Custom Off-Road Build: Engine, Wiring, Wheels, and More

In this riveting episode of MotorTrend Channel's S120 project, the team at Woods Off Road in San Marcos, California is back in action. Johnny and the gang are hard at work, pecking away at the S120 with an overwhelming amount of tasks ahead. But fear not, dear viewers, as they bring us up to speed on the progress made and the exciting plans for this custom beast.

Last time we saw this machine, it was nothing more than a bare chassis, with axles in place and the engine sitting on a stand. But oh, how things have changed! The engine build is complete, thanks to the parts from Duras and the expertise of the team at Out of Town Pro. The Hamm's is fully installed, and they've even managed to fit a junkyard bell housing and a Duras clutch starter. But that's not all, folks! They've also tackled the notorious fifth gear problem with a monster NV4500 transmission from Monster Transmissions. And let's not forget the Rtech high steer arm, welded to the knuckles. It's a custom cool extravaganza!

But wait, there's more! The team has pulled off a feat that defies convention. They've managed to retain the JK gas tank and use the Sterling 10 and A2, a combination that's not known to play well together. With some modifications and a lot of time spent with a heat gun, they've made it work. Sure, they lost about a gallon of capacity, but the trade-off is worth it. They now have more bed space and an open chassis side for the exhaust. It's a brilliant solution that has them all stoked.

In this episode, the team tackles various tasks, from permanently mounting the cab to positioning the front clip and mounting the tires. They encounter a surprising setback when the threaded end of the output snaps off during a routine removal. It's a rare occurrence, and they're left shocked and scrambling for a solution. But fear not, dear viewers, for these skilled individuals will find a way to overcome this unexpected obstacle.

As the project progresses, the team dives into the wiring, using an Edelbrock Pro-Flo wiring harness and Painless Performance Products wiring. They discuss the high-quality components they've chosen, from battery cables to switches, all designed to make the wiring process painless. They even show off the Painless 23 circuit Pro Series chassis harness, a versatile system that can handle all their electrical needs and future upgrades. It's a wiring extravaganza that would make any car enthusiast's heart race.

But that's not all, folks! They move on to the wheels and tires, showcasing the Trail Ready HD1 beadlocks and the massive 40x13 Mestar Patagonia M2 tires. These rugged beauties have proven their worth on previous adventures and are ready to take on whatever challenges lie ahead. With careful cinching and torquing, the team ensures a secure fit, ready to tackle any terrain.

The excitement builds as the team trims the fender to accommodate the large tire, maintaining the vehicle's mean and low stance. They discuss the challenges of fitting the front clip and the decision to leave the fender in its stock location. It's all about preserving the vehicle's history and maintaining that sinister look. With each step, the S120 starts to resemble a true off-road machine, ready to conquer the world.

As the episode nears its end, the team reflects on the progress made and the work that lies ahead. They discuss their plans for the battery, the dashboard display, and the overall design of the truck. They're determined to preserve the patina and body lines that make this vehicle a true survivor. It's a labor of love, and they won't rush the process. Their dedication and attention to detail ensure that this S120 project will be nothing short of extraordinary.

So, dear viewers, stay tuned for the next thrilling installment of the S120 project. The team at Woods Off Road is on a mission to create a one-of-a-kind off-road beast, and they won't rest until every bolt is tightened, every wire is connected, and every component is in place. It's a journey filled with challenges, setbacks, and triumphs, and we can't wait to see what they'll accomplish next.

Watch 4x4 Garage: Hemi Swapped International S120 Rock Crawler Pt. 3 | MotorTrend on Youtube

Viewer Reactions for 4x4 Garage: Hemi Swapped International S120 Rock Crawler Pt. 3 | MotorTrend

Commenters love the look of the truck and the color with the patina
One commenter would prefer to dip and paint the body rather than have patina and rust
Some commenters express their admiration for the build
One commenter calls it a dream truck
Positive emojis and comments about the video's entertainment value
A commenter questions why the truck wasn't lifted instead of cutting fenders
Appreciation for the truck not being electric
A commenter shares a historical anecdote about women in the Industrial Revolution and FDR's actions during WW2