forcing the customer to adapt to the vehicle.
The 50-Inch Tire Rock Bouncer
If the LJ is about versatility, this Rock Bouncer X chassis is about going big. Really big. Built around massive 50-inch tires and 2.5-ton Rockwell axles, this project immediately grabs attention. Yet despite the huge tires, careful engineering has kept the overall proportions and center of gravity surprisingly low.
Build Highlights
- WOD Rock Bouncer X Chassis
- 50" Off-Road Tires
- 2.5-Ton Rockwell Axles
- Front & Rear Steering
- Radflo Coilovers
- Radflo Bypass Shocks
- LS Engine
- TH400 Transmission
- Hero Transfer Case
- Custom 16-Gauge Aluminum Interior
- Winters Shifter
- Trail Storage System
One statistic that really stands out is the belly height. Even with 50-inch tires, the chassis only sits approximately two inches higher than a typical buggy running 43s. That combination of tire size, clearance, and low center of gravity should make for an incredibly capable trail machine once complete.
New Axle Options from Crane Axle
The axle assembly side of the shop continues to grow as more builders turn to Crane Axle products for front and rear axle solutions, including:
- Crane Magnum Knuckles
- Unit Bearings
- Lightweight Brake Kits
- RCV Big Bell Axle Shafts
- Rear Steer Configurations
- Complete 14-Bolt Packages
- 40 Spline Rear Spindles
Bringing New Life to a Classic CJ-7
Not every project requires starting from scratch. One of our favorite builds currently in the shop belongs to a long-time customer who wanted to preserve everything he loves about his CJ-7 while improving its performance, ride quality, and suspension capability.
Rather than replacing everything, we're reusing several proven components including:
- RamJet 350 Engine
- Dana 60 Front Axle
- Dana 70 Rear Axle
The plan is simple: Keep the soul of the Jeep while updating the foundation underneath it. By combining one of our modern chassis platforms with the components the owner already knows and trusts, we're able to create a vehicle that feels familiar while delivering dramatically improved suspension performance and drivability.
Why Every Build Is Different
One thing this month's projects have in common is that none of them were built from a template.
The desert-inspired LJ, the 50-inch tire Rock Bouncer, the turnkey axle packages, and the CJ-7 restoration all solve completely different problems for completely different owners. That's what makes custom fabrication so rewarding.
Whether you're building a dedicated trail machine, a race vehicle, a rock crawler, a Jeep, or a one-off off-road project, the goal is always the same: Build the right vehicle for the way you actually use it.
Stay tuned as these projects head to powder coat and final assembly. We'll be sharing more updates, detailed walkarounds, and trail footage as each build gets closer to completion.
Questions or Comments?
We'd love to hear your thoughts or answer any questions.