2009 Top Truck Challenge Competitor: Doug Kahlstrom's 1970 Dodge Power Wagon

With 12 inches of frame chopped... 

   

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With 12 inches of frame chopped off the front, 24 inches removed from the back, and a dovetailed front clip, the Dodge is definitely a unique-looking rig. Then again, approach and departure angles are obviously very good, and in case they're not enough, a Warn 9.5ti up front helps to ensure forward progress.

At first glance, there seems to be something a bit "off" about Doug Kalhstrom's Power Wagon. Maybe it's the dovetailed front clip, or those tunnel-vision headlamps, or the stubby-looking grille. But once you start poking around and inside this rig, you'll find all sorts of smart modifications that figure to make this Dodge a serious contender at TTC. All told, Doug's ride is not too shabby for a truck that was originally purchased at a junkyard for the princely sum of $400.

Specifications
Owner name/city: Doug Kahlstrom/Lampasas, TX
Occupation: Construction superintendant
Vehicle model: 1970 Dodge Power Wagon
Estimated value: N/A
Engine/aspiration: 408ci Dodge stroker V-8, bored 0.030 over; Keith Black dished pistons, Edelbrock aluminum heads, Comp 275/287 cam, Harland Sharp roller rockers, Big Stuff FSI, Victor 340 intake, 2 1/2-in dual exhaust
Transmission: TorqueFlite 727 automatic, Lokar shifter, Perma-Cool cooler
Transfer case: Dodge 203/Chevy 205 32-spline ORD doubler
Suspension (f/r): Deaver leaf springs/4-link, 16-in-travel King coilovers
Axles (f/r): Dana 60, Detroit Locker/GM 14-bolt, Detroit Locker; Longfield/Superior shafts, Tom Wood's/High Angle 1410 driveshafts; Currie Antirock rear swaybar; PSC hydro steering
Axle ratio: 5.13:1
Wheels: 16.5-in USA 6x6 double beadlocks
Tires: 46x19.5/16.5 Mickey Thompson Baja Claws

Simple yet strong. A Deaver...        read full caption Simple yet strong. A Deaver spring-over conversion locates the Dodge Dana 60 containing Longfield shafts, 5.13:1 gears and a Detroit, all engaged by a Tom Wood's driveshaft sporting 1350 'joints. Full hydro steering from PSC enables turning the 46-inch Baja Claws on USA 6x6 double-beadlocked rims.	Out back, things get really...        read full caption Out back, things get really interesting. A custom four-link works with 16-inch-travel Fox coilovers to provide articulation for the Corporate 14-bolt, also Detroit-locked and stuffed with Superior shafts. It all gets spinning courtesy of a High Angle driveline running 1410 U-joints, which in turn is engaged via the ORD NP 203/205 doubler 'case. Those rear disc brakes are a nifty conversion, too.	Short on comforts but long...        read full caption Short on comforts but long on function, the Power Wagon's interior has the bare essentials and nothing more. Corbeau seats and harnesses keep driver and passenger safely in place; a stainless Painless dash panel houses Auto Meter gauges; a Flaming River steering wheel replaces the OE unit; and the Tank Trap-conscious intake snorkel is routed through the firewall, along the floor, and toward the rear of the cab.
Pop the hood, and you'll see...        read full caption Pop the hood, and you'll see this Dodge means business. The 360 V-8 has been bored 0.030 over to displace 408 cubic inches, and is stuffed with plenty of performance internals: a Harland Sharp roller-rocker assembly, Comp .231/237 stroker cam, and Keith Black dished pistons. A Fuel-Straight injection system from Big Stuff feeds the block via a Victor 340 Air-Gap manifold, and a Flowmaster muffler and 2 1/2-inch dual exhaust take care of exhalation duties. Handling the V-8's 500 horsepower is a TorqueFlite 727 automatic with a Perma-Cool aux cooler and 1,200-stall torque converter.