They say that you’re only as good as your weakest link. This week we talk to Mark Eller, The Beast JK owner, who just finished up a new rebuild to make sure there is no weak link in his incredible JK built by Karnage Motorsports!
How did The Beast Earn its name?
The Beast got its name from my 2-year-old son at the time. He kept calling it a Beast over and over after a trip to a local off road park and it just stuck.
How many build changes has it gone through?
The Beast has been thru 5 or more build changes in the 6+ years I’ve owned it.
I always had it built to conquer the terrain I was hitting at the time instead of what I may want to do with it in the future.
The first major overhaul was swapping the sport axles out for Rubi axles. I originally thought 37s would be the biggest tire I would ever run. Later on I ended up doing a 1 ton swap so I could move to 42s then later back to 40s.
What is the next step for your rig?
The next step for my build is a fully custom Genright dash and an LS swap. I like the supercharger but when off road trying to get over an obstacle it leaves a little too much boosted pressure so the V8 is much needed.
How was your trip to Moab, and what is your favorite trail so far?
Moab was an amazing time! I can’t wait to get back out there. Once a year is not enough.
My favorite trail had to be Cliffhanger or Behind the Rocks.
I really enjoy the more scenic overlooking trails that have technical obstacles next to the cliff face. No left turn was my favorite. I’m not an adrenaline junky or anything but loved being so close to the edge of the cliffs.
What is you list of “must go to” events?
My list of must go to event changes from year to year but I always hit Jeep Beach. For sure EJS will have to be a must going forward. I’m going to hit as many shows as I can but I much prefer good wheeling over setting up at a show.
