After a 4-inch lift was modified and added in Montana, the truck went to Pro Line Manufacturing in Powell Butte, Oregon, for the custom-built flatbed and the custom front bumper with a heavy-duty winch. Then in Bend, Oregon, the Ford Cummins picked up a set of 10-lug 19.5-inch Alcoa wheels from dealer Les Schwab. Next, the truck sprouted a set of 5-inch dual exhaust stacks with a muffler upgrade, thanks to Shayne Burton at Custom Exhaust Specialties. It finally returned home to California for a cowl induction hood shot with Ford white paint to match the rest of this truly unique work truck. So was that enough? Well, the truck runs great and doesn't suffer from Check Engine lights, even with all the modifications; the factory boost gauge in the dash even works.
We rode around with Rick while he was towing his "light" trailer and backhoe (just 20,000 pounds), and the truck makes constant boost and enough torque is always on tap to make it seem like there is nothing in tow. Plus, with the gear splitter, he has 12 speeds to choose from, including an extra Overdrive setting and an exhaust brake to work along with the factory trailer braking controls. It's hard to imagine a better work truck, and we wouldn't be surprised if some people copy this heavy-duty setup.
 This heavy-duty bumper was...  This heavy-duty bumper was custom built by Dean Petteyjohn of Pro Line Manufacturing, the same company that built and installed the flatbed. In addition to protecting the whole grille and the headlamps, it securely houses a big Warn 16.5ti winch. |  The cowl induction hood adds...  The cowl induction hood adds some space to the engine compartment and helps the dual turbos get access to the air supply they require. |  After traveling from the bottom...  After traveling from the bottom turbo, exhaust gasses are sent through a 5-inch downpipe to a muffler, then split into dual 5-inch stacks attached to the headache rack in the custom bed. |