The Silver Ghost is an '01...
The Silver Ghost is an '01 F-250 that's ready to whomp in the mud anytime but can still clean up to take home a trophy (and a King of the Road crown on this day). The TJM Bull Bar bumper keeps obstacles from messing up the pretty face of the Super Duty and provides a mounting surface for two Hella Black Magic lamps and two 100-watt KC Daylighter off-road lamps. Another four KC lamps are hooked to the cargo box on the Can-Back ladder rack with a removable soft top that's loaded with off-road gear.
Sgt. E-5 (ret.) William Haskell of Ballwin, Missouri, has been named King of the Road for two years in a row at the Power Fest National Rally held by International Engines. We'll bring you coverage of that event in our next issue, but first, we wanted to highlight the best of the Fest. This clean '01 F-250 Super Duty looks good enough to be a show truck, but this daily driver is loaded with functional off-road parts.
The first thing most people notice is the air intake snorkel that comes out of the driver-side fender and follows the A-pillar up to the roof. It keeps water from getting into the engine, but causes a flood of questions from parking lot inspectors.
"Has your truck ever been totally under water?"
"Can your truck swim?"
"What is that?"
William has heard it all, and he doesn't care if Jeeps and Land Cruisers are the only other trucks sporting snorkels. He likes to run this F-250 through mud pits and water holes that are deep enough to get the carpet wet.
 The TJM Airtec snorkel ensures...  The TJM Airtec snorkel ensures that the 7.3L Power Stroke gets a steady supply of clean, cool, dry air even when the truck has mud up to the mirrors. It's both a gift and a curse because it makes the Super Duty stand out from other Fords and also leads to a lot of questions from parking lot fans. |  The Police Interceptor is...  The Police Interceptor is a special package for Crown Victoria cars driven by officers of the law. It includes a high-output engine, dual exhaust, heavy-duty suspension, bigger brakes, and other features useful to the police, such as available ballistic door panels. The P71 CVCI package is only available for police orders, but like the Silver Ghost, you can find this badge on Blue Oval trucks stuffed with high-performance parts. Since William has been a police officer for the past 10 years, we think he's definitely earned the right to sport this emblem. |  This Craftsman T-handle shovel...  This Craftsman T-handle shovel is ready for duty and is strapped to the Yakima Load Warrior cargo basket. That's a fullsize spare tire and wheel mounted next to the shovel. |
So how does the body remain dent-free while spending hours of time off paved roads? It's easy, this Super Duty simply stays away from narrow trails lined with trees, and it doesn't mess around in the rock pits. The driver has plenty of fun in the slop and says he can't afford to put this daily driver in a body shop for a couple of weeks if a rock or tree branch jumps out and tags a panel during a weekend ride.
That doesn't mean the rig isn't equipped for trail disasters. In addition to a fullsize spare in the cargo basket above the bed, it carries equipment for digging, lifting, pulling, and even chopping to get the truck out of trouble. In case that doesn't work, there's a GPS system and CB radio to call in the reinforcements. Luckily, the recovery gear has only been needed to help get other trucks out of sticky off-road situations.
Future modifications in the planning stages include 4.3:1 axle gears, a bumper-mounted winch, an ARB Air Locker for the front differential, a locker in the rear diff, and diff cover upgrades. To keep up with this truck build (now in its fifth year), just show up at a St. Louis Area Power Strokes (SLAPS) club event or next year's Power Fest Rally. Just don't count on stealing the King of the Road crown because a three-peat victory is in the works.