1974 Jeep Gladiator J20
The concept of Tomahawk was birthed out of the idea that we could build a single vehicle that was the perfect trifecta of being a beloved classic vehicle, a Jeep (of coarse) and truck as well!
We think we came up with something special. Built to be able to perform offroad yet used as an overloading adventure rig, we carefully planned our attack and penned out what modifications we wanted.
The short version was to: bob the bed 13.5 inches, Update the full suspension with an LJ long arm kit from MetalCloak, Use our favorite fenders from MetalCloak, Stuff 40’s under it comfortably, Dial in the bed for adventure with Decked and Leitner, Beef up the front D44 and utilize the rear full float 60, keep the 401 motor but give it new life and make the interior clean and simple.
This is what we built.
How it all started
The Concept
The Reality
THE INFO
VEHICLE:
1974 Jeep Gladiator J20 AWD
AMC 401 V8
4.88 gear ratio
40in Nitto tires
131in Wheebase
PAINT:
Nardo Grey By Miller Collision
Oc rhino rhinolinings in bed and cab floor
FABRICATION:
Castle fabrication custom fabrication
INTERIOR:
Stock seats/door cards refreshed with custom Relicate Leather
Dakota digital display
JL Audio sound system
SwitchPros switch panel
Custom 4×4 high/low switches
EXTERIOR:
Shortened bed by 13.5in
Rugged ridge JK bumpers, side steps, lights, misc parts, mirrors
MetalCloak JK fenders
Warn winch
Factor 55 recovery flat link
JW speaker headlights
KC overhead and rack lights
Wilco tire carrier/tailgate
SUSPENTION:
MetalCloak LJ 6in suspension
MetalCloak 6Pac shocks
Teraflex speedbumps
Tom Woods driveshafts
DRIVETRAIN:
Original (rebuilt) 401 motor
Holley terminator fuel injection
Original 3 speed auto
Original AWD transfer case with linkage engagement conversion from vacuum
Artec steering
PSC hydro steering assist
Warn hubs
Nitto 40in Trail Grapplers
B.A.D. Wheels
Yukon Zip Lockers
Reid knuckles
BJ’s Offroad disc brake cons version and several replacement parts/seals
Odyssey batteries
Stock reinforced front Dana 44 (sleeved, trussed, chromoly shafts)
Stock reinforced rear Dana 60
ADVENTURE BUILD:
Leitner active cargo system
Freespirit rooftop tent
Decked drawer system
Rammount holders throughout
Rhinorack over cab rack and awning
Powertank
Viair dual air compressor
Outer Limit Supply first aid/recovery
JP Magazine, Bless This Stuff, Jolopnik, and several other online publications, Tomahawk has made a slash on the interwebs
JOLOPNIK:
Here Are Two Very Different Ways to Build an Ultimate Overland Jeep
From being contracted as a show booth babe for Ram Mounts and being background fodder for meat sticks along with the star of Heavy Metals limited video series, Tomahawk has made quite a splash in the industry.
Tomahawk made it into our signature art series available on several items in our store.
