Words: FUELISH MEDIA
Photos: DALE MARTIN
Not all show trucks are built the same. While some are designed mostly for looks, there are others that really are as able, willing and capable as they appear to be. This is a struggle that Joshua McClinton wanted to be on the right side of when he slated his ’20 Ford F350 to be fabricated. He really didn’t see a point in building a big truck if it couldn’t back its bark up, so he reached out to a reliable source that specializes in creating functional, heavy-duty lifted pickups.
Projects of this stature don’t just complete themselves overnight – they require the attention of a seasoned point person. Understanding this valuable info, Joshua called on Chris Pate of the Level 7 Network to take the reins of the build and set it up for unwavering success. Since the F-350 was coming into the project bone stock for the most part, a lot of work would have to be done in order to change it from boring to badass.
Atlas Vehicle Dynamics is a trusted suspension resource for Chris, so the truck was sent there to install an Ultimate Air Ride adjustable 14”-16” lift system. UAR prides themselves on not only providing a monster-size lift, but one that works in unison with factory components for the best experience possible.
With some strategic component powder coating taken care of on the new chassis system, the team moved on to the truck’s wheels and tires. For the metal selection, JTX Forged Dime wheels seemed to fit the style of the Ford perfectly, and as far as rugged chunks of off-road rubber, 40” Fury Country Hunter tires made for the perfect rolling companions. To give the wheels a sinister finishing touch, True Spike lug nuts were powder coated yellow and bolted right up.
Fury Tires liked where Joshua’s F-350 was going and went all-in to sponsor the wrap that not only features their company logo, but also killer tread pattern design graphics on both sides of the truck as well as on the center of the Overkill grille. Front and rear Road Armor Identity Series bumpers have also made their way onto the Ford’s exterior in addition to a matching Identity Series chase rack, RackTec Phantom series roof rack, AMP Research XL retractable steps, Rock Tamer mud flaps, and an array of Twisted Pro all-terrain LED light bars and rock lights sourced from Gold Standard Lighting.
While a lot of lifted truck builders gloss over addressing the interior, Joshua was lucky enough to have Roadwire on board with the project to provide simple, yet effective seat covers, featuring supple black leather contrasted by subtle yellow panels and stitching. The dash and center console were also treated to just enough splashes of color to blend in with the rest of the truck’s appearance.
Before Joshua knew it, his Ford F-350 was dripping with flavor and jacked up high into the sky—definitely a change from its former factory appearance when he last knew it. Although this truck is built for show, it will also get lots of road time to shake things up on the streets.
