THE CHIEF OF NEW JERSEY
November 1, 2024
THE AUTO BUILDER
Featured
Custom Meets Prefab
If you have spent any amount of time working on street machines, you are well aware that “bolt-on” parts do not always bolt right on. Still, it’s often a lot easier to modify those parts than to fabricate your own. The same holds true for such items as rollcages. Nobody pretends that a prefab cage is going to drop right into place without having to trim a single tube. That’s mainly because the economies of scale dictate that manufacturers make a single design fit as many cars as possible. Unfortunately, a cage that fits many cars probably fits no car perfectly.
Smooth Trails Ahead: Installing Skyjacker’s Slip Yoke Eliminator Kit for Your Jeep Wrangler TJ
Upgrading your Jeep for better off-road adventures sounds awesome, but sometimes it can cause unexpected problems. For example, when you install a Skyjacker Rock Ready-Double Flex Suspension Kit, you might notice your Jeep vibrating more than usual. That’s because the lift can mess with how the transfer case and rear axle line up. Luckily, Skyjacker has a solution called the Slip Yoke Eliminator (SYE) kit. It not only stops the vibrations but also makes your Jeep’s drive shaft stronger. In this guide, we’ll walk you through installing the NP 231 Short Shaft “Fixed Yoke” Kit. We’ll cover everything from the tools you need to important things to think about before you start. So, if you’re eager to boost your Jeep’s performance, keep reading to learn how Skyjacker can help.
TURNED-ON, TUNED-IN ECONOLINE
In an unmarked garage in north central Oklahoma (parked next to an original ’70 Boss 429) sat the Econoline. After moving the dead varmint skeletons and wiping off many years of dust, Kirk’s rolling time capsule was ready to see daylight again. Since the 406 Ford FE big block was no longer “politically correct,” a modern powerplant was decided upon.
Spotlighter
“Gray Madder” Takes Home the 2025 Ridler Award
A '55 Nomad That’s Pure Hot Rod Perfection
If you know anything about hot rodding, you know the Don Ridler Memorial Award is the big one. The best of the best show up to the Detroit Autorama every year, hoping to take home that trophy, and in 2025, it went to a killer ‘55 Chevy Nomad called "Gray Madder." Owned by Tom and Christy Bresnahan and their son Josh, this thing is an absolute showstopper, built with insane attention to detail and packed with killer custom touches.
Author
Jamie Dent
Photography by Julie & John Aschenberg
Built to Win by Southern Comfort Customs
Hailing from North Carolina, the crew at Southern Comfort Customs knocked this build out of the park. The Nomad sits on a rock-solid Art Morrison chassis with a trick hydraulic suspension setup, which means it’s got the stance and the ride to match. And let’s talk about power—because this thing’s got plenty.
LS3 Power with a Nod to the Past
Under the hood, you’ll find a rowdy LS3 pumping out serious power, breathing through Ultimate Headers and managed by a Holley EFI system. A 6L90E six-speed automatic backs it up, making sure all that horsepower gets to the pavement. And in a genius move, they worked in a custom billet air cleaner using pieces from an old-school 265 small-block unit, blending modern tech with classic vibes.
Custom Styling That Nails It
This isn’t just a go-fast machine—it looks insane too. The body is covered in Glasurit 55 paint, and the one-off billet grille sets the tone up front. Chrome and billet details are everywhere, giving it that perfect mix of class and aggression. The wheels? Full custom from Evod Industries—18x10s in the front and 20x12s in the rear, wrapped in Diamond Back Classic rubber. It’s got the stance, it’s got the style, and it just flat-out works.
Inside the Cabin—Modern Comfort Meets Classic Cool
Step inside, and the details keep coming. Dakota Digital gauges sit in a slick custom dash, with a one-off steering column by Kevin Fugate. The leather interior? Hand-stitched perfection by Jeff Shores. And because no hot rod should be a sweaty mess, it’s got Vintage Air to keep things cool.
A Well-Earned Spot in Hot Rod History
The Bresnahan family and the mad scientists at Southern Comfort Customs didn’t just build a car—they built a legend. The “Gray Madder” Nomad is everything a Ridler-winning hot rod should be: wild, innovative, and straight-up badass. Congrats to the team for bringing this one to life and taking home the biggest award in the game!
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