This build started out after a lengthy deliberation. At the time, I was driving the aptly named "Raptor SuperDuty" - a 600 horsepower 2012 Powerstroke rolling on 40" rubber with a full Carli 4.5" King ... read more
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This build started out after a lengthy deliberation. At the time, I was driving the aptly named "Raptor SuperDuty" - a 600 horsepower 2012 Powerstroke rolling on 40" rubber with a full Carli 4.5" King Coilover system that could do anything I asked of it and looked great doing so. That said, I was in the midst of building a new house and I really needed a "work truck" that I could dump a couple yards of rock in, throw a snow plow on, basically something to beat on and not worry about, and the SuperDuty was simply too nice of a truck. I went back and forth on getting an older 1st Gen Cummins or maybe an OBS Powerstroke to be just that extra work truck, but I also am the kind of person that hates seeing an extra vehicle sitting around unused. So, instead of having multiple vehicles, I decided I needed a truck that could do all of the previously mentioned, but also fit my entire family for road trips, reliably tow a travel trailer, and something relatively easy to work on that I could build some power out of and get decent fuel economy. The thoughts of building a 12 valve swapped mid-80's Chevy Crew Cab or mid 70's Ford came to mind, but also due to a lack of time with the new house, I needed a turn key truck.
For most that know me, I'm a Cummins guy, so the decision was made to seek out a 2003 or early 2004 quad cab, long box and after a relatively short search, I happened to find this gem that was recently traded in at the local dealership. Sure, it had 191k miles, but it was basically bone stock with exception to a plastic bedliner and a set of SuperSpring overloads, so I pulled the trigger. Also those that know me, I can't leave anything alone for too long, and stock sized tires are a sin in my book. Before the first oil change, I outfitted the front end with the necessary upgrades to properly level the stance and improve the ride quality, as well as provide clearance for a set of 35" tires. Fortunately, this truck had the factory 4.10 gears as opposed to the more common 3.73's, and with the modestly sized 35's, it still has great low end grunt for towing. I have plenty of future plans for this truck to improve the power and reliability, along with a flatbed and heavy duty front bumper to suffice my partiality for utilitarian vehicles. As upgrades are made, I'll be sure to make updates to this page.
