The image of a fullsize truck on high-elevation cliffs really sticks in your mind. Most Jeep people cringe when they see a fullsize guy tempting the generous body damage gods. Limits are not negotiable. We'd like to believe they are. And that we can miraculously transcend the rules of gravity or motion. But the truth is that we can not. Rules are rules. Yet we still find a power to rise above those pesky rules to claim our part of the dream. The dream of building a 4x4-whatever brand it may be-that can go anywhere and do anything. That's right! When we buy another truck or more components, we buy a bigger part of that dream.
The dream and the goal, Glen Fuller admits, was to build a go-anywhere and do-anything 4x4. His rules were simple-it had to be a Ford and it had to be a fullsize. With 144 inches of lengthy stance, the F-250 went beyond merely completing each cliff obstacle-he walked them. There's opportunity in each obstacle. Each is an occasion to prove that fullsize vehicles with a little bit of right pedal can make anything possible.
Pop the top and you'll see a monstrous 460 Ford V-8 bracketed with an L& L Products big-block swap kit and handmade engine mounts. The colossal cube holds a Comp Cams camshaft, an Edelbrock intake, a Holley carburetor, Flowmaster mufflers, an electronic Ford ignition, and Crane roller rockers. And remember, "There are no short cuts." Well, that's what Glen says anyway.
Space for all your mules, tools, and fools. Mules: a big-block cuddles an NP435 tranny with the all-time infamous NP205. Tools: All sorts of toolboxes with wrenches, ratchets, a couple of screw drivers, a cooler, a spare tire, a Hi-Lift, a strap, and wood for the campfire. Fools: Glen's audacious friends. And talk about a hook-up! His circle of friends includes axle makers, machinists, fabricators, and all-around off-road enthusiasts.
Can you use and abuse these custom Dynatrac 60s? Definitely! Both front and rear are geared to 4.88, with a Powr-Lok in the front and a Detroit in the rear. The left pedal accesses an all-around disc braking system. Glen selected Skyjacker 6-inch front springs, re-arched his rear springs, and added a 2-inch body lift and Rancho RS 9000s. Other mods include a Lee steering assist ram, an adjustable proportioning valve, and a Mico-Lock hydraulic brake lock. The bumper is a Glen Fuller Jr. original. He custom fabbed the front bumper, bolted on a Reunul rear bumper, and swapped in a 45-gallon fuel tank. He was set to go. Curious about the meats? Here's the info: Interco, Swamper SX 38.5x16.5x9.75.
The goal of building a fullsize comes in making the truck work with authority, control, and ease. If only it were that simple. "The truck project will never be done," Glen says about his big ol' '78 F-250. Since 1993 Glen has been putting precious resources into building the Ford and the results are clear-a vehicle that can be driven anywhere. Today the 31/44-ton has front and rear Dynatrac Dana 60s, a 6-inch Skyjacker lift, lower gears, lockers, and a 460 big-block. Is it possible to build the American Dream? Absolutely! Here's how.