1969 M135A2 - 2007 Top Truck Challenge Competitor

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.	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.	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.
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 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.	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."

Specs

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