Underdog to Icon: The Story Behind a Fully Custom 2000 4Runner

The Story Behind Jake Winterton’s 1972 Suzuki LJ10 Jimny

When it comes to unique builds, few can top what Jake Winterton has done with his 1972 Suzuki LJ10 Jimny. Painted in House of Kolor’s Tangelo Pearl Orange, this rare off-road machine is something you don’t see every day. According to Jake, “No one has built one the way I have,” and that’s a statement backed by one-of-a-kind modifications and creative fabrication. Only three of these models were imported into the USA, and this one is setting a new standard.

From the start, the goal was clear. Jake wanted to build something entirely custom, from the frame to the drivetrain. A full-body stretch of 24 inches and bead-rolled sides that match the factory body lines was just the beginning. Backyard Customz handled the bodywork, and the result is a unique fusion of factory aesthetics with modern touches. The stock fenders were customized, and the addition of JW Speaker black LED projector headlights and a custom LED chase bar round out the lighting package.

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter

Under the hood, this Jimny is anything but stock. Jake opted for a 2.4L K24 engine from a 2004 Acura TSX. To make the engine fit, he hand-built engine mounts and used a Fabbot billet adapter to mate the engine to a Chevrolet TH350 transmission. The custom swap was a challenge, but the outcome speaks for itself. The engine features a top-mount turbo manifold, a hand-built intake, and a Hondata Racing ECU, controlled through a Carrot Top Tuning harness. Exhaust is routed through a 2.25-inch system, also hand-built by Jake.

The transmission setup is just as custom as the engine. The TH350 transmission, fitted with a reverse manual valve body, is paired with a custom-built torque converter and TCI shift kit. A 10×12 rear-mounted transmission cooler keeps things in check during those tough climbs. Power is sent to an Atlas 4-speed transfer case with a low-range ratio of 10:1, giving the LJ10 serious rock-crawling capabilities.

For axles, Jake sourced a Ford Super 60 and Sterling setup from a 2013 F-350. Both axles run 5.38 gears and are locked with spools, making this little rig ready for the toughest trails. Tom Woods shafts with 1350 U-joints ensure the drivetrain is as solid as the rest of the build. The braking system includes stock F-350 brakes and a Wilwood dual master cylinder for precise stopping power.

The custom work doesn’t stop at the drivetrain. Jake fabricated a full custom frame, extending the wheelbase to 117 inches. The suspension is a 4-link setup both front and rear and features Fox 2.0 air shocks all around. With 40-inch Pro Comp Xtreme MT2 tires wrapped around 17×10 MG aluminum beadlock wheels from Sidetracked Offroad, the Jimny is well-prepared to handle whatever terrain it faces.

Inside, the build is all about functionality. The Jimny features Mastercraft suspension seats in black cloth, ensuring comfort on and off the trail. The fully lined interior makes cleanup after a muddy day in the mountains easier. A full exo-cage, fabricated by Backyard Customz, ensures the safety of everyone inside while giving the Jimny a rugged, trail-ready appearance. Instrumentation is simple and effective, with a Speedway steering wheel leading the way.

The journey for Jake and his Suzuki hasn’t been without its challenges.

“Nothing was easy with how small it is,” Jake admits.

Getting all the parts to work together in such a compact vehicle took time and effort, but the result is a one-of-a-kind build that’s turning heads wherever it goes.

Already showcased at the Snake River Truck Show, Jake’s Jimny is gearing up for events like Winter 4X4 Jamboree and other rock-crawling events across Utah. Despite the success, Jake is already thinking ahead, with plans to add a turbo soon to boost the performance even further.

For anyone looking to attempt a build like this, Jake offers some simple advice: “Best of luck.” With a truck this rare, there are no shortcuts. “I wish I had found some,” Jake jokes, but in the end, every custom-built part and every hour spent in the garage was worth it.

Jake’s Suzuki LJ10 Jimny is not just a truck—it’s a piece of off-road history, reimagined and rebuilt for the modern age. It’s the rarest of builds, combining old-school charm with cutting-edge off-road capability.

Upgrades

1972 Suzuki LJ10 Jimny

OWNER:Jake Winterton
South Weber, UT

Engine & Drivetrain:

Engine: 2.4L K24 from a 2004 Acura TSX; Custom engine mounts, Fabbot Billet adapter; Chevrolet TH350 transmission; Reverse manual valve body, TCI shift kit; Atlas 4-speed transfer case (10:1 low range); Tom Woods driveshafts with 1350 U-joints; Front axle: Ford Super 60 from a 2013 F350, 5.38 gears, spool; Rear axle: Ford Sterling from a 2013 F350, 5.38 gears, spool

Suspension:

Custom 4-link front and rear; Front Shocks: Fox 2.0 air shocks; Rear Shocks: Fox 2.0 air shocks; Wheelbase: 117 inches

Wheels & Tires:

Tires: 40/13.5R17 Pro Comp Xtreme MT2; Wheels: 17×10 MG aluminum beadlocks from Sidetracked Offroad

Body & Armor:

24-inch body stretch; Bead-rolled sides to match factory body lines; JW Speaker black LED projector headlights; LED chase bar; Full custom exo-cage by Backyard Customz