When we searched for an appropriate truck to complete this issue's cover duo of big Ford F-trucks, we turned to Rolling Big Power's (RBP) project F-550--a worthy candidate to stand next to Outlaw Offroad's F-650 on the cover. And like the F-650, this big Ford is definitely impressive, even in stock format. Straight from the factory, the '03 F-550 came to the Rolling Big Power headquarters in Corona, California, with the 6.0L Power Stroke V-8 diesel powerplant, offering 315 hp and 560 lb-ft of torque. That engine is mated to a TorqShift five-speed automatic transmission, and when properly equipped, the F-550 delivers a GCWR of as much as 30,000 pounds. Other beefy equipment includes two front tow hooks, a seven-pin trailer harness, a monobeam front suspension, front and rear stabilizer bars, a 40-gallon fuel tank, roof clearance lights, and much more.
 Riding high and outfitted...  Riding high and outfitted to please, RBP's big Ford is an impressive sight. |  With several performance tweaks,...  With several performance tweaks, the F550's 6.0L diesel powerplant was pumped up to 400 hp--an 85hp increase over stock. |  |
However, since RBP is in the aftermarket truck business, mainly supplying exhaust systems for diesel pickups, the F-550 was not to remain in stock condition for long. Acting as a rolling advertisement for its business and suitably equipped to attend a variety of shows, RBP wasted no time modifying the Ford for success. From stone-stock to what you see here, the F-550 was built in only eight days--a real testament to the crew at RBP. The chassis of the F-550 was the first item to receive the aftermarket touch. The company actually grafted two truck beds into one, and the original bed was stretched 4 inches to accommodate a longer chassis. With that accomplished, the Ford was ready to be pushed to the sky, and this was accomplished with a custom 26-inch suspension lift from BTW Performance in Azusa, California. In addition, 24-inch Atlas springs were used, as were 2-inch shackles and King 3.5 external piggyback reservoir shocks. Completing the suspension tweaks are front and rear traction bars and topping everything off is a set of 22 1/2-inch Alcoa wheels, wrapped by 48-inch-tall Michelin tires.
 A custom 24-inch suspension...  A custom 24-inch suspension by BTW Performance raises the truck to new heights. |  King 3.5 external piggyback...  King 3.5 external piggyback reservoir shocks were used for the suspension tweaks. |  A triple pillar pod of gauges...  A triple pillar pod of gauges was installed on the Ford's A-pillar. |
For increased performance, RBP installed a number of its own performance pieces, including an adjustable plug-in module, with stock, 40-, 60-, 75-, 90-, and 115hp increase settings. RBP's air intake system was also bolted up for better breathing ability, and for exhaling chores, RBP's 4-inch polished stainless-steel turbo back exhaust system definitely freed up some additional horsepower. BTW Performance also lent a hand in providing a transmission crossmember with an index ring and a ring-high single CV driveshaft. Also included in the mix are 5:13 gears, a Detroit front locker, and Warn locking hubs. The result of these careful ministrations is a total of 400 hp to the ground--a radical increase over stock.
A bit of interior styling...
A bit of interior styling cues and a pair of headrest-mounted TV screens make the inside of the F-550 a better place to spend quality time.
To keep track of this newfound performance inside the cab, a triple pillar pod gauge cluster was installed, showing pyrometer, boost, and transmission temperature readings. For entertainment, there's a custom audio sound system that includes TV screens in each headrest. The outside of the F-550 did not go untouched. Up front are a custom Grillcraft grille, custom fender plus bumpers from BTW, custom headlights in the bumper, and custom BTW 16-inch polished aluminum electric steps. There's also a set of Kodiak electric steps using BTW's 20-inch billet arms. The RBP graphics are from Ape, and to protect the vital paint areas of the big Ford, Star Shield Armor was also applied.All of that custom work comes together in a truck that is definitely worthy to sport the RBP name and act as a road ambassador for the company. We think the truck looks great on its own--and these pages graphically illustrate what a few aftermarket tweaks can do for a big truck like the F-550--but when placed next to another great-looking truck like the F-650 on this issue's cover, these bad boys really drive the point home.