Other Upgrades
The engine wasn't the only part of the truck that received upgrades. The NV4500 five-speed transmission was deemed strong enough to handle the 514 hp and 1,294 lb-ft of torque, but a 13-inch FE clutch from South Bend Clutch makes certain all of the power gets transferred to the ground. The 13-inch clutch is larger than stock and uses a full feramic lining with a modified pressure plate for better clamping power. From the transmission, the power is routed through the stock transfer case and axles.
The axles are capped with 16x9 Moto Metal 951 rims wrapped in 315/75R16 BF Goodrich All-Terrain tires. Making room for the tires is a 41/2-inch Skyjacker suspension lift that uses new coils in the front, lift blocks in the rear, and new shocks at all four corners. New control arms and brackets are also used up front for proper suspension geometry. Max made his own track bar with bushings at each end (instead of a tie-rod end) to avoid the "death wobble" that lifted Dodges are notorious for. Firestone air springs were added to the rear of the truck to keep the ride level, even when towing or hauling heavy loads.
Blue flames were added over the factory white paint-appropriate for a firefighter. The theme continues into the cab, which is fitted with a custom tweed headliner, complete with embossed flames. Also in the cab are Auto Meter silver-faced gauges mounted on the A-pillar to monitor boost pressure and EGT.
Since he has a growing family, Max has added a crew cab Chevrolet (with a Duramax diesel of course) to his stable to replace the standard-cab Dodge. Well, "replace" might not be entirely accurate, because this 12-valve is not leaving Max's possession anytime soon. It has just transitioned from daily driver to toy. Max still spends plenty of time modifying diesels, although now they belong to his co-workers at the firehouse. If you see black smoke rolling out of the fire station the next time you are in Albuquerque, don't be alarmed.
 315/75R16 BF Goodrich All-Terrain...  315/75R16 BF Goodrich All-Terrain tires and 16x9 Moto Metal 951 rims act as rolling stock on Max's '95 Dodge. |  The factory gauge cluster...  The factory gauge cluster was updated with a custom aluminum surround for a clean look. |  The theme continues into the...  The theme continues into the cab, which is fitted with a custom tweed headliner, complete with embossed flames. |
 For the last four years, Max...  For the last four years, Max has been part of the Albuquerque Fire Department. Don't be alarmed if you see black smoke coming out of the firehouse he works in. |  The 4 1/2-inch Skyjacker suspension...  The 4 1/2-inch Skyjacker suspension lift was powdercoated black. This doesn't make for great photographs, but it does make for a clean undercarriage. Note the custom track bar that uses a bushing on each end instead of failure-prone tie rod ends (arrow). |  Autometer silver-faced gauges...  Autometer silver-faced gauges are mounted on the A-pillar and allow Max to easily monitor the boost pressure and exhaust gas temperatures generated by the 12-valve engine. |