1983 Dodge Ramcharger - Class 3

We ran into Matt Pike and his '83 Dodge Ramcharger at the 2009 Mint 400 Race in Las Vegas, Nevada. He decided it was time to bring this beast back from retirement and see if it would still hold its own among today's elite racers. Working closely with Mike McComas out of San Jacinto, California, the truck received a healthy dose of upgrades and brought back a suspension from the past. If you're wondering why there is a Bob's Big Boy slapped on the side of the truck, that's because Matt's family has been in the restaurant business as long as they have been racing-well over 30 years. This Class 3 truck has cool written all over it.

1983 Dodge Ramcharger Walker Evans Beadlock Wheels

The hood and front fenders are fiberglass, while the remainder of the body is still old school steel. As you would imagine, the body went through some heavy modifications to receive big tires with gobs of wheel travel. With a resume behind this truck including Bill Stroppe and Rod Hall, how could they not go with another old school racer for wheels? Walker Evans beadlock wheels are surrounded by BFGoodrich Baja T/A 37-inch tires.

The hood and front fenders are fiberglass, while the remainder of the body is still old sc

Specs
Vehicle:
'83 Dodge Ramcharger

Owner:
Matt Pike Chassis: 4130 chromoly

Chassis:
4130 chromoly

Engine:
Mopar 440ci V-8

Drivetrain:
Dana 44, Ford 9-inch, Dodge 727 tranny

Suspension:
Front straight axle, rear quarter elliptic four-link

Steering:
Lee power with custom mounting

Brakes:
CNC six-piston

Tires/wheels:
Walker Evans bead locks, BFG Baja T/A

Interior:
Auto Meter, PCI, Lowrance, Mastercraft

Other Parts:
Fox shocks, KC lights

Favorite Off-Road Area:
Racing SCORE, BITD and running around Baja

McComas Motorsports reworked the front suspension after suffering a few problems during the Mint race. The new front axle is a Dana 44 high-pinion housing filled with 5.13 gears and a limited slip differential. Mike had National Springs custom build front springs to allow a full 18 inches of wheel travel using Fox 3.5-inch bypass shocks. It's always impressive to see a straight axle truck work this well.
McComas Motorsports reworked the front suspension after suffering a few problems during th
Here you can get a better look at the front portion of the rear four-link that attaches to the axle. This truck really soaked up the bumps well during our test shoot.
Here you can get a better look at the front portion of the rear four-link that attaches to
There are a number of leaf spring configurations out there that use the word "elliptical," referring to two circular arcs linked at their tips. A quarter-elliptic suspension uses a leaf spring that's been cut in half, or nearly half. The cut end is typically mounted to the bottom of the frame (upside down) so that the arch is curved down instead of up. The end of the leaf then attaches to a shackle that is mounted directly to the axle tube. A typical leaf spring mounts in front of, and behind the axle and locates it on the vehicle. Leaf springs in a quarter-elliptic suspension provide lift (height) for the suspension only. To locate the axle under the vehicle, the quarter elliptical is used in conjunction with a four-link set-up. Mike was able to get 22 inches of travel out of this setup.
There are a number of leaf spring configurations out there that use the word "elliptical,"

We know you are thinking, "Why go through all that trouble instead of using a typical setup?" Matt wanted the history of the truck to be remembered and this is one way of keeping it alive. Think about how much pressure all of those leaves are creating jam-packed together and bent like that. It must have taken quite some time to perfect it. We don't know of any other truck currently racing in the desert running a quarter elliptical suspension. Check off one more item on the cool list.
We know you are thinking, "Why go through all that trouble instead of using a typical setu
The rear axle is a beefed up Ford 9-inch housing with Currie full-floating 40-spline axles. It is also loaded up with 5.13 gears, CNC six-piston brakes and a spool. Unitrax provided both front and rear driveshafts. We love the old school yellow shock boots loaded on to Fox 3.5-inch bypass shocks.
The rear axle is a beefed up Ford 9-inch housing with Currie full-floating 40-spline axles
As you can see creating shock mounting points can be rather tricky at times. Not to mention a super strong steering system that is pushed to extreme measures turning this heavy machine through harsh conditions. A Lee power steering box and a ram assist were both added after the steering failed during the last race. Mike figured out what the problem was, hence all the new mounting points.
As you can see creating shock mounting points can be rather tricky at times. Not to mentio

With a total of nine KC HiLites HID lamps on the truck, Matt is sure to not get lost. Most trucks will run a couple HID lamps to compliment more halogens. Not Matt, his racing resume has taught him more than a thing or two about getting enough light on the trail when you need it. He has been relying on KC lights for years.
With a total of nine KC HiLites HID lamps on the truck, Matt is sure to not get lost. Most
The custom dash is holding a full lineup of Auto Meter gauges and switches. Communications is handled by a PCI Race Radios intercom and race radio system. A color Lowrance GPS is capable of all navigation duties. Mastercraft seats and Crow belts keep occupants safe and a PCI pumper fills each helmet with fresh air even in the deepest of silt beds.
The custom dash is holding a full lineup of Auto Meter gauges and switches. Communications
Behind a maze of 4130 chromoly tube, you can get a look at the fabrication required to stuff that big 440ci Mopar V-8 between the frame rails. The Ron Davis radiator is still located up front and take a look at the custom designed ceramic-coated headers making their way under the driver's door.
Behind a maze of 4130 chromoly tube, you can get a look at the fabrication required to stu

A few other engine modifications include an Edelbrock water pump, Holley carb, Race Proven alternator, MSD ignition (dual), MSD billet distributor, Optima batteries and a 60-gallon fuel cell. Transmission is a Dodge 727 using an Art Carr shifter. Culhane Transmission completed all of the transmission work and install.
A few other engine modifications include an Edelbrock water pump, Holley carb, Race Proven
Climbing into the cabin gives us yet another grin from ear to ear. Nothing wrong with a super clean leather wrapped interior, but there is something to be said for that old school metal look and feel. Every item has a purpose with nothing extra.
Climbing into the cabin gives us yet another grin from ear to ear. Nothing wrong with a su