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1969 Kaiser M135A2 - 2007 Top Truck Challenge Competitor

Herr Kaiser

By Douglas McColloch, Photography by Ken Brubaker,

Well, here it is folks, the number one vote-getter for Top Truck Challenge '07. Unique doesn't even begin to sum up this massive rig. From its Detroit Diesel engine to its homemade articulating chassis, this Florida-based, farmer-owned machine is anything but subtle. Owner Wesley Wells hopes his creation will do as well in California as it does in Florida.

  • At first glance you'd never know that this Kaiser has a secret. That secret is its custom articulating chassis, which was designed and installed by Wells. After shortening the frame to fit an 8-foot bed, he split the frame behind the cab and installed components that allow it to swivel. In case swivel doesn't work, there's a Warn 16.5ti winch mounted to the stock front bumper on a custom mount. Speaking of the bed, it was fabbed by Xtreme Motorsports in St. Augustine and features the old-school wood floor and a 30-gallon fuel tank. Other exterior mods include custom nerf bars, a custom rear bumper, and custom-mixed blue paint by Wells. The rig rolls on 54x16.9-24 Goodyear Dyna-Torque II tires on 24x10 USA 6x6 wheels.
    At first glance you'd never know that this Kaiser has a secret. That secret is its custom
  • Nestled between the framerails is a Detroit 6V53 diesel engine. It sports 21:1 compression, N90 injectors (the same used on the turbo model), a custom oil pan, and a 3-inch-diameter exhaust. Wells says the V-6 powerplant makes about 250 hp. The dual batteries used to spin the starter are located on each side of the winch in the front bumper. Bolted to the engine is a massive Spicer 3053A five-speed transmission.
    Nestled between the framerails is a Detroit 6V53 diesel engine. It sports 21:1 compression
  • Here you can see the divorced Rockwell T-136 transfer case as well as some of the mods related to the homemade articulating chassis. What you can't see is the 3-inch-diameter shaft with integrated bearings that was installed to custom crossmembers. This setup allows the frame to articulate.
    Here you can see the divorced Rockwell T-136 transfer case as well as some of the mods rel
  • The stock military-spec leaf springs and 2 1/2-ton Rockwell axle were retained under the front of the rig, but Wells fabbed a stout set of 4-inch blocks to create some height. The axle has been upgraded with Ouverson alloy axleshafts, a Detroit Locker, and hydraulic steering.
    The stock military-spec leaf springs and 2 1/2-ton Rockwell axle were retained under the f
  • The rear suspension consists of front axle springs from a U-haul truck and a single shock at each wheel. The 2 1/2-ton Rockwell axle has been upgraded with Ouverson alloy axleshafts and a spool. A custom air-actuated pinion brake slows the rig down.
    The rear suspension consists of front axle springs from a U-haul truck and a single shock
  • Open a door to the Kaiser and you'll see an interior delightfully devoid of any glam. The race seats are relatively new, as are a couple of gauges, but the steering wheel is "off an old International."
    Open a door to the Kaiser and you'll see an interior delightfully devoid of any glam. The

Owner name/city: Wesley Wells
Vehicle model: '69 M135A2
Occupation: Farmer
Engine/aspiration: Detroit 6V53 V-6 diesel/3-inch-diameter exhaust, dual stacks
Transmission: Spicer 3053A
Transfer case(s): Rockwell T-136
Suspension (f/r): Stock leaf/Leaf, single shock at each wheel
Axles (f/r): 2 1/2-ton Rockwell, Detroit Locker, Ouverson alloy axleshafts, hydraulic steering/2 1/2-ton Rockwell, spool
Axle ratio: 6.72:1
Wheels: 24x10 USA 6x6
Tires: 54x16.9-24 Goodyear Dyna Torque II

By Douglas McColloch
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