FULLY SLATED
THAT BODY
The team from BDS stuck with a less-is-more approach: building a clean, purpose-built rig rather than a flashy, over-the-top show piece. Up front, the truck received a facelift with a color-matched Fusion bumper going on in place of the factory chrome unit. This offers up a place to mount the 30-inch Rigid E-series combo light bar for improved auxiliary lighting. The factory halogen headlights were swapped for a set of smoked projector units from Spyder Auto. With larger tires going on this rig, a set of Bushwacker Extend-a-fender flares were fitted for extra tire coverage along with N-fab wheel-to-wheel steps to allow easier access to the cab. In the rear, the bed received a Reflex spray-in liner and Extang Trifecta bed cover. A matching Fusion rear bumper and Spyder Auto LED taillights cap off this exterior; all accessories were painted to match the factory Granite Crystal Metallic paint.
UNDER THE HOOD
The 6.7L Cummins received a few upgrades in the form of a Bully Dog ECM unlock and Diesel GT tuner. A Diamond Eye Performance exhaust system was added as well. Future plans for this truck include more induction modifications to push the power level higher.
UP IN THE AIR
With this truck being the test mule for the majority of BDS’S late-model Ram HD kit development, the truck has seen its share of suspension setups from small to big. It’s currently running an 8-inch four-link system with dual FOX 2.0 remote reservoir shocks, dual stabilizers and
BDS replacement rear leaf springs. Along with the lift, the transfer case has been clocked down using BDS’S indexing ring and highclearance transmission crossmember to run the factory driveshafts. The 8-inch lift gives enough clearance for the 40x15.50 Nitto Mud Grapplers mounted on 20x10 SOTA Novakanes. With the truck seeing regular towing duties, a set of Air Lift air bags was added with custom mounts and the wireless one-compressor system.
For a test mule, this thing’s a peach. Its nice to see an aftermarket manufacturer that isn’t afraid to four-wheel its show rigs and use them for what they were truly intended to be used for—which is everything.
THIS TRUCK DEFINITELY LIVES UP TO THE COMPANY MOTTO OF 'USE IT, ABUSE IT.'