Welcome to
Given the relatively remote location of Pine Ridge Prairie, and the extreme locations one must visit in order to put the dogs on birds, a 4x4 is a must. This is Brownie, a 1985 Chevy Suburban, 4" lift, 35" mudders, and a built 350. The rear axle has been changed from 1/2 ton to a 3/4 ton reconditioned military Dana 60, and the front upgraded to 3/4 ton hubs on a GM 10 bolt. Both axles run 4.10:1 ratios, the rear being limited slip.
The original Compound Heavy Vehicle was a 1977 Chevrolet Blazer, black, rusted, and able to traverse nearly any terrain. A lightly built 350 provided momentum, and 33's provided ground clearance. This picture was taken on the cliffs south of Frankfort, Michigan, a favorite 4x4 test site.
We get snow on the Prairie, and if one intends to enter or leave the Compound, one had best be well equipped. The winter temperatures can range from -20F to over 50F, sometimes within days, and snow accumulations of 12" in one storm are not uncommon.
Of course, mud is the greatest obstacle to getting to the hunting site, so a well equipped Birddog Vehicle had best be prepared for it. Here we thrash a 30 yard run of 12-16" deep goo. At 3500 - 4500 rpm this engine really sings!
This is Greg V.'s Korean War era M37 Weapons Carrier. On the drive home, the original engine decided to start slinging rods, pistons and other parts on the highway, so Greg decided the only reasonable thing to do was put in a Chrysler 318. Great choice! With its tall gears, 38" Boggers, and that 318 putting out the power this truck goes just about wherever Greg points it. Keep your eyes on this page for a link to a complete page detailing the engineering and capabilities of this testosterone fueled 4x4.
The dunes of Lake Michigan provide a scenic backdrop for a good old fashioned 4x4 leg stretching.
Heavy is not the only weight category for 4x4 fun. This Honda 300 4x4 paid its bill in the first year, hauling firewood, retrieving fresh venison, and providing all at the Prairie with good clean fun. Well, maybe not clean....
Sara, the coolest kid on the planet, learns how to stay on the throttle while negotiating a stretch of spring mud on the Prairie.
On the left, the Suburban's Chevy Orange 355. Bored .030" over, it has a Crane 272 cam, 882 heads, Edelbrock Performer intake, Carburator Shop built Quadrajet, Walker Dynomax headers, and other goodies. A rebuilt and beefed TH700R4 tranny and NP205 transfer case put that power to the wheels. The Blazer's blue engine was similar, except it ran with a stock intake and Chevy 305 heads. The 305 heads have 58cc combustion chambers, as opposed to the 76cc 882s on the Sub. With the compression ratio around 10.25:1, this makes for a great stump - pulling engine, especially with proper gearing, (but keep an eye on your timing and fuel delivery).
