Suzuki Samurai - We Are The Champions Part 1

Name: Randy Ellis
Champion in: 1995
Driving: 1986 Suzuki Samurai

Randy Ellis is no stranger to the world of wheeling. The well-traveled Ellis won Top Truck back in 1995, and continues to contribute to our sport today through his company, Randy Ellis Design. When Ellis took home his orginal TTC trophy, it was with an ’80 Jeep CJ-5 powered by a Chevy 377ci V-8 and rolling on 35-inch tires. The Jeep featured a three-link suspension, the first time a multilink setup appeared at Top Truck. For 2012, Ellis is out to prove himself again, this time with a self-built ’86 Suzuki Samurai powered by a Geo Tracker 1.6L four-cylinder riding on huge 16.00-17 (37x16) Revolution paddle tires. We can only imagine that the Tank Trap gods are drooling at this news.

Sounding Off
Most memorable moment from 1995: “Being the only one to the top of the Hill Climb.”
Wants First Place in: “The Tank Trap. It’s the most difficult!”

“I like beer.”
—Randy Ellis

The Details
Driver name/city: Randy Ellis/Phoenix, Arizona
Occupation: Owner of Randy Ellis Design
Vehicle model: 1986 Suzuki Samurai
Estimated value: N/A
Engine: 1.6L DOHC I-4, nitrous
Transmission: Suzuki 5-spd manual
Transfer case: Suzuki, 4.16:1 Calmini gearing
Suspension (f/r): Leaf springs, 2.5-inch King remote-reservoir shocks/three-link, Walker Evans 2.0 air shocks
Axles (f/r): Dana 30, ARB Air Locker/Dana 44, ARB Air Locker
Axle ratio: 5.38:1
Wheels: 17x8 KMC aluminum beadlocks
Tires: Revolution 16.00-17 paddle tires

The mostly stock interior is sparse and functional, upgraded with Beard seats for all-day comfort on the trail or 15-minutes in the Tank Trap.
The mostly stock interior is sparse and functional, upgraded with Beard seats for all-day
The front axle is a Dana 30 out of an ’86 Jeep CJ-7 with Dana 44 outers and RCV axleshafts. Stuffed in the pumpkin is an ARB Air Locker and 5.38 gearing. A simple suspension with modified OME YJ leaf springs and 2.5-inch King reservoir shocks should be both tough and reliable. Steering duty is handled by a PSC hydraulic-assist setup used in conjunction with a crossover system adapted from Tracker parts.
The front axle is a Dana 30 out of an ’86 Jeep CJ-7 with Dana 44 outers and RCV axleshafts
Underpinning the rear of the ’Zuk is a custom three-link suspension system using Walker Evans Racing 2.0 air shocks and a panhard rod to locate the Dana 44 axle. Chromoly ’shafts, 5.38 gears, and an ARB Air Locker complete the axle out back.
Underpinning the rear of the ’Zuk is a custom three-link suspension system using Walker Ev

Name: Jason Gray
Champion in: 2010 (Truck Class)
Driving: 1975 GMC pickup

In 2010, we split the classes up between trucks and buggies and Jason Gray walked away with the inagural TTC truck class trophy. Having to grind through mechanical issues with his ’75 GMC pickup in 2010, Gray is coming better prepared and ready for an all-out assault on the Champion’s Challenge. However, the Tank Trap isn’t going to be as easy as it was in 2010 and neither is the competition. Thankfully he has had the helping hands of his 4x4 club, Poorboy Offroad.

Sounding Off
Most memorable moment from 2010: “Crossing the finish line in the Tank Trap.”
Wants First Place in: “I would like it to be the Tank Trap. Not only are the points worth more, but it is the grand finale event of the week.”

“I heart ta tas.”
—Jason Gray

The Details
Driver name/city: Jason Gray/Amity, Oregon
Occupation: Diesel Mechanic
Vehicle model: 1975 GMC pickup
Estimated value: $25,000
Engine: 454ci GMC OHV propane V-8
Transmission: TH400, stage II shift kit
Transfer case: NP203/205 Doubler
Suspension (f/r): Four-link, F-O-A coilovers, F-O-A air bumps/four-link, F-O-A coilovers, F-O-A air bumps
Axles (f/r): Rockwell 2½-ton, 47-spline Ouverson axleshafts, Ouverson locker/Rockwell 2½-ton, 47-spline Ouverson axleshafts, Ouverson spool
Axle ratio: 6.72:1
Wheels: 20x12 double-beadlocked steel Stazworks
Tires: 54x19.5-20 Mickey Thompson Baja Claw

Providing motivation is a propane-fed GMC 454ci V-8, which is cradled by a 1 3/4-inch DOM cage that doubles as support for the suspension and steering. The engine has been bored 0.030-inches over and inhales through an Edelbrock Torker manifold, while exhaling through a 2.5-inch stainless dual exhaust and Flowmaster mufflers. A Turbo 400 with a stage II shift kit sends power through the NP203/205 doubler, on down through beefy driveshafts with 1410 U-joints.
Providing motivation is a propane-fed GMC 454ci V-8, which is cradled by a 1 3/4-inch DOM
When Gray competed in 2010, his rig was equipped with a Dana 60 front axle, but not anymore. The latest variation of this GMC comes to the competition sporting a Rockwell 2 1/2-ton axle with 2-inch, Ouverson 47-spline ’shafts, 6.72:1 gears, Ouverson Violator joints and an Ouverson locker. Ruff Stuff Specialty’s brackets and 1 1/4-inch spherical rod ends were used in the reworking of the four-link suspension to accommodate the new axle, while a DIY4X Rockwell skid provides diff protection. Gray is still using the F-O-A coilovers and air bumps from 2010, but has upgraded the steering to a PSC 3-inch double-ended ram system to turn the big Mickeys.
When Gray competed in 2010, his rig was equipped with a Dana 60 front axle, but not anymor
More changes came in the rear, where the GM 14-bolt axle was also ditched for a Rockwell 2 1/2-ton. Just as it is in the front, the rear Rockwell has 2-inch shafts, 6.72 gears, and a DIY4X Rockwell skid, although an Ouverson spool is used for locker duties. Gray also swapped out the previous air shocks and is using F-O-A coilovers and air bumps in their place. To help control the rear suspension, a Warn 3.0 ATV winch has also been added and pinion brakes slow the whole thing down on demand.
More changes came in the rear, where the GM 14-bolt axle was also ditched for a Rockwell 2