Ever wondered where to get a great deal on a good basis for a project? We certainly have, but recently we ran into a man who knew where to find a screamin' deal. Keith Thompson of Temple City, California, went to a local public auction and bought a '78 F-250 that was used as an old fire patrol unit in the Angeles National Forest. Old "Unit 72," as the hood badges originally displayed, had started life with quite a stout drivetrain already. But the package wasn't quite perfect in Keith's mind, so the sprockets (and sockets) started to turn. The 460ci engine was enhanced with a custom-ground cam, while the tired old C6 was rebuilt for heavy-duty use. In back of the C6, Keith decided to use an Off-Road Design Gen II Doubler kit mounting a NP205 and 203 together. The old fire patrol unit was starting to transform from a fire-trail rig to a mud beast. But he was still not done. Keith, like other members of the Azusa Canyon Off-Road Association, felt that a 14-bolt rearend is the choice for mud duty while keeping costs down. He had Knoll Racing pack it with a Detroit Locker and 5.13 gears to match the front Dana 60.
The 44-inch Hawgs make for good flotation devices on sinking ships or in serious mud. Wrapping them on 32-bolt Allied bead locks isn't a bad idea either. | 
Yes, that's an Off-Road Design Gen II Doubler kit coupling an NP205 and NP203. Custom crossmembers were fabricated by Knoll Racing to hold the stout combo in place. |
With a stout drivetrain built, it was time to move on to the more easily recognizable mudifications. And what better way to start than with a set of 44-inch Ground Hawgs wrapped on Allied 32-hole bead locks? To fit the crucial muddin' tires, on went a 6-inch Skyjacker Softride complemented by a 3-inch body lift.
Keeping with the utility-truck theme the rig was originally adorned with, Keith placed in a heavy-duty truck box and air compressor. When something goes wrong, Mr. Thompson has the advantage of on-board air tools. | 
We know this is sacrilege to some of you, but Keith opted for a 14-bolt axle in the back of his Ford. His reason, like others in his local 4x4 club, is the sheer strength and affordability of parts. It's stuffed with a Detroit Locker and 5.13 gears. |
A custom-built rollcage keeps occupants safe. If you look closely, you can see that the steering column was entirely ripped out, and in place of it is a solid shaft between the steering box and wheel. | |