A Monster Showcase

Bigfoot may have been on the first and most popular monster trucks ever, but the ultimate Monster Jam truck has been Grave Digger for several years. This awesome monster has been entertaining us for many years and is the headliner for the series put on by Nationwide with the high wheelies and awesome jumps. In order to be ready to go Grave Digger has to be something special not only from a mechanical aspect, but also with the people who take care of this monster that turns our heads. Let’s take a look at what Grave Digger has aboard to make it such a special truck.

Tires – The tires are typically the start of any show and what makes raised up and monster sized trucks extremely special. For Grave Digger these tires are 66 inches tall and 43 inches wide. With only 8 to 10 pounds of pressure in each tire these beasts weigh between 800 and 900 pounds to be the perfect size to crush some cars.

Axles – The axles used have to be made to handle massive torque, horsepower and impact. Previously military grade cast steel axles were used, but these were heavier than the current axles and broke more often. All four wheels use lockers to keep the differentials engaged, which makes it possible for the driver to accelerate even when only one tire is on the ground, which does happen.

Part Security – Because Grave Digger and other monster trucks run through a tough gauntlet, some parts do break from time to time. In order to keep everyone safe in the arena parts such as the wheels are secured to remain near the truck. The wheels are secured using a braided steel cable that keeps it attached to the axle in case the spindle breaks.

Driveshaft Shielding – Another security measure is to have a cage around the driveshaft to prevent it from spinning off into the stands should it break. The brakes on Grave Digger and other monster trucks are located at the driveshaft to keep from having to run gears and lines out to the tire.

Gas Shocks – In the past leaf springs were used which provided only four to six inches of travel for the suspension, but these gas shocks, four at each wheel, offer up to 28 inches of travel and are adjustable. The leaf springs also used to break a lot and the shocks don’t. This additional travel distance allowed for higher and farther jumps by the truck.

Transmission – This is one area where Grave Digger is simpler than your current vehicle at home. There is only a two speed automatic transmission in Grave Digger. Because the truck is only going to be used at shows inside an arena there isn’t a need for more gears.

Engine – Probably the second most asked question is about the engine. Grade Digger uses a 540 cubic-inch supercharged engine that is placed in the center to give the truck a balanced feeling. This engine is rated at 1,500 horsepower, which is needed in order to give the crowd a great show from a truck that weighs in at 12,000 pounds.

Middle Seat – Grave Digger is unique in the fact it has a swing out door and a seat in the center of the body and frame. This is for safety reasons, but the unique part is the driver doesn’t have to crawl underneath to enter the truck as many other monster trucks require.

Instrument Simplicity – The dash panel features oil pressure, temperature and voltage along with two handles to cut the power and fuel, but that is all the gauges needed to give you a great show at any arena.

Fire Extinguishers – There is a handle in the cab for the driver to pull which will point and shoot two fire extinguishers directly at the engine. There is a third extinguisher in the cab for the driver to use when needed. All three are in place to help aid in the safety of the driver and the truck.

Steering – Trucks this size require four wheel steering to function. There is a switch near the steering wheel to engage the four wheel steering and the driver has to learn how to master this skill because the steering of this beast is unlike anything else.

Remote Ignition Interruptor – There is a small box with a shutoff switch in the truck that is activated remotely from any of the four corners of a track. This is activated if one of the spotters sees an emergency or hazard that the driver cannot see and needs to shut down Grave Digger.

Accelerator – The floor around the cab is made of clear plexiglass to allow a driver to see the debris around the wheels and the gas pedal has a toe hook to allow the driver to pull the pedal back up if it happens to get stuck.

Airbrush Paint – Grave Digger is one of the only trucks on the Monster Jam circuit that still uses airbrushing instead of vinyl wrapped stickers. The body style is based on a 50s Chevrolet Panel van and has to be taken off, repaired and repainted whenever not in a show.

Monster Jam – This series is a lot of fun, even if you don’t know much about these big trucks, just be sure to bring ear protection when you come out and wat the show, these beasts are large and loud, but a lot of fun to watch.