UNSTOPPABLE FORCE

A ’15 FORD F-350 DUALLY THAT RIDES HIGH & PROUD

There’s driving a newer truck, and then there’s moving down the street with presence. With 38-inch-tall tires and a mammoth 8-inch lift, you’re not likely to miss Teresa Hill’s monster ’15 Ford. Not only is the truck rather large, it’s also an F-350 dually, which just adds to the Ford’s character. A bright blue wrap by Vehicle Wrap of San Antonio, Texas, just seals the truck’s “Hey, get out of my way!” sort of character.

When Hill bought the truck in 2016, however, it was pretty much just a factory ride. That would all soon change. The most noticeable modified aspect of the truck is undoubtedly the lift, which was accomplished using a select combination of parts. Starting with the rear suspension, the elevation change comes from a set of 8-inch-lift leaf spring packs from BDS. The shocks have also been upgraded with 2.5 remote-reservoir units from Fox Racing. The rear of the truck is rounded out with a set of traction bars sourced from Mcgaughy’s.

Up front, the suspension and steering system have been similarly upgraded with many of the same parts that can be found out back. Fox Racing 2.5 shocks can be found here as well, but this time they’re of the coilover variety. The added lift on the shocks changes the geometry of the front suspension, so again it was BDS to the rescue. First the stock mounts were replaced with units from BDS designed to work with the taller shocks and springs. Then the front link arms were also replaced, with units spec’d by BDS, to effect a minimal change in pinion angle. Finally, dual steering stabilizers were added for better control over the big wheels and tires.

Hill knew she didn’t want to stop at the suspension, however, so the body of the truck also received its fair share of modifications.

Starting up front, the factory grille was enhanced with an insert from Royalty Core. The factory bumper was also replaced with an aftermarket version from Hammerhead Armor, which received tow hooks from Monster Hooks. A Hammerhead bumper was mounted out back, along with a complete train horn kit from Hornblasters. A bed cover and bed slide from Truck Cover USA were also added to enhance both form and functionality.

After a mad thrash, Hill was proudly able to display the Ford at the 2017 SEMA show. Even with the truck’s imposing presence, she was able to keep the Ford useable and comfortable, as she still regularly uses it for work at her Texas shop, Blue Collar Outfitters. With numerous tasteful and functional modifications, her Ford is sure to draw a crowd no matter where it’s at.

 The rear suspension also got an additional 8 inches of height courtesy of BDS. Fox Racing shocks and a beefy set of Mcgaughy’s traction bars were used.

 The 6.7L Power Stroke engine is a workhorse in its own right, but there’s always room for improvement. Hill added a K&N intake and performance tuning from PPEI. Power and torque are now estimated at 500 hp and 1,000 lb-ft, respectively, at the rear tires.

 BDS Suspension was a big help in getting the Ford’s underpinnings ironed out. An 8-inch lift with shocks from Fox Racing makes plenty of room for oversize wheels and tires.