The awesome team at SlashGear has just released a complete and very detailed review of our newest Mercedes Benz G Wagon Pickup Truck build. The full article, as written on their site by the talented writer Michael Teo Van Runkle, can be read here > This Wild G-Wagon Pickup Conversion Has The Crazy Axles All Serious Trucks Need but we have provided an optimized condensed version with plenty of great images below. Scroll down to read all the juicy details!
All Serious Trucks Need Portal Axles
In the bustling streets of Los Angeles, the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon has evolved into a mainstream status symbol for the affluent and famous. This iconic SUV with its trademark boxy design and tinted windows can be spotted at every turn, quite often occupying half of Rodeo Drive or jostling for parking at the local Whole Foods store.
However, the G-Wagon’s roots can be traced back to its original days as a rugged military 4×4 built by Steyr-Puch. Despite its present-day reputation as a luxurious urban cruiser, Mercedes-Benz continues to offer the G-Wagon with its off-road capabilities intact. The sad reality is that most big city buyers will never experience its full potential. Nevertheless, since its introduction to the US market in 2001, over 60,000 G-Wagons have been sold, and a few daring aftermarket companies have seized the opportunity to build hardcore off-road machines from these robust German vehicles.
Pit26 Motorsports of Beverly Hills is one such company that specializes in crafting custom G-Wagons that can thrive in both urban and off-road environments. Their latest creation pushes the limits even further, as they have transformed the chassis of the G-Wagon into a huge pickup truck and installed portal axles to provide greater ground and tire clearance simultaneously. What a concept!
In summary, while the majority of G-Wagons serve as high-end city cruisers for the elite, a select few remain true to the vehicle’s original off-road heritage through unique and innovative modifications performed by companies like Pit26 Motorsports.
Power & Performance Like Never Before
This particular Pit26 pickup truck began its life as a W463A, which is an internal classification for a second-generation G-Class equipped with independent front suspension and rack-and-pinion steering. This design results in a more comfortable daily driving experience, but it is slightly less rugged than the solid-front-axle configuration of the first-generation model.
In order to create the impressive pickup, Pit26 first shortened the G-Class behind its C-pillar and then lengthened the frame by almost 20 inches. The truck also received new portal axles from GForce Engineering, which replaced the previous Tibus Offroad components. Pit26 opted to further reduce the gearing on these axles, from 1.21 to 1.26, in order to compensate for the increased tire diameter and maintain proper wheel torque.
Thanks to the portal axles, the twin-turbo V8 engine and transmission can be retained without concern for overloading. However, the stock ratings of 577 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque are no longer applicable – the real-world wheel-horsepower of this custom truck is truly something to behold.
Response Improvements From Re-Gearing
With a history of driving various off-road vehicles sporting oversized tires and factory gearing, I may have been a bit overzealous when putting my foot down at the first red light. The raw power of the engine produced a pleasing growl, enhanced by the Magnaflow exhaust system which was a necessary add-on due to the truck’s increased height. The standard retractable side steps were no match for the elevated ride, and thus, the modification was a must-have.
Before even turning on the engine, the act of climbing into Pit26’s new G Wagon PickUp truck feels like a momentous occasion. As we cruised through Beverly Hills, we playfully glanced down at the roofs of stock G-Wagons, now far below us. Yet, inside, the luxurious truck has retained all the classic Mercedes-Benz amenities, such as premium leather seating, brushed aluminum accents, and a formidable combined display for gauges and infotainment. Despite its size and stature, driving the truck is surprisingly comfortable, even after adjusting to the quick response time of the throttle. I still dream about the whole experience, smiling in my sleep as I hit the gas, what an adventure!
G Wagon 4×4 Torture Testing
As we ascended into the Hollywood Hills, Shaaya divulged that upon completing initial build elements, his client unexpectedly embarked on a rigorous 6,000-mile round trip to Wyoming and Montana, providing an unanticipated opportunity for Pit26 to assess any potential issues under extreme conditions.
Shaaya identified the control arms and steering knuckles as key areas that required further attention, given the increased load demands accompanying the implementation of portal axles in the independent front suspension system. This system, however, renders the second generation G Wagon incredible comfort during extended road trips.
To date, the unnamed client, Shaaya and I have accumulated more than 10,000 miles on the build. Despite being a full foot wider than the stock version, the truck elicits only minimal clunks and rattles, with the occasional retort from the TruckVault drawers and bike rack set-up on rougher terrain. The plush ride quality can be attributed, in part, to the 38-inch Toyos on 18-inch wheels. Additionally, the 2.65-inch Bilstein shocks utilized in this one-of-a-king pickup truck build are even more stout than the factory 4×4².
Huge Tires on Small Wheels
Hold on, you may be surprised to hear that this particular client opted for 18-inch wheels, which aligns with the preferences of both Shaaya and myself. By selecting this size, the client was able to achieve a wider track width compared to Shaaya’s other builds which add an impressive 4.5 inches per side, for a total of nine inches. In order to accommodate these wheels, we needed to replace the original AMG braking system with G550 brakes. Nevertheless, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to learn that this modification did little to impact the braking power, thanks in part to the well-crafted gearing.
Even during hard cornering maneuvers, the automatically inflating seat bolsters provided a secure and comfortable embrace. This is no small feat, as Shaaya demonstrated when he revealed the G-Wagon’s impressive collection of 72 different electronic control units, including those responsible for airbag management, battery regulation, seat adjustments, seat bolsters, automatic steps, and even the aftermarket stereo amplifier.
Portal Axles & G Wagon Performance
As we raced down Mulholland Drive in a stunning matte gray G Wagon Pickup, the surrounding traffic slowed down to admire our impressive vehicle. The color’s dark shade was akin to black, complemented by the blacked-out wheels, tinted windows, and black racks in the back – all in keeping with the iconic Beverly Hills G-Wagon aesthetic. However, this custom G Wagon was something more, boasting custom suspension components, skid plates, bumpers, and portal axles that gave it an edge for any enthusiast who dared take a look underneath.
Despite the massive mud terrains, the Mercedes-Benz sound deadening kept road noise to a minimum, showcasing the peak luxury of the vehicle. The Magnaflow exhaust and my enthusiastic right foot increased power, leading to decent acceleration past 70 miles per hour. When asked about total weight, Shaaya had yet to take the truck to a scale, and fuel economy was not much to be discussed, likely landing in the mid-single digits.
Shaaya understands that no project car can truly be considered complete and perfected. After devoting over 1,100 hours towards this groundbreaking build, he is aware that further adjustments can always be made to perfect the formula. As for my own personal preferences, I would prefer a more manageable turning radius, a less cramped four-door short-bed design, and a softer suspension. However, the realities of modifying and maintaining a custom conversion like this demands careful consideration. Every decision made has to be meticulously calculated and thought out, particularly after implementing portal axles.
Pit26 Motorsports Moving Forward
The primary drawback of portal axles is weight, which adds a substantial 80 pounds to each wheel hub. Additionally, the larger tires and reinforced bumpers, skids, and suspension components sit well below the cabin level, contributing to understeer when entering corners at high speeds. Despite minimal body roll, the planted wheelbase creates a slight “up here and down there” sensation as the two centers of mass interact.
It is important to note that these observations are made in the context of a lifted, stretched custom G Wagon pickup truck undergoing hard cornering. If the goal is to win a Baja race in any class, increased suspension travel, tire clearance, and damping without the use of portals are likely necessary. Future plans for this G-Wagon include boosting its output to 1,100 horsepower, relocating the intercoolers to accommodate larger wheel and tire combinations, and further testing the custom suspension components.
The G Wagon Pickup In The Wild
When it comes to trophy trucks, it’s evident that unsprung weight is not favorable for tackling tough terrain. From navigating through whoops and silty ruts to avoiding flats in treacherous environments, a heavier vehicle can cause major setbacks. However, with Shaaya’s knowledge and expertise, there’s hope for a solution. Fortunately, he’s found a client who understands the importance of building a hardcore G-Wagon that’s fit for the most demanding challenges.
While flashy exterior additions might impress some, the true key to this project lies in the 1,100 man-hours dedicated to engineering development. The result? A top-performing vehicle that can handle even the toughest conditions, easily conquering the steep slopes of Mulholland with ease. Despite this impressive feat, the real test lies beyond the horizon – in the unforgiving desert terrain where this G Wagon pickup will prove its worth.
