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2007 Jeep JK Wrangler - Currie Cruiser
The Currie brothers, owners of Currie Enterprises, have always owned great 4x4 vehicles. As technology changes, the Curries have always stepped up and built the next latest and greatest. When Jeep introduced the new JK Wrangler, it wasn't long before John Currie and the Currie engineering staff had a JK Unlimited that not only works as well off-road as all former Currie vehicles but also cruises getting to the trail and back on the highway.
This red cruiser started as an '07 Jeep JK Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon (whew - vehicle names keep getting longer). It has the 3.8 V6 that comes in all JKs and an overdrive automatic transmission. The Rock-Trac Rubicon transfer case with 4:1 Low range was retained since it's so strong and works well. J.E. Reel driveshafts carry the power to the frontends and rearends.
Currie Enterprises started business building Ford 9-inch rearends and are still the 9-inch leaders with their 9-Plus series. Many years ago, the Curries branched out and started offering other frontends and rearends, as well as Jeep parts and accessories. Today, the Currie RockJock line includes everything from axles to armor. The Currie Cruiser features the new Currie Iron Jock 60 frontend that uses JK Rubicon knuckles, has hardened 35-spline inner axles and 32-spline outers, CTM joints, 5.38 gears, and a Detroit Locker. The Iron Jock 60 rearend has 35-spline axles, 5.38 gears, and an ARB Air Locker. The Wrangler retains the JK's 5x5 lug pattern. The 5.38 gears sound low, but the high-revving 3.8 V6 likes them, especially with 37-inch tires mounted.
o clear the 37-inch BFGoodrich KM2 Mud-Terrain tires mounted on 17x8.5 Walker Evans Racing beadlock wheels, Currie Enterprises burned the midnight oil and introduced their RockJock JK suspension that includes progressive coil springs front and rear, adjustable front and rear upper and lower control arms, adjustable front and rear track bars and relocation brackets, and optional Walker Evans Racing 2.0 reservoir shocks with 14 compression adjustments. The RockJock suspension also includes Currie Antirock swaybars front and rear.
Is the JK power-steering pump and gearbox strong enough to handle the increased loads off-roading puts on them? We don't know yet, but John took no chances and installed a new PSC pump, gearbox, and ram assist that makes steering a breeze, even when locked up on slickrock. Other touches to the JK include a custom spare-tire carrier that moves the tire up enough to clear the bumper, a Currie towbar system, a nifty little towhook/tire rest, and a RockJock front air dam/skidplate that replaces the wimpy factory plastic part. New front and rear bumpers are planned but weren't installed when we did the photo shoot.
The new Currie Cruiser JK isn't a hard-core rockcrawler, but with the Currie RockJock components, comes very close to being the perfect all-around vehicle. It can be driven to the trail, tackle tough trails and obstacles with ease, then travel home, keeping passengers comfortable. The JK Wrangler took Jeeping to a higher level. Currie Enterprises has taken the JK to an even higher level. Cruise on! |
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