For some people there is no such thing as too much of a good thing. Why have a small-block when you can have a big-block? Why settle for 1-ton axles when you can run 2 1/2-tons? This is the philosophy behind Jeremy Winters' '76 Dodge Power Wagon. From the fuel-injected 440 to the dual transfer cases to the Rockwell axles, everything on this vehicle is overkill.
After adding a hard-core drivetrain, Jeremy went a step further and narrowed the nose of the truck, heavily trimmed the rocker panels, and lopped off the whole frame behind the cab. This made room for exceptional tube work and allows the truck to fit through the narrow slot canyons found near his home of Reno, Nevada. The result has the power to scale dunes, tires to churn through mud, and gearing to crawl through the rocks.
These are some of the highest...
These are some of the highest boatsides we have ever seen. Jeremy calls them "Super Sides." They result in a door opening that is chest high and requires you to climb up the tire to enter the cab, but the vehicle is significantly narrower now and fits through obstacles much easier.
The engine is a 440 Mopar...
The engine is a 440 Mopar big-block fitted with Chevy throttle-body fuel injection to run at any angle. A crossover bar protects the engine in case of a rollover and ties the shock hoops together for added rigidity.
The interior is all business,...
The interior is all business, with a full cage and a host of gauges to monitor the engine's vital signs. Also notice the floor shifters atop the NP203 and twin-sticked NP205 transfer cases.
Jeremy Winters used 2.5-inch-diameter...
Jeremy Winters used 2.5-inch-diameter 18-inch-travel Fox Air Shox. Air shocks make for great packaging but are not for everyone as they offer little roll resistance or weight-carrying ability. The rear tube work is what really sets this truck apart from most fullsize pickups. Although nearly all cargo capacity is lost, the improvements in departure angle, weight, visibility, and sheetmetal damage make the back half worthwhile for a dedicated trail vehicle.
A 20-gallon RCI aluminum fuel...
A 20-gallon RCI aluminum fuel cell resides behind the cab and feeds the thirsty big-block through a Airtex fuel pump mounted on the framerail. The fuel cell is well protected in the tubular rear structure.
The 116-inch wheelbase, combined...
The 116-inch wheelbase, combined with plenty of torque, gear reduction, and 44-inch Super Swampers lets the big Dodge crawl over anything in its path. Even with the boatsides, size is the biggest limitation on the trail. The front axle is a 2.5-ton Rockwell military axle loaded with 6.72 gears, a Detroit Locker, and a pinion brake made from a Toyota caliper and rotor. The steering is full hydraulic with an 8-gpm Char-Lynn orbital valve and 10-inch-travel Chief ram with a 2-inch piston.
Engine: 440 big-block with Chevy TBI
Transmission: TF727 three-speed Automatic
Transfer Case: NP203 and NP205 with Off Road Design doubler
Tires & Wheels: 18.5x44x16.5 Super Swamper TSLs on 16.5x8 Hummer rims with custom centers
Suspension: 8-inch Skyjacker front leaves, three-link rear with Fox Air Shox
Front Axle: Rockwell with Detroit Locker
Rear Axle: Rockwell with welded differential