J8 Expedition Project:

[Scott Brady]

We have been driving and testing a J8 for the past six months, and have started a series of modifications preparing the vehicle for significant international travel (think South America). This project will be exclusive to Expedition Portal, so progress will be covered in much more detail. The truck will be debuting at the Hollister, CA Overland Rally.



A quick introduction:

This is an Egyptian specification 1.25 Ton J8 with RHD and the VM turbo-diesel. We initially received the vehicle for performance evaluation against like applications (70 series, 110, G-Class, etc.) and it is now being modified for extended distance/time expedition travel.

Expeditions West was one of the first [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6UlZwyuQmw"][/ame] outside of Chrysler to test the J8 in 2009, and we are certainly the first to modify and prep one of these trucks for overland travel.

While not inexpensive, it is possible to assemble this vehicle just as we are by contacting AEV and Adventure Trailers. In comparison, this vehicle complete (when finished), will be about 20-30% less $$$ than the XV-JP we built for Central America with a greater emphasis on simplicity and extreme durability.

Serious air filter. We will be fitting a raised air intake as well (changing from the hood level one)


Factory fire extinguisher - a nice touch (love the cyrillic too)


Simple, clean interior


VM 4-Cyl 2.8L Turbo-diesel. It is magic- trust me, and was tuned by Mopar to 400 ft. lbs.


HD front and rear bumpers and recovery points. The recovery points are also certified for air lift.



Termal Imaging Camera - Why not




Some images from the early testing routes, including upchuck in Moab. This vehicle is only fitted with a rear LSD in the Dana 60 axle




Mario from Adventure Trailers has taken on this project personally, and some incredible progress has been made while I was traveling the Silk Road. Most importantly, this will be the proof of concept vehicle for the new AT Habitat unit. Look for updates from Mario in this thread every couple days as we lead up to Hollister and SEMA

[DarinM]

Too cool, y'all.
Looking forward to watching this happen.

[Root Moose]

I gotta get me one of those manufacturer plates... hmm...

[F5driver]

400 ft lbs! I feel kind lightheaded...

[stolenheron]

that camera would be a blast. considering most of my outings are based around spotting wildlife, I'd be all over that thing.

got any more info on it?

and that is one sweet jeep out of the box.

[TJDIV]

I dig that Michigan Plate

Forward Looking Infra-Red: On a Jeep.

[Number 7]

Very Cool - Standing by. d

[jeepdreamer]

Oh how I hate you guys...
will you adopt me?
Please?

[alosix]

Looks like a nice build going on there.

<rant>
I dunno about anyone else though, but I'm starting to get really frustrated from hearing about how cool the J8 is and still no concrete way of getting one in the states.
</rant>

[Root Moose]

I dunno about anyone else though, but I'm starting to get really frustrated from hearing about how cool the J8 is and still no concrete way of getting one in the states.

While not inexpensive, it is possible to assemble this vehicle just as we are by contacting AEV

???