Green is associated with envy, so the color of this four-door, Cummins-powered, vintage 1946 Dodge Power Wagon makes sense. It’s one of those 4x4s that creates so much want at first glance. Dig deeper into its impressive spec list and that desire is amplified.
Over 400 Horsepower, 900-Plus Pound-Feet Of Torque
This rig was built by Desert Power Wagons in Castle Hayne, North Carolina, a shop known for turning out amazing machines. The company builds 18 to 20 vehicles per year, and this one came together in roughly two months. Under the hood sits a 5.9-liter high-output Cummins turbodiesel engine upgraded with performance parts. Power gains come from an aftermarket camshaft, 30 percent over injectors, a boost-improving Banks high-flow billet intake plate, and a Fleece Performance Engineering Cheetah turbo. Exhaust gases exit through a 5-inch-diameter exhaust system. The result is an impressive 400-plus horsepower and over 900 pound-feet of torque. Additional upgrades include a billet timing cover and billet oil pan.
48RE Transmission, NP271 T-Case
Bolted to the diesel powerplant is a 48RE four-speed automatic transmission built by Randy’s Transmissions to handle the engine’s increased power. It is backed by a NP271 lever-shift, two-speed transfer case that routes the twist to the axles via NC Driveline driveshafts.
Ram 2500 Axles, Brake Upgrades, And More
The Power Wagon’s axles were sourced from a 2023 Ram 2500. Braking performance is improved with an SSBC Big Brake Kit that features eight-piston calipers. Each differential is capped by a Mag-Hytec finned aluminum cover that provides increased lubricant capacity and enhanced cooling efficiency. Up front, the steering has been upgraded with Mevotech steering arms, and there is a beefy Rough Country forged adjustable track bar. Out back, an E-Stopp electric emergency brake system has been installed for added control and security.
Remote-Reservoir Coilovers
A coilover suspension ensures the truck rides comfortably and handles well on the road while remaining fully capable in the dirt. The truck’s proprietary four-link system includes Fox 2.5 Performance Series remote-reservoir coilover shocks fitted with Eibach springs. The front suspension is said to deliver 8 inches of travel, while the rear stretches that number to 10 inches.
The truck rides on 40×13.50R20LT Venom Power Swampthing M/T tires mounted on 9-inch-wide KMC beadlock wheels.
Exterior Mods
The chassis and four-door body of this truck come from Tisdale Coachworks. These all-new components serve as the foundation for the build, and Desert Power Wagons takes it from there. For example, the company converted the hood from a two-piece unit to a one-piece design.
The Mercedes-Benz Electric Green paint is contrasted by gloss black fenders, and Amp Research PowerStep XL side steps assist passengers with ingress and egress. The truck’s wood bed floor features polished stainless steel slats. Other exterior features include a Warn 12,000-pound-capacity winch, forward- and rear-facing LED lighting, and a rear trailer receiver hitch.
Inside, Vintage Meets Modern
Inside, the Power Wagon is a mix of vintage vibe, modern technology, and features designed to ensure passenger comfort. The custom center console houses power window switches, along with power sockets, a wireless phone charger, cupholders, and more. The custom dash design is clean and functional, and it houses a Dakota Digital instrument cluster. There is also an ATOTO S8 7-inch infotainment system that feeds JBL speakers.
The front seats are Recaro units, and the rear seats are sourced from a Ram 1500. All have been reupholstered in premium Tan Bark-colored leather, and matching material is also used on the inside door panels. Other interior modifications include a Vastfire Starlight Twinkle and Meteor fiber-optic headliner, a Vintage Air Gen V climate control system, and Viper two-way security with remote start.
The Bottom Line
Turns out, envy really does look good in green.
Photos: Desert Power Wagons and Ken Brubaker
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