Driver: John Hughbanks
Age:30
Occupation:Shop manager, GM Truck Center
Where did you come from?:Littlerock, CA
Did you tow it out or drive it?:Towed
How long have you been off-roading?:15 years
What got you into 4x4s?:My dad
Favorite part of the trip:Sand dunes
What was your least favorite part of the trip?:The waterfall we had to winch up
Hardtop, soft top, or no top:Aluminum panel top
Would you want to work for a 4x4 mag now that you've met us and seen what we do?:Yeah, totally. I'd love to.
Would you kick out your co-driver if we had a supermodel to ride in your truck?:Probably not. She'd be no help on the trip.
Would you do it again next year, or would it be asking too much of your battered body?:Oh yeah, and the year after that.
Favorite truck on the trip (besides your own):Jerrod's K5 Blazer
Co-Driver:Mike Prochaska
Age:31
Occupation:Fabricator for One-Ton Off Road
Vehicle: Ford Bronco
Year:1979
Tires/Wheels:39-inch BFG Krawlers/Marsh Racing Extreme Duty
Steering:Crossover with ram-assist
Front suspension:2.5 14-inch King coilover, 2.5 hydraulic bumpstop, One-Ton Off Road radius arms
Rear suspension:2.5 16-inch King coilovers, 2.5 hydraulic bumpstops, four-link
Front drivetrain:Dynatrac 60/Detroit Locker/5.13:1 gears/300M outers/Spicer hubs
Rear drivetrain:14-bolt/full spool/5.13:1 gears/disc brakes
Driveshafts:Hi Angle Driveline 1350 CVs
Tranny:C6 with low planetary kit
Transfer case(s)/ratio(s)/other mods:NP203/NP205 with triple stick
Engine/Mods:472ci with forged pistons, 11:1 compression, ported/polished heads, Edelbrock intake, Holley carb, solid cam, roller rockers, Flowmaster mufflers, L&L headers
Bumpers/rails/rollcage:All-incorporated One-Ton Off Road rollcage and bumpers
Winch:Warn XP9500
What (on your truck) gave you problems during the trip?:Steering! Broke a steering ram, bent a tie rod