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Often it's not the so called "trickest new mod" or what some might consider a trend that impresses me. Lots of people are building crazy trucks these days, and sometimes it's kind of boring to listen to people bragging about the biggest badest axles and whatnot.

Don't get me wrong, I like trucks, but some of what I see is done more for the coolness factor than practical use. That's why I liked this Tracker. It's simple, it's being built with a simple yet effective strategy, and it's getting done on a budget.

Duane Irwin (Biker) is taking a simple approach to building his little four-wheeler.

He builds it with what he's got kicking around, what he can get for a bargain or fabricate himself. His goals seem to be pretty simple too; have fun building it, and have fun running it on the trails.

I'm afraid that there is a perception out there among some people who are new to four wheeling that you need to have huge axles, a V8 and all the bling that goes with a "hardcore rock crawler" to have fun 4wheeling. That's simply not the case, and this Tracker exemplifies that. For now Duane has concentrated on building this truck for daily use as well as weekend fun, while keeping in mind that what can be bought for big dollars can often be had for free or cheap if a little patience and creativity is employed.

I like seeing baby steps. No need to go all out right off the bat. Some simple, cheap mods to start with, and your out on the trail quick as slick.

Don't let this little 4x fool you either. With the right driving technique it can go a lot farther than most would expect. I remember when guys used to laugh at Suzuki Samurais. Well who's laughing now. They have gained a great reputation in recent years, and everywhere you go you see modified Samurais, LJs and SJs on the trails, and huge aftermarket support to boot. Now the Tracker, Sidekick, Sunrunner siblings are following in their tire prints.

Duane has fabbed up his own 3" body lift, custom coil swap and spacers, an ARB style front bumper, and installed Jeep CJ fender flares. To make the bumper he picked up a Warn winch mount at a pawn shop for $50 in like-new condition, and used some scrap steel and an old bush bar.

The CJ flares are pretty easy to come buy used and look almost factory on Duane's truck. They hide the fender trimming he did for tire clearance, and will keep him in compliance with the Motor Vehicle Safety Act when he goes to a wider tire.

Need a little extra carrying capacity? Check out the trailer hitch tray. You can buy these in various forms for different hitches and vehicles or you could build your own.

Not shown are some more recent additions including a modified passenger-side CV shaft, welded rear, 100-amp GM alternator, and Warn 6000lb winch up front.

One of these days I'm sure you'll see Duane running on larger tires, a custom built solid axle swap in the front, and dual t-cases, but for now he has a reliable daily driver that is capable of running 90% of the trails available on the island these days. Until then, keep up the good work buddy, you've given me some inspiration for my Tracker project.

jo-jo