Hard to believe it's that time already - it seems like we were sifting through last year's Top Truck ballots barely a couple of months ago - but once again, we're starting to make plans for the 14th annual running of Top Truck Challenge, this coming June in Hollister Hills. But before we can finalize our plans, you need to tell us who's coming out to play with us this year.
On the following pages are 50 of the toughest would-be competitors we could find for TTC 2006. Check out the photos and peruse the specs. Then go to page 47 in the April 2006 issue, fill out the ballot, make your picks of the 10 rigs you want to see compete, and mail it to us by the specified date. Once again, as always, only actual printed ballots from the April 2006 issue will be counted - all faxes, photocopies, and electronic submissions get tossed in the round file. (And yes, we welcome multiple ballots - you just gotta buy multiple magazines.) We'll add up the numbers and print the results, along with features of our 10 finalists, in the November issue, with event coverage to follow in December.
But for now, break out your fine-tuned trail acumen - it's time to separate the contenders from the pretenders.
1.Collin Williams
Lee's Summit, Missouri
1997 Jeep Wrangler TJ
Collin says he's wheeled every trail "from Moab to Kansas City." Now he's looking for a ticket to the Left Coast.
Engine: 5.3L GM Vortec V-8
Transmission: TH400HD
Transfer case: Atlas II 4.3
Axles, f/r: High-pinion Dana 60/GM 14-bolt
Traction aids, f/r: Detroit/Welded spiders
Ratio: 5.13:1
Suspension, f/r: Three-link, XJ coils/triangulated four-link, XJ coils
Tires: 44x18.5-15 cut TSL Swampers
Special features: 35-spline axles, 1350 U-joints, custom fuel cell, full hydro steering, Warn HS 9500i winch
Driver experience: 10+ years
2.Brad Pellett
Longview, Texas
2002 Dodge Ram 2500
Brad's philosophy: "If it don't crawl, let it eat!" Can a Cummins make the final cut this year?
Engine: 5.9L Cummins turbodiesel
Transmission: 45RFE
Transfer case: NVG271
Axles, f/r: 2 1/2-ton Rockwell/2 1/2-ton Rockwell
Traction aids, f/r: Detroit/Detroit
Ratio: 6.72:1
Suspension, f/r: Four-link, coilovers/four-link, Sway-A-Way coilovers
Tires: 44-15 TSL Swampers
Special features: Edge programmer, four-wheel steering, Warn 15000 winch
Driver experience: 26 years
3.Mark Vann
Sonora, California
1979 Jeep CJ-5
Mark lists the Rubicon and Moon Rocks as favorite 'wheeling spots. Will the Mini 'Con be challenging enough?
Engine: 383ci Chevy V-8
Transmission: TH400
Transfer case: NP203/205
Axles, f/r: High-pinion Dana 60/Dynatrac ProRock Dana 60
Traction aids, f/r: Detroit/Detroit
Ratio: 5.38:1
Suspension, f/r: Four-link, Doetsch Tech coilovers/Four-link, Sway-A-Way coilovers
Tires: 42x14.00-17 Super Swamper IROKs
Special features: Holley 650 carb, 35-spline axles, four-wheel steering, Warn 8000 winch
Driver experience: 10 years
4.Josh Sanborn
Glendo, Wyoming
2004 homemade rock buggy
Josh says he 'wheels on "private land," but now he's looking at a public debut if the readers vote him in.
Engine: 396ci Chevy V-8
Transmission: TH350
Transfer case: NP208
Axles, f/r: 2 1/2-ton Rockwell/2 1/2-ton Rockwell
Traction aids, f/r: Detroit/Welded spiders
Ratio: 6.72:1
Suspension, f/r: Four-link, coils/Four-link, coils
Tires: 44x19.5-15 TSL Boggers
Special features: Hydraulic steering, custom fuel cell and bodywork, MileMarker 12000 winch
Driver experience: 10 years
5.David Austin
Yukon, Oklahoma
1988 Jeep Wrangler YJ
Moab-tested, this long-wheelbase TJ looks to "stretch" the field at Hollister Hills this year.
Engine: 350ci Chevy V-8
Transmission: SM465
Transfer case: NP205
Axles, f/r: 2 1/2-ton Rockwell/2 1/2-ton Rockwell
Traction aids, f/r: N/A
Ratio: 6.72:1
Suspension, f/r: Leaf springs/Four-link, coils
Tires: 44-inch TSL Swampers
Special features: Full hydro steering, wheelbase stretched 22 inches, Ramsey Patriot 9500 winch
Driver experience: 7 years