Is the Ultimate Avalanche a big TURD?

This is for Fred Williams mostly, but everyone else feel free to chip in.  Is the "Ulimate Avalanche" as big a TURD as it appears to be? Or did you guys just wheel the crap out of it? Considering the amount of money it cost and all the high end components you guys used, it sure hasn't lived up to my expectations, although I commend 4WOR for showing us how project trucks turn out and how well they work or don't work (USD included).  The "Ulitimate Avalanche" lokks bad ass compared to a stock (what my wife refers to as the Tupperware Truck) but it sure looked out of place on the back of that flat bed wrecker.  

Yeah, it's a turd.  I've posted elsewhere about this one-of-a-kind money pit.  And no, it really didn't look out of place on the rollback.  In fact...I think there should be more pictures of it on the rollback - probably the safest place for it.

Is it a big turd? Well I guess if you consider that it was built quickly and run across the country, wheeled like hell by a guy used to driving a beat and mangled old flatfender, and that it was testing things that no one has tried before, no.  If you wanted it to work like a charm from the second it comes out of the shop then yes.  But I would say that anyone who has built something that hasn't really been done before can relate. 

Yes there were problems, and yes it was high dollar, and no we don't expect everyone to copy it, or anyone for that matter, but if you just want to see us bolt on a 2 inch lift on another red TJ then you're  looking at the wrong magazine. 

I figure that there aren't that many other guys out there building 9000 pound off road trucks out of a brand new vehicle, but there are tons of guys who dream about doing it.  We just happened to find some sponsors and shops that were willing to make it happen, and hopefully some of the things we did will push the envelope a little. such as:

Lifting the rear of a fullsize truck by putting longer springs under the frame instead of using short heavily arched springs and blocks.  Of course this is what most suspension companies sell, but by using the longer springs mounted closer together you get better flex, and a softer ride.  That truck truthfully rides like a lincoln versus my old chevy, and I would love to eventually do the same swap.  You could too with junkyard parts and some simple fab work.

Figuring out how to make the atlas work with the newer vehicle computers.  I have one of the best computer guys I know working on that as I speak, and hopefully we can show you what we figured out by the May issue.

Figuring out why the super high dollar axle shafts twisted, didn't brake, but twisted.  Let's just say that the axle builder is trying a newer design.

Looking into some good cures for Axle wrap when dealing with 9000 pounds, 496 cubic inches, and 39 inch tires.

Sorting out the rear steer issue.  Lots of folks doubted it, but when you can turn a 130-inch wheelbase in the same circle as a standard built jeep then it's worth it.

Was I bummed it didn't work? Sure. Did I mind fixing it? no, I love working on trucks.  Did we learn anything?  We hope we can get some more time with this years Ultimate Adventure vehicle to shake out any problems, and we hope that the sponsors got to see their products pushed to the limits and beyond in some cases, and that they can come up with even better parts.

Is it a turd? Somtimes, but I still think it's cool every time I look at it, and I hated avalanches until I built this one.

by the way, what do you think we should build this year?

Good response, but does it really weigh 9,000 lbs?  I don't think it would even with max payload(Let me know if I am wrong).  I would have to agree it is a turd. However, next time out of the shop it could be a gem and that feeling of accomplishment from lemon to extreme makes every mechanic happy.

Next year I'd like to see a 04 F-150 get built- I've heard a they're a little underpowered- so maybe a supercharger could be in the works!  Another in-depth tech article of a supercharger install would be great too.

remembering that artical.... i really liked the rear steer on that the double action ram is a really nice touch for it

but the front i had some other thoughts ... i have a rockram i dont like it much the box is leaking and i have had lots of other trouble. have you had any?

i like this mag better than anyother it seems to really be for wheeling not to look good in a parking lot. also opening peoples minds on other trucks not just jeeps

yes when fully loaded with just one person and a full tank of fuel it weighed 9080 lbs on a cat certified scale.

there were some bridges we shouldn't have crossed had we known the real weight

all I can say is next years truck should be under 4000 pounds, or I'll go at it with a hole saw

It would be interesting if instead of doing a pickup like the past few years, if instead you did an SUV.  Something with a solid frame would be better than the unibody SUV's that some company's are making.  Maybe and Explorer, Tahoe, or the new Durano w/ a Hemi. 

If you wanted to do something really cool though, you could go retro and do a Scout II build up.  I know all of the IH owners would be stoked.  Most 4x4 mags have been quite anemic on their coverage of the orphaned 4x4.

Another idea would be to go on the lighter side and try to build something like a Samuri, or Sidekick, and use aluminum t-cases and the such like Randy Ellis did on his R.E.D. Racer.

I like the idea of building up an SUV (boy would i love to see that Porche SUV lifted up on some 38.5 swampers, that would be hot)  Why dont you take the winner of the 4x4 of the year, that Lexus Ls470 I think it was, and build up on that.  I know it would definately look out of place on the trail, but it would be something totally different and unique.  But if you're going to stay with a pickup, why not a midsized like the GMC Canyon, or an older Dakota / Ranger.  I've only seen 1 Durango ever done, and the new one would make a powerful suv trail machine and look pretty good too.   

That's not a bad idea.  Each year,  take the 4X4 of the year winner, in this case the Lexus (still wondering about that one), and take it on the Ultimate Adventure. There, the "what to build next" problem solved. See how tough that 4X4 of the year really is! 

I'm glad I stirred the pot a little.  I'm sure there are some things that worked great on the UA Avalanche, some things not so great, and some things that worked ok.  I just wanted to know how it really measured up.  The rear steer (when it works) is pretty damn cool.  I'm not a fan of the stock Tupperware truck, and not totally convinced that the UA Avalanche stacks up.  At least 4WOR fesses up to it when things don't work as planned.

Somebody correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't the 4x4 of the year still owned by the company who made it?  Peterson's just gets to drive it around and test it for a year and then let us know about their findings.  I think the vehicle manufacturers would be slightly torqued to find their 4x4 with 5-10K in mods on suspension, axles, tires, engine, body and the like.  Again, correct me if I'm wrong. 

Maybe I read you wrong though and you meant that they should buy the 4x4 of the year and trick it out.  If that's the case, then I think that would be very interesting to say the least.  I'ld love to see Pewe' and the crew take a new Lexus, trick it out, then go hit Johnson Valley and other nasty trails.

Scoutnut

Yeah, you are right, the 4X4 of the year competitors are still owned by the manufacturer.  Although, the Project Elvis Jeep they built a few years ago led to the production of the Wrangler Rubicon...  I wasn't saying that it had to be the exact vehicle they tested, just the same year, model, etc.  I  wouldn't care how they get one, just build it.