Jeff purchased the truck new in February of 1982. It has been used as a work truck, daily driver, and now a toy for weekeneds and trips. The truck has evolved to it's current state through years of trial and error. It is now ideally suited to taking two people for a weekend of pre-running, race support, or four wheeling.

The truck has been to every SCORE and HDRA race venue since 1988 as a race support vehicle. In this mode it carries two people and 400-600 pounds of tools and spare race car parts. It has towed broken race vehicles weighing up to 4000 pounds out of areas requiring 4-wheel low for access.

It has pre-run the Parker 400, rolling after 125 of 136 miles on the course. It was pulled over, the roof was jacked up, and it drove out to the trailer. Pre-runs have also included the Fireworks 250, Mint 400, Baja 500, and San Felipe 250. Pre-running is a moderate speed reconnaisance of the race course, usually the weekend before a race. In this mode the load is two people and about 250 pounds of gear. The suspension is set up in the middle of it's travel, as opposed to trying to get maximum lift. It's more useful and comfortable this way.

Camping and explorations trips include Baja California as far as Bahia Magdalena and Bahia de Los Angeles, Anza Borrego Desert State Park, Joshua Tree, Big Bear, Santa Ana Mountains, San Jacinto Mountains, Coast Ranges, Humbolt County, Mendicino County, Chuckwalla Mountains, and some more areas that have been forgotten over the years.

Jeff built the truck with a few goals in mind. He wanted power, tractability, a smog legal engine, minimum ride height with maximum travel and articulation, and minimal loss vs. current speed ability on mild dirt roads. As you read through the modifications list I'm sure you'll agree he's built one fine Datsun.

Be sure to check out the photo gallery too.

Front Suspension:

• Jim Conner A-Arms (further boxed and plated by BMP)
• Dual Bilstein Shocks by BMP
• Rancho Torsion bars
• Energy Suspension urethane bushings
• Torsion adjusters boxed and plated by BMP
• The front fender wells are "tubbed" to clear tires w/out a body lift. When the "future plans" are executed they will be tubbed more to clear even larger tires.

Rear Suspension:

• Late model Toyota 4wd springs with factory overload spring removed and one leaf added to remaining pack. The distance from the center pin to the front eye is the same as the Datsun. The distance from the center pin to the rear eye is 4" longer. The rear shackle has been moved back 4". This gives a compliant ride with better articulation than stock.
• Dual Bilstein shocks by BMP
• Energy Suspension urethane bushings
• Diest limiting straps

Engine:

• 1988 Z-24 Engine
• Doug Thorley header
• Weber Street Lethal Carb
• K&N Air Filter
• Mallory Pro 9MM wires w/Fire Sleeve wrapping
• Flowmaster muffler

Structural:

• Full in cab cage, tied into frame at 4 points w/urethane mounts, gusseted to cab at 6 points by J Penhall Fabrication
• Tubular subframe to support front fenders and radiator by BMP
• Front bumper and skid plate, tied into frame at cross member between lower A-Arms and front end of frame by BMP. Skid plate is 1/4" 6061 T-6 Aluminum protecting entire engine and lower cross member.
• Rear bumper and hitch w/ added cross member by PDM Fabrication
• Added rear cross member by BMP
• Rear roll bar/storage rack/light bar by PDM/BMP/Owner

Interior:

• Beard Super seats
• Pyrotect 5 point harnesses
• 5 pound fire extinguisher
• Roadmaster VHF 2 way radio
• Cobra CB
• Grant Steering wheel
• Custom carpet
• Tie downs for gear in King Cab area
• Remote battery switch
• Some VDO gauges (more on the way)
• New factory headliner installed following installation of cage

Tires/Wheels:

• 31x10.50-15 BF Goodrich Baja T/A
• 15x7 Ultra Type 62

Body:

• Cab roof and back replaced following a roll during pre-run of 1994 Parker 400
• Hood has had vents filled and smoothed
• Fenders have been trimmed for tire clearance, approach, and departure angle
• Painted Ford bright white

Other:

• 4.375:1 gear ratio front and rear axle
• 6 Hella 3000 driving lights
• 3 Hella work lights
• 1 Hella work light installed as a back-up light
• Battery relocated under middle of bed
• Additional spare tire mount in bed, flush when not in use
• Con-Ferr mini pickup rack adapted to roll bar
• HiLift jack mounted to roll bar

What does the future hold for this Datsun?

You can always make something better. To the extensive list of modifications above, Jeff has a few other goodies in store for his truck. Keep us updated Jeff, as new parts make it onto your truck.

• 302-late model fuel injected engine (in the garage waiting to be installed)
• Ford 9" rear end w/disc brakes and Detroit locker (in the garage too waiting for modifications)
• Ford 9" front end with ARB and coil spring suspension w/links
  Axles will probably be 2-3" wider than stock. New fenders will completely enclose them.
• 4.56 gears
• New transmission - C-6, E4OD, or NV4500
• Transfer case - Dana 300
• New rear springs by National Springs
• HD alternator
• Underhood welder
• Air compressor
• Winch
• Fiberglass fenders, bedsides, and hood
• 30 gallon fuel capacity
• Built-in storage compartments in bed
• 33" tires