Suspension Lift
After picking the truck up from Rapid Diesel, Darrin took it home and immediately installed a 6-inch Race Car Dynamics (RCD) suspension lift. Bilstein 5100 series shocks were utilized with the lift to smooth out the bumps, and Genuine Steel nerf bars ensure that all family members can still access the cab.
Off-Road Wheels, Tires, and WinchThe added altitude made room for 20x10 American Eagle 114 rims wearing 35-inch Toyo Open Country M/Ts. The aggressive tires are E-load-range rated to handle the heavy loads frequently found hitched to the big red machine. Other than the tires and rims, the biggest visual impact comes from the Road Armor front bumper that is fitted with a Tabor 12,000-pound winch and PIAA auxiliary lights.
Exterior Armor
The bumper, fender flares, nerf bars, and bed were all covered in color-matched red Ultimate Lining for a monochromatic effect. The bedlining is for more than just show, however, as this truck is used daily by Darrin for construction work. Much of the 45,000 miles logged by the Chevy were covered with a load of concrete in the bed, a Bobcat tractor in tow, or pulling a trailer full of dirt bikes to weekend races. All of that towing and power are taking their toll on the stock transmission and torque converter, which began to slip shortly before our photoshoot. Darrin plans to remedy the problems with a billet torque converter from BD Power and Rapid Diesel custom Allison transmission upgrades. That is, unless another stranger writes him a check for his truck before Darrin gets it into the shop..
 The interior of the truck...  The interior of the truck is mostly stock but has been upgraded with Husky floor liners and a Prodigy brake controller, along with the Bully Dog gauges and the TS Performance MPD Monitor and control dial mounted below the stereo. |  Bully Dog black-faced gauges...  Bully Dog black-faced gauges monitor the boost and exhaust gas temperatures to ensure the Duramax doesn't undergo thermal meltdown. |  Darrin's truck is often strapped...  Darrin's truck is often strapped to Rapid Diesel's dyno to quantify any modifications made to the LLY engine. During its last session, the Chevy put down 450 hp and 830 lb-ft of torque on the rollers. |
 The RCD front suspension lowers...  The RCD front suspension lowers the differential and then spans the widened gap between the control arms with new cast knuckles. Extended sway bar mounts and Bilstein 5100 series shocks are also used up front. |  Rim and tire combinations...  Rim and tire combinations can make a huge visual impact on any truck. For his diesel, Darrin chose chrome 20x10-inch American Racing 114 rims and E-load-rated 35x12.5-inch Toyo Open Country Mud Terrains that combine show with off-road. | |