Building a Mud Truck
For a true mud-truck enthusiast, nothing could be better than designing and building one’s own mud truck. Here are some suggestions to help you with your project.
Body armor is not a real requirement for mud bogging. If you don’t mind the idea of getting slimy, very little sheet metal is required in the construction of the truck. This should basically be used to enclose the driver and engine. Keep as much weight as possible off the front end of the truck to allow the truck to ‘float’ over the muddy by-ways. The area from the middle to the rear portion of the frame should be where you concentrate the weight of the truck.
One of the first things to keep in mind is the fact that to be able to really travel through the muddy real estate at a decent pace, your tires need to constantly be in contact with the mud and transmit power. A longer-travel suspension than is commonly found in standard 4x4s is beneficial, in addition to softer riding. The terrain could require speed and momentum different from normal 4x4 travels to conquer obstacles which may be encountered. Consider adding soft-riding leaf springs to the suspension. They tend to tolerate a grimy wet environment better than if you use one with fabricated four-links containing coil over rod ends and shocks.
Another big consideration is the engine. Be sure the one you use will have the power needed to keep the mud from bogging it down to such a degree it is unable to turn the wheels. Modern diesel engines are capable of creating tons of torque; however, the extra weight they bring with them tends to push the truck’s front end into the mud. Steer clear of small-block V8s, as they are unable to handle the stress generated. Fuel injection is not really necessary, but nice if you have it.
The selection of standard or automatic transmission is basically personal preference. Automatics can carry with them a distinct advantage, however, when you are traveling through a long bog and need to shift because it gives you one less thing to think about.
A desire for a mud-proof interior immediately removes all traces of carpet. Replace the carpet with the same spray-on polyurethane used in truck beds. Rubber mats or thick paint could also be used. To protect the seats from the mud and water, cover them with some sort of waterproof covers. Also be sure there is a drain hole at the lowest portion of the cab. This will allow you to hose out the truck’s interior when you return home for your adventures, making clean-up a lot easier.
