Photos: FUELISH MEDIA
For classic Ford truck enthusiasts like Hunter Clark, finding and building a Dentside F-250 Crew Cab is the ultimate dream as they are very rare. In fact, this is his second one given his first was not in buildable condition. When the Sturgis, Michigan-native found this ‘79 F-250, it only consisted of a cab and a frame. He then had to find a front clip and bed to complete the body.
Since the truck was basically a blank slate, Hunter saw this as an opportunity to make this truck something better than the original. Filling the void upfront, he purchased a 5.9L 12-valve 6BT Cummins diesel engine that he thought was ready to run, but the deal turned out to be too good to be true. After discovering water in the engine, Chad Lindsey (of Legendary Diesel Performance) tore it apart for a full rebuild.
Now back in the truck, the Cummins engine is fed by a custom tank and Fass Diesel Fuel Systems 200 GPH lift pump. The power has also been boosted by a compound turbo kit by Diesel Power Source, all while spent gases are released by a custom 4” exhaust with 7” stack in the bed. Power is pushed to the Dodge 47RH transmission and into the divorced NP205 transfer case. To equal length driveshafts then move power to the 2006 Ford F250 Super Duty axles.
With help from his brother, Paul “Tyler” Clark at Clark and Smith Fab, this truck received a custom air bagged suspension that gives it up to 10” of lift. Making this possible, they used a suspension calculator on the Internet and Tyler drew up a front three-link along with a rear four-link in CAD, having everything cut out on a plasma table. The suspension now uses a set of Fox 2.0 reservoir shocks and 5,000-pound double convoluted airbags that are supplied air from an AccuAir ENDO tank, which is controlled by an e-Level management system.
Taking the truck to the next level, the exterior was finished out with a modern look. Runges Auto stepped in to smooth the body and coated it in Tri-Coat Pearl White, which was used with inspiration from Hunter’s 2013 F250 that has that same color. To further modernize the truck, Hunter added a set of 24×12 Fuel Off-Road FF75 forged wheels in gloss black and milled finish. They are covered in LT375/40R24 Nitto Trail Grappler M/T tires that help keep traction off- road and also ride quietly on the road.
Although these trucks are hard to come by, Hunter was able to find all the right pieces to build this incredible F-250. In the process, he was also able to make it his own with a modern twist. Since Hunter is a family man, this truck helps serve the purpose of hauling everyone around and also having the ability to play. Trucks like these are simply winners all around.
1979 FORD F-250 CREW CAB: THE FUMMINS
WHEELS / TIRES • 24×12 Fuel Off-Road FF75 wheels • LT375/40R24 Nitto Trail Grappler M/T tires SUSPENSION • Clark and Smith Fab custom air bagged suspension with up to 10” of lift • Front three-link, rear four-link suspension • Fox 2.0 reservoir shocks • 5,000lb double convoluted airbags • AccuAir ENDO tank and e-Level management system • BDS steering stabilizer with Fox shocks • PowerStop brake pads and drilled and slotted rotors PERFORMANCE • 5.9L 12-valve 6BT Cummins diesel engine rebuilt by Chad Lindsey of Legendary Diesel Performance • Optima Red-Top batteries • Fass Diesel Fuel Systems 200 GPH lift pump • Custom 19-gallon fuel tank • Diesel Power Source compound turbo kit • Custom 4” exhaust with 7” stack in the bed • Dodge 47RH transmission • Divorced NP205 transfer case • Custom equal-length driveshafts • 2006 Ford F250 Super Duty axles • PPE rear diff cover EXTERIOR / ARMOR • Tri-Coat Pearl White paint by Runges Auto • Shaved gas door and emblems • Tonno pro soft bed cover LIGHTING • GE LED headlights • AFT Parts clear marker lights and tail lights INTERIOR • Set of two ‘96 OBS Ford F-250 front seats • Katzkin leather • Auto Meter gauges • Ididit steering column • Original door panels SUSPENSION SYSTEMS AND UPGRADES FOR TRUCKS & JEEPS • Pioneer double din head unit • JL Audio sound system • B&M shifter with Far From Stock bracketSOURCES:
HC AUTO WORKS
HUNTER CLARK
