A lot more is "short" on Randy's rig besides the bed. The frame was boxed and shortened, and the engine, tranny, and transfer case all relocated rearward 12 inches, as were the cab and front clip. The front axle was then moved 7 inches forward as well, giving the rig virtually no overhangs and a manageable wheelbase. All bodywork and graphics were applied by Randy, and the rig rolls on 49-inch IROKs on 15x14 Welds.
An alternate last year, Randy Swartz and his Chevy shortbed were selected by you, dear readers, as-yep-an alternate again this year. Fortunately for him, one of our top 10 finalists was forced to cancel at the last minute, and Randy got the call to scrap with the big dogs at TTC XVI. He ran a few of the obstacles for fun last year-would that give him an advantage over the other competitors? Check out our event coverage in next month's issue to find out.
Specifications
Owner name/city: Randy Swartz/Azusa, CA
Occupation: Entrepreneur/owner, Randy's Off Road
Vehicle model: 1977 Chevy shortbed
Estimated value: $40,000
Engine/aspiration: 540ci Merlin V-8, bored and stroked; JD pistons, Merlin heads .578/332 roller cam, Edelbrock intake, Hedman exhaust; balanced and blueprinted
Transmission: SM465
Transfer case: NP205
Suspension (f/r): "Super long" leaf springs, Sway-A-Way shocks/Leaf springs, Sway-A-Way shocks
Axles (f/r): Super Dana 60, limited-slip/GM 14-bolt, Detroit Locker; hydro-assist steering, rear disc brakes
Axle ratio: 5.38:1
Wheels: 15x14 Weld alloys
Tires: 49-inch IROKs
For a truck that sees a lot of Azusa mud, Randy's interior is fairly clean and largely stock-note the old-school HVAC controls-with Summit Racing gauges and a Grant GT wheel the most noticeable mods. The owner-fabbed in-cab cage, along with five-point harnesses, provides Randy with an added measure of safety, while the headphones on the dash-well, if you'd listened to the Merlin underhood, you'd understand why they're there.
Out back, leaf springs are perched atop the Yukon-shafted GM 14-bolt, which turns 5.38:1 cogs and a Detroit Locker. The NP205 transfer case turns equal-length long-travel 1410 driveshafts to both axles, and as with the front end, a Sway-A-Way remote-reservoir and a hydro bumpstop at each axle end provide damping duties. | 
The Chevy's suspension is straightforward and functional. "Super long" leaf springs have been located above the hydro-assisted Super Dana 60, which is armed with Longfield shafts, a limited-slip, and 5.38:1 gears. A single Sway-A-Way shock per corner damps suspension movement, and a pair of hydraulic bumpstops with "monster" Heim joints keeps the Chevy relatively level if Randy gets too crazy on the whoops. |
Looks can be deceiving. Inside this relatively sparse engine bay sits a 540ci Merlin race V-8 that's been stuffed, inside and out, with all sorts of go-fast internals: JD pistons, 578/332 roller cam and valvetrain, Edelbrock intake and Hedman exhaust. Dual Optimas help to provide spark to the 10.0:1 block, which in turn powers an SM465 granny four-speed. | |