Here at Diesel Power, we're all about engines, transmissions, turbos, and injection pumps. It's not an accident that the word power appears in the title. However, even though we have a hard time admitting it, looks can be just as important to many diesel enthusiasts as power or reliability. We see it all the time—lifted trucks on chrome 22-inch wheels with powerdercoated axles and crazy exhaust systems. While many grassroots diesel owners may thumb their noses at such rigs, many appreciate the style and personalized appearance of a diesel truck that has the looks to match its power.
With that mindset, we hatched a plan of action to turn our '08 Ford F-250 6.4L project truck from stocker to rocker. It's important to have an idea of what your truck should look like before you start buying anything so it can have a solid overall theme, instead of just being a bunch of bolt-on parts. The owner was tired of seeing huge, lifted trucks and wanted something different that was still useful and easy to drive. For the '08 Super Duty, the plan was to create a green and black monochromatic look, with bits of chrome in all the right places. Huge bumpers and winches are great for off-roading, but this truck sees mostly street and towing use, so the owner felt he could have a stock-height, smooth-riding vehicle that looked oh so good, without losing any utility. Let's take a look at all the modifications that took this truck to the next level.
 |  A black billet aluminum grille...  A black billet aluminum grille from Carriage Works helps give the truck a smooth, almost exotic look. |  A set of Death Metal Black...  A set of Death Metal Black 20x9-inch BMF Novakane wheels from Truck Toyz gives the truck an aggressive look, yet is rugged enough for off-road or towing use. |
 Sunrise Ford in Fontana, California,...  Sunrise Ford in Fontana, California, upgraded the interior with two-tone leather seats to replace the factory cloth versions. |  A set of 305/50R20 Toyo Proxes...  A set of 305/50R20 Toyo Proxes ST II tires provides better on-road traction and improves the ride quality, but lowers the truck's weight capacity due to the tires' lower load index rating (120 vs. 125 with the stock tire). |  Custom badging, courtesy of...  Custom badging, courtesy of Billet Badges, makes onlookers take a second glance. |
 It's important not to overlook...  It's important not to overlook the little things. A set of Harley-Davidson headlights offer up a little more style than the factory versions, so on they went. |  Smoked Recon taillights, turn...  Smoked Recon taillights, turn signal lights, and a smoked third brake light from Stealth Automotive keep the truck looking sinister. The darkened lighting also matches well with the truck's tinted side, back, and front windows. |  Perhaps one of the more interesting...  Perhaps one of the more interesting modifications is that both the front and rear bumpers were mediablasted, then painted to match the truck. This aids greatly in the monochromatic look the owner was shooting for. |