Just a few votes shy of the Top 10, Randy Swartz of Azusa, California, and his narrowed and bobbed '77 Chevy had to settle for dreams of competing next year. With 540 cubes and 49-inch IROKs, it could be a major player at TTC '08-if you let him play.
 Swartz analyzed every inch...  Swartz analyzed every inch of bodywork and eliminated that which wasn't needed. The cargo bed was pitched, the front clip was narrowed by 26 inches, and the frame was shortened by 6 inches at both the front and rear. A frame-mounted cage keeps the occupants safe and a front-mounted Warn 9.5ti winch resides in a custom mount. Swartz did all of the paint and body work at his shop, Randy's Off-Road. A 3-inch body lift helps make room for the 49-inch IROKs on 17x14 Weld Mountain Crusher wheels. |  The front Dana 60 is fitted...  The front Dana 60 is fitted with a Powr-Lok limited-slip differential. The steering system was upgraded with a 4-inch drop pitman arm, Randy's Off-Road hydraulic steering, and Monster Link that includes a 1 3/4-inch-diameter chromoly tie rod and drag link with 1 1/4-inch spherical rod ends. When it came to the suspension, Swartz fitted leaf springs that are 4 inches longer than stock and they generate 2 1/2 inches of lift. He also added RaceRunner remote-reservoir shocks and RaceRunner hydraulic bumpstops. |  Out back is a 14-bolt axle...  Out back is a 14-bolt axle with Detroit Locker and disc brakes. Swartz uses leaf springs here too, this time 8-inch-longer-than-stock custom Dever-built units with a double shackle flip. A pair of RaceRunner remote-reservoir shocks and a pair of custom 1 3/4-inch-diameter traction bars with 1 1/4-inch spherical rod ends round out the suspension mods. |
 A 22-gallon fuel cell sits...  A 22-gallon fuel cell sits between the rear framerails and it feeds the massive Merlin 540ci engine. This engine sports gobs of goodies including J.E. pistons, Merlin heads, roller rockers, Edelbrock Performer intake, 920-cfm carburetor, Hedman headers, 3-inch-diameter exhaust, and a pair of 40 Series Flowmaster mufflers. Swartz says the sweet engine generates 620 hp and 580 lb-ft of torque. |  The interior has been stripped...  The interior has been stripped of all but the most important items. There are a pair of Summit Racing seats and a slew of Summit gauges. Clearly visible are the shifters for the SM465 transmission and the NP205 transfer case. | |
Owner name/city: Randy Swartz/Azusa, California
Vehicle model: '77 Chevy Pickup
Occupation: Entrepreneur
Engine/aspiration: 540ci V-8/Holley 920-cfm carburetor, dual 3-inch-diameter exhaust, Hedman headers, 40 Series Flowmaster mufflers
Transmission:SM465
Transfer case(s): NP205
Suspension (f/r): 2 1/2-inch-lift leaf springs, RaceRunner remote-reservoir shocks, RaceRunner hydraulic bumpstops, Pro Comp limiting straps/Dever leaf springs, RaceRunner remote-reservoir shocks, Pro Comp limiting straps
Axles (f/r): Dana 60, Powr-Lok limited-slip, Monster Link with hydraulic-assist steering/14-bolt, Detroit Locker
Axle ratio: 5.38:1
Wheels: 17x14 Weld Mountain Crusher
Tires: 49x21.0-17 Super Swamper IROK