Roamr Custom 1974 Jeep J-20 Review: The Tomahawk

Roamr Turned Back the Clock on Jeep Pickups with its Custom 1974 J-20.

Jeep pickups are a common sight these days as a result of the popularity of the new JT Gladiator. Prior to that model’s release in 2020, American Expedition Vehicles offered AEV Brute pickups built from modified Wranglers; before that, there was the 1986-92 Jeep Comanche based on the XJ Cherokee. But the history of Jeep pickup trucks — and the Gladiator name — goes back even further. In 1963, Jeep introduced the first Gladiator, also known as the J-Series. Production of this Wagoneer-based truck would continue for more than 25 years, serving as a testament to consumers’ desire for a vehicle blending the off-road prowess of a Jeep with the versatility of a pickup.

Roamr is a partnership between overland vehicle enthusiasts Troy Tertany, Tony Durbano, and Jason Miller. The trio has always been fond of J-Series trucks, so when they found a 1974 J-20 for sale, they immediately decided to restore it. “It was rough,” Troy said. “The truck was running, but just barely, and there was a lot of body cancer.” The cab, bed, and engine were removed, and all the rust was carefully excised. Then, Castle Fabrication shortened both ends of the frame to reduce its length by a total of 13.5 inches — this would improve the approach and departure angles on trails, and also make it more maneuverable around town.

“We decided early on that this build needed 40-inch tires, should be able to go just about anywhere, and should be prepared for several-day excursions,” Troy said. This meant the J-20 would need substantial modifications to the suspension and body. The factory sheetmetal panels were cut to make room for modified Metalcloak fenders; Rugged Ridge bumpers and rocker panel guards were also installed. Castle Fabrication crafted a custom suspension setup based on a Metalcloak 6-inch long-arm kit. This provided enough clearance to install 17-inch B.A.D. beadlock wheels and 40-inch Nitto tires.

The shortened bed received a host of new overland-oriented upgrades, including a Leitner Designs rack and storage pods, Decked drawer system, and a Wilco tailgate with spare tire. A Rhino-Rack on the cab serves as a mounting point for eight KC Hilites LED lights; a Sunseeker awning was also attached to provide shade at campsites.

Up front, Roamr installed JW Speaker projector headlights, a black Rhino grill, and a Warn winch. The unique hood ornament is a physical representation of the truck’s “Tomahawk” name; a second ax embedded in the tailgate serves as a handle. To complete the exterior, Miller Collision sprayed a coat of glossy Nardo Grey paint onto the body, and OC Rhino coated the bumpers, fenders, rack, and other accents in durable Rhino liner.

The original 401ci V-8 still resides under the hood of this Jeep, fully rebuilt and upgraded with Holley fuel injection. It sends power through a TH400 automatic transmission, BorgWarner QuadraTrac transfer case, and Tom Wood driveshafts to the Dana 44 front axle and Dana 60 rear axle. Both axles have been upgraded with Warn hubs, Yukon gears and lockers, and BJ’s Offroad disc brakes.

Inside the cab, the original power seats and door panels were reupholstered in diamond-stitched leather from Relicate. New black carpet, a plaid headliner, and a leather-wrapped dash were also installed. To bring this ’70s Jeep into the 21st century, the Roamr crew added a Dakota Digital gauge cluster, Bluetooth head unit, JL Audio speakers, Holley touchscreen fuel injection controller, and Switch Pros switch panel for the exterior lights and Viair air compressors.

Although Troy says this frame-off J-20 build was a huge challenge, he’s extremely proud of how it turned out. “This beast drives straight and smooth with one finger on the wheel at highway speeds,” he explained before adding, “But it’s frankly dangerous on the freeway because so many passersby veer toward it as they stare.” Although it’s driven on the road occasionally, it’s clearly made for the trail. “We have had it out to Moab twice — that’s its natural habitat.”

1974 JEEP J-20 SPECS

Engine: Rebuilt AMC 401ci V-8 with Holley Sniper fuel injection, Be Cool radiator and fans
Transmission: TH400 3-speed automatic
Driveline: 4WD with BorgWarner QuadraTrac 1339 transfer case and part-time 2WD conversion kit, Tom Wood driveshafts
Brakes: BJ’s Offroad disc brake conversion
Axles and Steering: Dana 44 front with truss and chromoly shafts, stock Dana 60 full-float rear, Reid knuckles, Artec steering, PSC hydraulic assist, Yukon gears and lockers, Warn hubs
Suspension: Custom setup by Castle Fabrication based on a heavily modified Metalcloak LJ 6-inch long arm kit, coil spring conversion, Metalcloak 6Pak shocks, Teraflex SpeedBump bump stops
Wheels and Tires: 17×9 B.A.D. beadlock wheels, 40×13.5R17 Nitto Trail Grappler tires
Body Modifications: Rhino grille; heavily modified Metalcloak fenders; Rugged Ridge bumpers, mirrors, and sidesteps; Wilco tire carrier tailgate; Leitner Designs Active Cargo System bed rack; Decked bed storage; Rhino-Rack over-cab rack and awning; bodywork and Nardo Grey paint by Miller Collision
Lighting & Electrical: Genesis Offroad dual battery kit with Odyssey batteries, JW Speaker headlights, KC Hilites light bar, Warn winch with Factor 55 FlatLink, Viair dual air compressors, Power Tank air tank
Interior: Original power seats and door cards reupholstered with Relicate leather, Dakota Digital gauge cluster, full dash restoration, plaid headliner, JL Audio speakers, Switch Pros switches
Owners: Troy Tertany & Jason Miller
Roamr: roamr.life ; Instagram- @iamroamr

Editor’s Note: This article originally appeared in Carnivore Magazine Issue 7.

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