15. Ed Buster, Rosebud, Texas
1978 Chevrolet "Big 10"
Straight from Texas comes this Big 10 with propane power. Mean and green, but is it tougher than our toughest obstacles?
Engine: 454ci GM V-8
Transmission: SM 465
Transfer case: Atlas 4.0 (10.3:1)
Axles, f/r: Chevrolet Dana 60 with Longfields/Chevrolet Dana 70 HD
Traction aids, f/r: Detroit Locker/Detroit Locker
Ratio: 4.56:1
Suspension, f/r: 56-in leaf springs, anti-wrap bar, 15-in BBCS shocks/44-in leaf springs, antiwrap bar, 15-in BBCS shocks
Tires: 44-in Interco Boggers
Special features: H1 re-centered beadlocks, grooved tires, onboard air, full hydraulic steering, dual Optima Yellow Top batteries
Driver experience: 23 years
16. Mel Wade, Long Beach, California
2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited JK
We've never had a JK compete in TTC. Will this be the year? If you want to watch a JK tested to the limit, vote it in. The decision is yours.
Engine: Supercharged 3.8L Jeep V-6
Transmission: 42RLE automatic
Transfer case: Stak 3-spd
Axles, f/r: Dynatrac Pro Rock 60/Dynatrac Pro Rock 60
Traction aids, f/r: ARB Air Locker / ARB Air Locker
Ratio: 5.38:1
Suspension, f/r: Off Road Evolution Double Throw Down coilover conversion/Off Road Evolution Double Throw Down Evo Lever
Tires: 42-in Goodyear MT/Rs
Special features: Warn 12.0 Endurance winch, Off Road Evolution bodywork
Driver experience: 35 years
17. Robert Taylor, Mobile, Alabama
1988 Jeep Wrangler YJ
We have YJs coming out of the woodwork for TTC, but this one appears to be a strong example of the breed. How strong remains to be seen, perhaps at TTC.
Engine: 4.6L Jeep I-6 stroker
Transmission: 999 TorqueFlite automatic w/Kevlar bands
Transfer case: Atlas
Axles, f/r: Dana 60/Dana 60
Traction aids, f/r: Detroit Locker/spool
Ratio: 5.13:1
Suspension, f/r: 2-in Alcan springover conversion/four-link, TJ coil springs
Tires: 42-in Interco Super Swamper TSLs
Special features: Hydraulic steering assist, 15-gal RCI fuel cell, Corbeau seats, rear disc conversion
Driver experience: 25 years
18. Dewayne Smith, Ephrata, Washington
1973 Jeep CJ-5
There are a lot of neat things that come from the Northwest, including snow and this air shock-sprung CJ-5. Snow is one thing, but a gooey mud pit beset by boulders and logs are another.
Engine: 350ci GM V-8
Transmission: SM 420
Transfer case: Atlas 4:1
Axles, f/r: Dana 60/GM Corporate 14-bolt
Traction aids, f/r: ARB Air Locker/ARB Air Locker
Ratio: 5.38:1
Suspension, f/r: Links, 2.5-in Fox air shocks/links, 2.5-in Fox air shocks
Tires: 49x21x17 Interco IROKs
Special features: "Heavily modified"
Driver experience: 9 years
19. Brandon Spears, College Station, Texas
1976 International Scout II
We have a soft spot for Scouts, and we generally cringe when we see them voted in at Top Truck. However, Spears seems to have what it takes to guide this International through the Canyon. What do you say?
Engine: 460ci Ford V-8
Transmission: Ford C6 automatic
Transfer case: Ford NP 203/205 Stazworks doubler
Axles, f/r: Ford high-pinion Dana 60, dually hub flanges/GM dually Dana 70
Traction aids, f/r: Detroit Locker /welded spiders
Ratio: 5.13:1
Suspension, f/r: 3.5-in CORE coil springs, modified radius arms/four-link, stock Ford fullsize coils
Tires: 44-in Interco TSL SS (front), 44-in Interco TSL Bogger (rear)
Special features: Grooved tires, H1 wheels, double beadlocks, Warn 8,000-lb winch, RV cam, MSD ignition
Driver experience: 10 years
20. Leo Kuether, Grand Forks, North Dakota
2007 Cole Works "Fat Girl"
All custom and clearly bad-ass, will Kuether's stoutly-built gal last until the Fat Lady sings?
Engine: 502ci Chevrolet Ramjet V-8
Transmission: TCI TH400 automatic
Transfer case: Atlas 3.0
Axles, f/r: Rockwell 21/2-ton/Rockwell 21/2-ton
Traction aids, f/r: Ouverson / Ouverson
Ratio: 6.72
Suspension, f/r: Triangulated four-link, Fox coilovers and air bumps/triangulated four-link, Fox coilovers and air bumps
Tires: 47x17x16.5 Interco TSL Boggers or 46x20x19 Mickey Thompson Baja Claws
Special features: Manual and reverse valve body, full hydraulic steering, Griffin transmission and steering coolers
Driver experience: 16 years