Watch Poseidon Rise: The Epic Struggle to Build a DIY Mega Truck

When Bryan Acres from Rowdy Rides decided to build a mega truck, he probably didn’t expect to become a walking advertisement for Murphy’s Law. His journey with the Poseidon mud truck reads like a masterclass in persistence, featuring more broken quick change gears than a demolition derby and enough setbacks to make lesser builders throw in the towel.

The build started with ambitious dreams and a pile of military surplus parts. Bryan collected three five-ton steer axles, a ProFab 23.3 drop transfer case with two-wheel drive disconnect, and enough 28L tires to stock a small tire shop. The vision was clear - build a beast that could hang with the big dogs at events like Iron Horse Mud Ranch and Woodpecker Mud Bog.

The early stages showed promise. Bryan methodically assembled his collection of parts, from 20-inch travel Overtime CNC shocks to hydraulic steering components. The truck began taking shape with a proper subframe, four-link suspension, and all the heavy-duty components you’d expect on a purpose-built mud slinger. The excitement was palpable as he fitted the massive tires and started bringing the Poseidon to life.

The first test drives revealed both the truck’s potential and its Achilles’ heel. While the hydraulic steering worked smoothly and the air ride system performed flawlessly, the transfer case quick change gears had other plans. Bryan discovered that his angle-cut gears were about as durable as glass ornaments, stripping out repeatedly under load. The truck would launch hard and move with authority, but inevitably end up broken and needing a tow.

The breaking point came during what should have been a simple test drive. After installing a sway bar to improve stability and building a front drive shaft, Bryan took the truck for a spin around his property. The result was predictable - another set of destroyed quick change gears and a truck that needed winching back to the shop. The pattern was becoming frustratingly familiar.

Enter the hater kit solution. Bryan decided to address the drivetrain stress by installing a gear reduction system from Overtime CNC. The hater kit provides a 2:1 gear reduction at the hubs, similar to portals on a side-by-side, taking strain off the rest of the drivetrain. Combined with new 2:1 quick change gears from FTI, the setup would provide a total 4:1 reduction ratio - right where most competitive mega trucks operate.

The installation process wasn’t without its challenges. Bryan had to rebuild broken hubs, weld ring gears, and carefully assemble the complex gear reduction system. The hater kit uses modified Meritor hubs and spindles that mount to Rockwell knuckles, with custom gears that create the reduction through a stationary inner gear and rotating outer gear system.

The transformation was immediate and dramatic. Where the truck previously felt sluggish and underpowered, it now launched with authority. The gear reduction solved the chronic breakage issues while providing the low-end torque multiplication needed for serious mud bogging. Bryan’s excitement was evident as he tested the rebuilt drivetrain - finally, the Poseidon was ready to live up to its potential.

The journey from broken-down project to functional mega truck illustrates the reality of building these extreme machines. Every component faces tremendous stress, and finding the right combination of strength and performance takes time, money, and plenty of trial and error. Bryan’s willingness to document both the successes and failures provides valuable insight for anyone considering a similar build.

The mega truck scene continues to push boundaries, with builders like Bryan proving that persistence pays off. While the Poseidon’s early outings were marked by mechanical failures, the latest upgrades position it as a serious contender.

For anyone following along with Bryan’s builds, you can check out more content on his YouTube channel.

The Poseidon saga proves that sometimes the best builds come from the most frustrating journeys. Bryan’s determination to solve each problem as it arose, combined with quality components from companies like Overtime CNC and FTI, eventually produced a truck worthy of its ambitious goals. Now the real test begins - seeing how it performs when the mud starts flying at actual events.