Let's be realistic for a second. How many of you don't like lots of power and going as fast as possible while hanging onto just a shred of control? Those three of you who raised your hands may now flip past these next couple of pages because this is what the desert is all about. The desert has been a popular getaway for speed freaks for years, with the limits of your suspension and power being about the only thing keeping you from reaching Mach 1 through the dusty terrain. So let's get into it. In not much time, you should have your truck running and ready for some prerunning.
By the way, we're sure a few of you are curious about the lead shot that was taken at Oceano (Pismo) Dunes last year by Ben Sudweeks. You can see the rest of the shots at www.atv-racing.com. The driver is Jordan Jones and his friend's truck was over 13 feet in the air. The truck took one year to rebuild, and he still has a bump on his head.
Body, Armor, & SafetyYou want the body of a desert truck to be as light as possible. That means removing anything you can that isn't necessary and replacing fenders, hoods, and in some cases, doorskins with fiberglass to reduce weight.
As for any type of vehicle protection, you want to stay minimal for weight purposes. There's not going to be much around you in the desert, but you should have some type of prerunner bumper in the front and rear.
Safety is a major concern and you'll want to protect yourself well just in case you're involved in a high-speed crash. A full interior cage should be adequate, but a fully-caged tube chassis is the best for protection (and strength). The interior should sport some supportive seats, and four- or five-point harnesses are almost a must. This way, you'll stay put in harsh road sections.
Engine, Tranny, & AxleThe engine on a desert truck should be able to put out a lot of horsepower and high rpm. A good starting point is 300 hp. The engine manufacturer is up to you, but make sure it's not a pig and that it is reliable!
An automatic transmission with a manual valvebody and shifter would be the most ideal for desert fun, but you can make due with a lesser-built tranny if funds are short. Since your momentum is carrying you over most objects, there are not the excessive loads put on your transmission or transfer case as in other off-roading arenas.
A manual tranny can be used, of course, but you're going to have more fun and a smoother ride with an auto.
Gearing should be matched to the tires for similar ratios to a stock setup. You're going to be going fast, not crawling. A lightweight axle like a Ford 9-inch is a great choice for a cross between strength and weight. It rates as a 11/42-ton axle, but can be built stronger than a Dana 60. A Dana 60 would be a good choice too, but it is heavier than a 11/42-ton axle and has less ground clearance.