RealRides Volume 5: Jeff Adkinson

What is RealRides? 

While the current and upcoming generation of enthusiasts may not remember a time before the internet, thirty-plus-year-olds can bond over memories of flipping through the newest features of their favorite auto magazines. 

There was no greater joy than finding the newest edition of Petersen's 4Wheel & Off-Road, Truckin', or Four Wheeler in the mail. While the elaborate and expensive builds were awe-inspiring, the "readers' rides" segment was always the most relatable. Getting up close and personal with your peers' builds always made the next upgrade feel more attainable. 

Such was the inspiration behind RealRides. However, we decided to take a tried-and-true format and flip the script to showcase our employees' rides, especially those outfitted with RealTruck accessories. As a purveyor of auto parts, it's our responsibility to illustrate how attainable and high-quality RealTruck's products are. After all, our employees don't just sell RealTruck products—they install them on their personal vehicles. 

Whether you're looking for inspiration for your next upgrade or want to get to know the enthusiasts behind your favorite aftermarket manufacturer and retailer, RealRides has you covered. 

Meet Jeff

To kick things off, let's learn more about the focus of this month's RealRides feature—Jeff Adkinson. 

As a long-time gearhead and RealTruck employee, Jeff has spent the past ten years balancing corporate life and his automotive hobbies. Though surrounded with automotive products at RealTruck almost daily, Jeff hasn't let it sour his passion. The lifelong enthusiast maintains his affinity for souped-up trucks and purpose-built wheelers. 

What About RealTruck Aligns with You? 

Jeff's been with us for an impressive ten years. As the backbone of our training department, he's helped to create a sense of community in RealTruck's sales department. As Jeff puts it,

"Starting as a sales agent and transitioning into the training department after a couple of years, I'm in my element. I enjoy meeting all the new agents that join RealTruck Ecom's team and fostering relationships with our team."

What Piqued Your Interest in Off-Roading? 

When Jeff isn't in the office, he's spending his time in the sunshine with his family, wheeling his impressively built Jeep CJ-7. According to Jeff, 

"My passion for off-road started when I was a senior in high school when I purchased my first Jeep. Since 1997, I have been involved in building toys and breaking them in one way or another. From the trails to the mud, I always find a way to find the next weakest link in my offroad builds. I'm always up for a journey that allows my girls and I to get out and enjoy some sunshine." 

Jeff's 2024 Toyota Tundra

Though a die-hard Jeeper, Jeff isn't a stranger to the pickup truck market. His personal truck is a tastefully modified 2024 Toyota Tundra, boasting a slew of modifications from RealTruck. Currently, the truck sits on a 3-inch suspension lift and 35-inch Nitto tires, giving it an aggressive stance while maintaining solid on-road performance. 

Accompanying the rugged stance are several modifications to the body and tasteful upgrades, including AMP® steps, AVS® bug deflectors and vent visors, and more. Check out the full list of upgrades below: 

• Camper Shell: A.R.E. V-Series 

• Bed Liner: BudRug Classic Bedliner

• Toolboxes: Undercover Swing Case (x2) 

• Bed Step: AMP Research®

• Steps: AMP Research® PowerStep® Vision

• Hood Protector: AVS® Aeroskin® Bug Shield

• Side Window Deflectors: AVS® Low Profile Ventvisor 

• Lift Kit: Superlift 3" 

• Wheels: MOTO Metal MO812 Turbine (20x9) 

• Tires: Nitto Recon Grappler (35x12.50r20) 

• Floor Liners: Husky Liners® Weatherbeater™

• Grille: OEM TRD Pro Grille with offroad lights 

Though already an excellent setup, Jeff still has plenty of plans for the Tundra in the future. His planned upgrades include: 

• JB4 Programmer 

• Husky Liners RVL® Fender Flares™ 

• Go Rhino® Ceros Low Profile roof rack 

• RIGID Industries 360-Series A-pillar light kit 

• K&N Cold Air intake 

Jeff's 1986 Jeep CJ-7

As if the Tundra weren't impressive enough, Jeff also owns a radical Jeep CJ-7 sporting several off-road-centric upgrades to make it the ideal weekend warrior. From its built 5.3L LS V8 swap to its one-ton running gear and 10-inch lift, Jeff has transformed the CJ-7 into a weapon off-road, though as he puts it, he always finds a way to discover the weakest link.  

Currently, the wild Jeep packs a long list of modifications far beyond our off-the-shelf upgrades. However, you'll still find some RealTruck accessories around the body and under the Jeep. Check out the complete upgrade list below: 

• Suspension: 10" lift with Superlift shocks 

• Running Gear: 

  • One-Ton Axles (Dana 60 front, 14-Bolt rear)  

  • Yukon Gear and Axle 4:10 Gears 

  • Yukon Gear and Axle Grizzly Locker (rear) 

• Drivetrain: 

  • Built 5.3 LS swap 

  • Built Turbo 400 transmission

  • Hurst Performance racing shifter 

  • Twin stick conversion Dana 300 transfer case 

• Tires: Maxxis Razr (40x13.50r17)

• Wheels: KMC Machete bead lock wheels 

• Lights: Vision-X Headlights 

• Fender Flares: Paramount 

• Sliders: Paramount 

• Air Intake: K&N cold air intake 

• Winch: Havoc Offroad steel cable 9.5k winch 

• Interior: 

  • BedRug Jeep Kit 

  • Cobra CB radio 

With all the supporting drivetrain modifications already installed, Jeff's next focus is the suspension. Jeff's currently eyeing a GenRight coilover suspension kit to significantly boost performance on the trail. 

Follow Along with RealRides

Big thanks to Jeff for taking the time out of his busy schedule to share some information about his rides! Stay tuned for next month as we cover another employee's builds.