BUILD DETAILS

 

Built between 1967-1969 exclusively for military service, the Kaiser Jeep M715 was designed as a rugged 1¼-ton tactical truck, engineered to withstand the toughest battlefield conditions. As the successor to the M37, it saw service in Vietnam, the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) and European bases. Blacksmith Garage has re-imagined this legendary machine into a ONE-OF-A-KIND custom modern build—paying tribute to its military heritage while embracing a new era of power, performance, and adventure.

 

Other than the chassis, body and firewall very little of the original vehicle remains on this Kaiser Jeep. 

 

At your local car show or cars and coffee, in a sea of resto-mod Broncos, FJs, Blazers and Defenders, it will be the only Kaiser Jeep built to this level.

 

It is perhaps the most impressive military truck build ever.​

 

Engine/Drivetrain:

At the heart of ANV-KJ1 lies a new 6.4L fuel-injected Mopar HEMI, pushing out an impressive 485 horsepower and 472 ft-lbs of torque. Power is delivered through a 545 RFE 5-speed automatic transmission mated to a new Atlas twin stick 1:1 high gear and 4.3:1 low gear transfer case. Never owned or registered, the truck has 161 test miles on the clock.

 

Chassis:

The original chassis was completely disassembled, sandblasted, galvanized, and coated in black epoxy paint. Chassis was reinforced including the addition of cross-members to accept the Blacksmith Garage designed 4-link suspension in the rear and 3-link suspension in the front. This innovation along with heavy-duty front and rear Dana 60 axles enhance ride quality and off-road capability. Front and rear Anti-Rock sway bars further improve handling on rough terrain. A GenRight ENDURO 30.5-gallon fuel cell, along with two 5-gallon Jerry cans provide extended range for long-distance adventures. Four-wheel vented disc brakes with new stainless steel brake lines deliver precision stopping power while a PSC hydraulic-assisted steering system ensures effortless control over rough terrain. Blacksmith Garage designed and fabricated dual custom 3” stainless-steel exhausts paired with Magnaflow mufflers give this Kaiser a deep, menacing growl.

 

Exterior:

The body was stripped down to bare metal and refinished in PPG Envirobase GSA 221 USA Military Gray. A Blacksmith Garage custom designed and Vent Racing of Clearfield, Utah custom fabricated roll bar and removable “Targa” style hard top offers an "open-air" experience. Front and rear bumpers were custom designed by Blacksmith Garage for a tough, aggressive look. The front bumper incorporates a Warn winch for greater off-road capability. For enhanced visibility in all conditions, the Kaiser is equipped with upgraded LED headlights, LED taillights, an LED light bar, and additional LED spotlights for maximum illumination on the trail. The truck rides on KMC XD 136 Panzer wheels wrapped in 40x13.50R20 Maxxis Razr MT tires. Custom vinyl decals by Vizual Labs honor ANV-KJ1’s military roots with a U.S. Army star and serial number in their original location (removable if preferred). AMP Research Power Steps provide easy access without compromising ground clearance.

 

Interior:

The cabin is as refined as it is rugged with a custom distressed FULL-GRAIN leather bench seat with a folding center section, matching dash and shift boot designed and created by Steve Pearson of Upholstery Unlimited whose work can often be seen in Ring Brothers’ builds at SEMA. A Vintage Air climate control system ensures comfort in all weather conditions. A set of Classic Instruments’ gauges with ‘Bomber Bezels’ and Carling rocker switches with custom actuator buttons make the cabin feel like the cockpit of a WWII B17 flying fortress! The cabin also features a MOMO steering wheel and an IDIDIT tilting steering column and a Lokar automatic transmission shifter. Last, a Rockford Fosgate stereo and sound system which delivers premium audio.

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EQUIPMENT LIST 

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Engine/Drive Train:

• New 6.4L Fuel-Injected Mopar HEMI crate motor delivering 485 hp and 472 ft-lbs of torque

• Matching 545 RFE automatic gear box

• Atlas twin stick 1:1 high gear and 4.3:1 low gear transfer case

• Brand new, never owned or registered with 161 test miles on the clock

Chassis:

• Original chassis was completely disassembled, sandblasted and galvanized

• Coated in black epoxy paint

• Chassis was reinforced including the addition of cross-members to accept the Blacksmith Garage designed 4-link suspension (rear) and 3 link suspension (front)

• Dana 60 axles front and rear

• Blacksmith Garage engineered full coil-over link style suspension

• Front and rear Anti-Rock sway bars

• Fox 2.5 coil overs

• Four-wheel vented heavy duty disc brakes

• New stainless steel brake lines

• GenRight ENDURO 30.5-gallon fuel cell

• Two 5-gallon jerry cans, provide extended range

• PSC hydraulic-assisted steering system

• Blacksmith designed and fabricated dual custom 3” stainless-steel exhausts paired with Magnaflow mufflers

Exterior:

• Body was sandblasted, primed, sanded

• Body was painted in PPG Envirobase GSA (USA military 221) Gray paint

• Blacksmith Garage Custom designed and Vent Racing of Clearfield, Utah custom fabricated roll bar and removable “Targa” style hard top

• Blacksmith Garage Custom designed front and rear bumpers

• Front bumper incorporates a Warn winch

• Upgraded LED headlights, LED taillights, an LED light bar, and additional LED spotlights

• KMC XD 136 Panzer wheels

• 40x13.50R20 Maxxis Razr MT tires

• AMP Research Power Steps

• Custom vinyl decals by Vizual Labs honor ANV-KJ1’s military roots with a U.S. Army star and serial number in their original location (removable if preferred)

Interior:

• Custom distressed FULL-GRAIN leather bench seat with matching dash and shift boot designed and created by Steve Pearson of Upholstery Unlimited

• Classic Instruments’ gauges with ‘bomber bezels’

• Carling rocker switches with custom actuator buttons

• Momo steering wheel

• IDIDIT tilting steering column

• Vintage Air climate control system

• Rockford Fosgate stereo and sound system

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