Monster truck racing, popularized by the event Monster Jam, is one of the most exhilarating sports in the world. In 2017, there were 350 Monster Jam shows.
There’s nothing in the world like a monster truck. These beast vehicles can bulldoze their way through any obstacle and perform stellar tricks such as wheelies and donuts.
But what’s the exact anatomy of a monster truck? What goes into making these abominable vehicles?
Here’s everything to know about monster trucks.
Axles
Every monster truck needs custom-built axles.
Monster trucks require tremendous horsepower, torque, and impact, especially when they’re doing front flips over school buses and are expected to land perfectly on the wheels. Average axles can’t sustain this power.
The axles use front and rear lockers to keep the differential engaged, providing power to all four wheels. Even if only one wheel is on the ground, the driver can still accelerate.
Wheels and Tires
Everyone can recognize the huge monster truck tires. These tires measure 66 inches tall and 43 inches wide! These are actually tires meant to be used for tractors and other agricultural machines.
The wheels also have to be secure. The wheels are custom-made with a myriad of safety measures, ensuring the driver is safe, even when the driver tries to run over 10 cars and falls over.
For example, a braided steel cable secures each wheel to the axle. Even if a wheel spindle breaks, the wheel still stays secure.
Gas Shocks
At every corner of the truck, you’ll find four nitrogen-charged gas shocks. These shocks help the truck jump higher and farther.
Shielded Driveshafts
Shielded driveshafts are caged in by steel bars. This prevents any broken driveshafts from spinning away from the truck.
Engine
Most monster trucks have a supercharged engine. Some trucks, such as Grave Digger, have an engine that lowers the truck’s center of gravity. Grave Digger’s engine has 1,5000 horsepower which is how that truck flies in the air.
Seats
Most monster trucks have intricate protections set in place around their seats.
When the monster truck rolls over (and it usually will) the protection prevents the driver from rolling out. Each seat is also custom-built to fit each driver and has a harness for optimum protection.
Most Famous Monster Trucks
Now that you know the basic anatomy of a monster truck, what are the most famous monster trucks? Look for these trucks the next time you’re at Monster Jam!
Grave Digger
Every year, Grave Digger takes the Monster Jam event by storm.
Dennis Anderson is the flagship driver and any Monster Jam fan can recognize the zombie-looking artwork on this iconic monster truck. You can see Grave Digger at just about every Monster Jam event.
Big Foot
Big Foot is considered the first Monster Truck, first coming onto the scene in 1979. Big Foot was created from a 1974 F-250 four-wheel drive.
Batman
While not the Batmobile, this monster truck is a crowd favorite. Batman debuted in 2006 with Jason Childress as the driver. It’s licensed by DC comics and competed in three Monster Jam World Finals, winning the 2007 and 2008 events.
El Toro Loco
Right next to Grave Digger, Monster Jam fans can easily recognize El Toro Loco; the body is painted like a bull with its horns sticking out and smoke coming out of the nostrils.
Lupe Soza is the original driver, though there are four drivers now to ensure El Toro Loco always appears at a Monster Jam event.
BroDozer
BroDozer is a monster truck created by the Diesel Brothers.
Instead of running on methanol (which is what most monster trucks use), the brothers found a way to run a monster truck on diesel. You can view more information at https://monstertruckguide.com/brodozer-monster-truck/.
Monster Trucks Are Unlike Any Other Vehicle
If you love monster trucks, you’ll enjoy knowing the anatomy of these beast vehicles and understanding what makes a monster truck so powerful.
For more car and vehicle information, continue reading our blog.