EZ Rhino's 1981 CJ-8, Leroy	Short Cuts
EZ playing in Providence Canyon, Logan Utah	Navigation Menu JeepWire JeepWire Tech JeepWire Reader's Rigs JeepWire Feature Rigs 4x4Wire 4x4 Parts 4x4 Tech 4x4 Trails OutdoorWire ORN Site Index Links Index Off-Road Gallery Destinations Gallery Main Expo Center

Owner : Chris Perry (EZ Rhino)

Equipment and Modifications:

Vehicle: 1981 Scrambler, CJ-8 Vehicle name: Leroy Location: Salt Lake City, Utah Most recent outings: Providence Canyon, Moab, Delta, Vernal, American Fork Canyon, Utah Leroy on Wipeout hill Moab, Utah. Playing on Bread Loaf Killer Kane, Moab Killer Kane Moab, Utah

Motor--Chev TBI 350 Tranny--700r4 T-case--Novak adapted Dana 300 Front Axle--59.5" Chevy Dana 44, 4.56 gears, Detroit Trutrac Rear Axle--Scout II Dana 44, 4.56 gears, Detroit locker Axle Shafts--yes Steering--Converted to power steering Brakes--4 corner disc brakes courtesy of TSM, power brake converted Drive Shafts--yep, two of em Tires--35" muds Wheels--Cragar CHROME stars (no sissy black rims) Suspension--SOA with stock springs and Con-ferr shackles Shocks--Rancho 9000s Winch--Soon, very soon Bumpers--Custom EZ built Rocker Skids--Custom EZ built Other Accessories 23 gallon gas tank and EZ built skid plate Optima battery Comfy seats Tuffy console Kayline Fastrac top yadda yadda yadda Future plans rebuild transfer case full roll cage onboard air winch Rubicon trail next summer Cedar City this fall Delta, Utah trails next month

Notes from EZ

Chev 350 swap

I think a reoccurring theme in the metamorphosis of my jeep is that of doing everything myself, even if it's something I don’t know much about. I recently (finally!!) completed the king of projects: a V8 and auto tranny swap. I am very pleased with the way this turned out. Finally I can maintain highway speeds while battling a headwind! The original Iron Duke 4 banger had had it. I am also very sold on automatics. They are wonderful!

EZ built spare tire carrier

I have always really liked exploring the mountains around my home in Northern Utah. About 7 years ago I started using my Isuzu Rodeo to get further into the hills. After seeing what jeeps were capable of, and no thanks to a subscription to a good 4x4 magazine, I was sold on getting a jeep. I decided on a Scrambler. Longer wheelbase vehicles have always been my favorite, and the added room of a Scrambler would help out with all the camping gear needed for those extended stays in the mountains.

EZ built custom skids

I feel like I’ve got 'ol Leroy pretty much dialed in the way I want. The SOA configuration is plenty flexy, rides good, and provides the height I need to clear 35's and those big rocks. Its funny how times have changed....I remember when only a few years ago, a 4" lift and 33's was considered pretty big on a jeep and all that would ever be required for nearly any trail. Now that kind of configuration is barely adequate to do the "phun stuff". Another goal in the buildup of Leroy is making it a multipurpose vehicle. I want it to be as comfortable on the street getting to the trail as it is crawling over rocks. I think I have succeeded in this goal. However, now extreme trails are emerging and requiring even more out of the vehicle and driver. Part of the reason for my choosing an older jeep was to avoid the guilty feeling of getting body damage on a year old $20,000 Rodeo. The jeep is in good enough condition (totally rust free) to restore and pretty up with shiny coats of paint if I want. OR, I could wheel it to death and try to ignore the scraping sounds. (I've heard others say that only the first big dent hurts. The rest come easy). What do you think?

Wipe Out Hill Moab, Utah old paint

Providence Canyon Logan, Utah new paint

As for the paint job? Well......that’s another benefit of an old vehicle. Anytime I get a wild hair I can repaint it. When I bought it it was desert tan. I added the brown and viola! a giraffe was born. Ever since then I’ve been really stuck on the Serengeti/Africa bit, so giraffe it will stay! And for the nickname...well, you're going to have to hunt me down in person to get the answer to that question!

EZ Rhino