PASMAG - Tuning Essentials Special Edition - Trucks Vol.9

YOUR SOURCE FOR MODIFIED TRUCK LIFESTYLE

T U N I N G ESSENTIALS

ODUCT PR

YO U R T

R

FO

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UC

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S

NEW

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S K C A S R K T RAC T

ON

#9

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PM40069655

R10760

Display Until 05/31/19

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ILE B O M E W R O O M + N E E S F THE FUTUR L B A IN SO K C M U R O T B IC R A T C E E L E H T UP + K C I P W NE + JEEP’S

BUILDING A SEMA TRUCK

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DEFCO PUTS THE BA IN “BADASS” 2019-01-30 12:08 PM

None Notes: pdfx1a

TOYOTIRES.COM/OPENCOUNTRY

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TOUGH TO DAMAGE. EASY TO LOVE.

©2018 Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp.

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2018-09-07 11:46 AM

DESIGNED IN CALIFORNIA ROAMING THE WORLD

Black Rhino Fury

22x11.5� / Matte Gunmetal

A portion of the sale of every Black Rhino wheel goes towards rhino conservation.

See the complete line of off-road, truck, and SUV wheels at: www.blackrhinowheels.com

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2018-11-08 4:16 PM

Black Rhino Swerve

24x14” / Gloss Black w/ Double Milled Spokes

BLACK RHINO OFF-ROAD & TRUCK WHEELS

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HALOGEN BULB REPLACEMENT BRIGHTER THAN HALOGEN SMALLER FOOTPRINT FOR VERSATILE APPLICATION FITMENT EXCELLENT FOCAL PATTERN

ULTRA LED LIGHTING CONVERSION KITS FOR VEHICLES WITH HALOGEN BULBS OR SEALED BEAMS

+

PREMIUM XENON HID INCREASED EFFICIENCY • ADDITIONAL ACCESSORIES • PREMIUM PARTS

S A L E S @ LU M ENSHI D .C OM | 1 - 8 ­ 88-8 ­ 22-6 ­ 1 2 0 | WWW. LU MEN SHPL . C OM | D EAL ER IN QU IRIES WE LCO M E

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2019

FEATURES.

48

TRACKS ON TRACKS

DAVID FISCHER’S ABOMINABLE SNOWMOBILE

38

42

56

COMEBACK FOR THE CROWN

BUILDING A SEMA TRUCK

B IS FOR BADASS

MIKE FLANAGAN’S MECA BOBOS BUILD

BUILDING AN ALL-ROUNDER TO TAKE HOME AFTER THE SHOW

DEFCO’S TAKE ON THE ULTIMATE F-350

TUNING ESSENTIALS // 2019 TRUCKS // 9TH EDITION

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2019

RISE OF THE ELECTRIC TRUCKS

17 15 TRENDING.

JEEP GLADIATOR

22 BUYERS GUIDE

TRUCKS

EV E RY I S S U E

Q 64 PREFERRED DEALERS Q 66 SPOT THE DIFFERENCES

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ISSUE PREVIEW

2019

PASMAG (ISSN # 1710-1573) is published 12 times a year by Performance Auto & Sound Inc. 117C-219 Dufferin Street, Toronto, ON, M6K 3J1, Canada

TRUCKIN’ INTO 2019

SUBSCRIPTION RATES (1 YEAR) CANADA AND USA:

$24.99

(2 YEAR) CANADA AND USA:

$34.99

(3 YEAR) CANADA AND USA:

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TOLL FREE: 1-800-667-7223

subs@pasmag.com pasmag.com/subscribe GROUP PUBLISHER & CEO: Tim PUBLISHERS: Blake

Rutledge

Breslin & Perry Breslin

FOUNDER & SR. VP BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT: Frank

Spezzano

EDITORIAL EDITOR: Micky

Slinger

ASSOCIATE EDITOR:

Adam Gordon

TECHNICAL EDITOR: Garry

Springgay

CONTRIBUTORS

W

Jay Canter, Erik Fleischhacker, Nathan Knight,

E’RE FRESHLY BACK FROM SEMA 2018, AND AFTER BEING EXPOSED TO SOME OF THE WORLD’S BIGGEST, BADDEST, AND WILDEST TRUCKS, WE’VE GOT A GOOD HANDFUL OF COOL THINGS TO SHOW YOU. SEMA TRUCKS SET THE BAR HIGH, SO FOR THIS ISSUE WE’VE GATHERED UP THE MOST QUALITY TRUCK CONTENT WE COULD GET OUR HANDS ON. First things first, we’ll dive into some of the newest truck offerings from the big manufacturers, as well as some of the most innovative new technology you can expect to find in them. We’ve also put together a buyer’s guide crammed full of the latest and greatest truck products, with everything from wheels and tires to truck-specific electronics to help put together your dream build.

Speaking of dream builds, we know a big portion of our PASMAG TRUCKS audience has a thing for SEMA trucks, and if you’re aspiring to build one of your own, we have just the thing for you. Our friend Jay Canter breaks down the ins and outs of building his truck for the big show, so take notes if you’re gunning for the top spot.

If you need inspiration, we’ve got a couple of features from the SEMA floor that are sure to please every truck lover. David Fischer’s Duramax on tracks is the definition of an unconventional big truck build.

Instead of your usual four wheels, you’ll find a set of all-terrain tracks similar to those on the military’s most hardy vehicles, owned by a professional snowmobile racer with a penchant for getting himself out to the deep wilderness.

From there, we visit DEFCO Trucks in Colorado. DEFCO Trucks’ BA-350 is one of the baddest trucks our editorial team has ever been given a ride in, so we break down exactly how the teams involved turned this F-350 into a truck that is all business.

All of this is just a scratch on the surface of all the content we’re bringing you this time around. As always, thanks for picking up the issue! We’re positive you’re going to enjoy this one.

ADAM GORDON

PASMAG ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Trevor Reiff

ART + PRODUCTION CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Queue

Gonzalez

PRODUCTION + SENIOR ART DIRECTOR: Patrick SENIOR ART DIRECTOR: Edward SENIOR ART DIRECTOR: Patrick GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Mike

Dinglasan

Shintani

Beltijar

Chan

SALES + ADMINISTRATION DIRECTOR, AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT:

Randi Bentia

DIRECTOR, CLIENT SERVICES: Richard

Robles

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS: Craig

Sweetman

SPECIAL PROJECTS EDITOR: Anna

Rutledge

Performance Auto & Sound Magazine welcomes unsolicited contributions including stories (typewritten), photos, club news, events, etc. (Forward to PAS, 117C-219 Dufferin Street, Toronto, ON, M6K 3J1, Canada) Canadian Publications Mail Products Sales Agreement #40069655 Printed in Canada PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT NIAGARA FALLS, NY AND AT ADDITIONAL MAILING OFFICES. U.S.P.S. # 022-608 U.S. OFFICE OF PUBLICATION 1855 Maryland Ave., Niagara Falls, NY, 14305 U.S. POSTMASTER SEND ADDRESS CORRECTIONS TO

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TUNING ESSENTIALS // 2019 TRUCKS // 9TH EDITION

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HOW DO YOU STAND OUT AGAINST YOUR COMPETITORS? Let us be your competitive advantage. As a Turn 14 Distribution customer you have access to the best customer support, real time inventory, nationwide delivery from PA, TX, or NV, flat rate shipping, and the best return policy in our industry.

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2019

By Micky Slinger

F

Hot Topics

QUICK SPECS 3.6L V6 (GAS) - 285 HP / 260 LB-FT / 3.0L V6 (TURBO-DIESEL) - 260 HP / 442 LB-FT / AVAILABLE 6-SPEED MANUAL & 8-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS / MAXIMUM TOWING CAPACITY - 7,650 LBS. / MAXIMUM PAYLOAD CAPACITY - 1,600 LBS. / 5-FOOT STEEL BED W/ ALUMINUM TAILGATE / 31 INCHES LONGER FRAME THAN WRANGLER UNLIMITED / 19.4 INCHES LONGER WHEELBASE THAN WRANGLER UNLIMITED

TUNING ESSENTIALS // 2019 TRUCKS // 9TH EDITION

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HOT NEW TRUCK PRODUCTS 22

As for what’s powering the Gladiator? You’ll have your choice between a 3.6-liter V6 and a 3.0-liter V6 turbo-diesel (coming in 2020), as well as a six-speed manual transmission or an eightspeed auto to pair with it. Both should be enough to tow or haul whatever you need in the fivefoot steel truck bed, especially in combination with the selectable part-time all-wheel drive.

Trim-wise, the Gladiator starts out with the Sport and Sport S models, which can be upgraded to the more luxe Overland option that ticks off more boxes inside and out, like LED headlights and color-matched fenders.

The Rubicon takes the top spot, adding a host of off-road-worthy equipment, like Fox shocks, 33inch tires, trail camera, shorter gearing, wider axles, electronic locking differentials and anti-roll bar disconnect, as well as raised wheel arches in case of a 35-inch upsize in the future.

We’ll see even more specifics revealed as 2019 progresses, especially about that sweet, sweet turbo-diesel powerhouse option.

//

OR AS LONG AS THERE HAVE BEEN WHISPERS OF THE TOYOTA SUPRA RETURNING, IT SEEMS LIKE JEEP ENTHUSIASTS HAVE BEEN PINING FOR A REMIX OF THE AWESOME JEEP PICKUP TRUCKS OF THE ‘80S AND ‘90S. From 1981 to 1986, North America was treated to the Jeep Scrambler, which was then succeeded by the Jeep Comanche from 1985 to 1992.

In all the hype leading up to the reveal of the pickup, forums, blog posts, and even magazines have been taking stabs in the dark as to what the Jeep could be called and what it could be outfitted with. Both “Scrambler” and “Comanche” were rumored to have been names for Jeep’s new open-air pickup, but with the reveal in Los Angeles, we finally know that we can call it “Gladiator,” after the Jeep pickup from the early ‘60s!

RISE OF THE ELECTRIC TRUCKS 17

JEEP SHOWS UP TO THE PICKUP TRUCK COLOSSEUM

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Gladiator

JEEP GLADIATOR 15

GET THE FULL PICTURE

INSTAGRAM.COM/PASMAG

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6/15/18

4:49 PM

New from

The TB-Series weather-proof Subwoofer System.

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

K

©2018 STILLWATER DESIGNS

CMY

Another one of America's Music Machines®.

Visit your nearest Authorized KICKER Dealer.

KICKER is distributed in Canada by Gem-Sen. www.gemsen.com

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Rise of the Electric Trucks

2019

By Micky Slinger

GET THE FULL PICTURE

INSTAGRAM.COM/PASMAG

// HOT NEW TRUCK PRODUCTS 22

IT’S BOASTING SOME REAL POWER, WITH FOUR 147-KW MOTORS GENERATING 750 HORSEPOWER AND OVER 10,000 LB-FT OF THAT MAGICAL ELECTRIC TORQUE

Hot Topics

Rivian R1T

Bursting onto the scene in 2020 is the Rivian R1T. Rivian are currently developing and building their electric pickup out of a production plant that once pumped out Mitsubishi Outlander SUVs in Illinois. At 2018’s LA Auto Show, Rivian showed off a fully-functional pre-production model of their R1T, complete with their interesting take on light bars and a front trunk, so at least we know this one is real. It’s also boasting some real power, with four 147-kW motors generating 750 horsepower and over 10,000 lb-ft of that magical electric torque.

For some truck specs, the R1T packs a 1,750-pound payload and 11,000-pound towing capacity, while squeezing up to 400 miles of range out of its 180-kW battery pack, which can apparently be recharged to around 150 miles of range within 20 minutes. As well as the aforementioned front trunk and bed out back, there is also a hidden storage area in front of the rear wheels that’s the perfect size for golf clubs, possibly a snowboard, or other adventure gear or tools. Inside, the truck has a premium feel, but it’s made out of rugged materials to push the idea that this electric truck can handle whatever you throw at it. There are also 10 USB ports scattered throughout, so if you keep your R1T charged, it’ll return the favor. Want one? After a rebate, the R1T costs $61,500 USD and can be pre-ordered from Rivian’s website right now.

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RISE OF THE ELECTRIC TRUCKS 17

W

//

ITH FOCUS SHIFTING FROM GAS TO ELECTRIC, THANKS IN PART TO THAT ELON MUSK GUY, it was only a matter of time before manufacturers would be turning their attention from electrifying and hybridizing sedans and SUVs to one of the most popular vehicles in North America: pickup trucks. While we are still a bit off from having these trucks see production, those listed here are literally the future. We’re also talking full-on electric power - no hybrid stuff going on here.

JEEP GLADIATOR 15

YOUR NEXT WORK OR ADVENTURE VEHICLE MIGHT JUST BE A PLUG-IN

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2019

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BOOSTED AND BLOWN UPDATES

TWITTER.COM/PASMAG

// HOT NEW TRUCK PRODUCTS 22

Atlis XT Atlis’ full-size XT pickup truck has a lot to live up to.

Currently in the concept and crowdfunding stages, with only renderings as proof, the XT promises a range-topping model capable of a 500-mile range and a towing capacity of 20,000 pounds with four electric motors - one at each wheel. As for measurements, you’ll have your choice of two bed lengths (6.5 and 8 feet), two flavors of ground clearance (12 and 15 inches), and two- and four-door body styles. As for some exclusive features, the XT packs two tailgates, in the front and rear, since it no longer needs that front space for an engine, and if you’re looking back, it won’t be into the past, with all mirrors being cameras that display onto the multimedia screen inside. Also, Atlis has published a mind-boggling estimation of 15 minutes to fully charge the battery, although the size of the batteries and the types of motors to be used remain unclear. Want one? You can put your name down for $45,000 USD right now, and possibly see your Atlis XT by 2020, which could be coming quicker than you think with a projected five-second zero-to-60 time - if it actually comes to be, that is.

Hot Topics

Ford’s planning an electric F-150?

This announcement comes from one of the big boys: Ford.

Hoping to future-proof their best-selling F-Series line of vehicles, Ford teased recently that full-electric and hybrid versions will be made of the F-Series trucks, as well as their line of Transit vans. No other news on projected specs, but it seems like Ford is ahead of the curve as opposed to the other mainstream automakers here. Maybe the 2020s will give us all-electric versions of the Ram, Silverado, and Tundra to compete - we’ll just have to see what the future holds.

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2019

FILL 'ER UP

PASMAG.COM

JEEP GLADIATOR 15

Rise of the Electric Trucks

//

Hot Topics

RISE OF THE ELECTRIC TRUCKS 17 // HOT NEW TRUCK PRODUCTS 22

Tesla’s Pickup Truck Concept

We’ve known about this one for awhile, but old Musky has been keeping this tightly under wraps, besides a concept sketch.

Announced in 2017, Tesla said that their focus had shifted to the development of a pickup truck that could see the market in 2019 (that’s now!). There is one thing we know for sure about the Tesla truck: it will be built on their same platform as their semi truck, which means it’s freaking huge! During the small tease back in 2017, the rendering showed Tesla’s pickup hauling a Ford F-150 in the bed.

Musk assured us that a regular license holder will be able to drive the behemoth, but offered no hints at where we could park it. Maybe park it alongside the tractor trailers at Walmart and unload a Model 3 out of the bed to take you where you need to go? Musk has also taken to Twitter to ask his audience what they’d like to see in the truck, and some great ideas came out of the brainstorming session: outlets in the truck for power tools, range around the 500-mile mark, automatic parallel parking, 360-degree cameras and sonar, and the possibility of it being a six-seater. To see what really comes out on the other side, we’ll have to wait for an announcement or unveiling (hopefully) this year. We can only imagine how expensive it’ll be.

THERE IS ONE THING WE KNOW FOR SURE ABOUT THE TESLA TRUCK: IT WILL BE BUILT ON THEIR SAME PLATFORM AS THEIR SEMI TRUCK, WHICH MEANS IT’S FREAKING HUGE!

TUNING ESSENTIALS // 2019 TRUCKS // 9TH EDITION

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2019

ALPINE ELECTRONICS

WEATHER RESISTANT MECH-LESS IN-DASH SYSTEM FOR 2018+ JEEP WRANGLER JL

ALPINE ELECTRONICS

MECH-LESS AUDIO VIDEO RECEIVER DASH SYSTEM FOR 2016+ TOYOTA TACOMA

$2,700 | ALPINE-USA.COM

$1,500 | ALPINE-USA.COM

The i209-WRA-JL is a 9-inch AV system for the 2018-up 4-door Jeep Wrangler JL and is the first aftermarket 9-inch screen system upgrade for the JL. This mech-less system includes AM/FM, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, HD Radio and is SiriusXM-Ready. The 9-inch touch screen is surrounded by a ruggedized dash bezel. The system is weather resistant, which is helpful for owners who like to drive with the Wrangler’s top off.

The iLX-F309TCM features the Alpine Halo9 9-inch mech-less AV receiver and dash kit for the 2016-and-up Toyota Tacoma. The system has AM/FM, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, HD Radio and is SiriusXM-Ready. It includes Tacoma-specific harnesses and adapters, pre-assembled pieces and a pre-programmed iDatalink Maestro module for plug-and-play installation. The screen comes pre-positioned at the optimal height, depth and angle for the Tacoma's dash.

ALPINE ELECTRONICS

AMERICAN FORCE WHEELS

$350 | ALPINE-USA.COM

AMERICANFORCEWHEELS.COM

The SBV-10-WRA is a pre-loaded 10-inch subwoofer system for the 2007-2018 Jeep Wrangler JKU. The sealed, custom-shaped enclosure fits under the front passenger’s seat, so no mounting hardware is required and no valuable storage space is used. The SBV-10-WRA allows lower frequency sound to load into the footwell for maximized bass extension even when the Wrangler’s top is off. It’s weather resistant and rated IP66, so it’s protected from total dust ingress and water from any direction.

CONSTRUCTION: Forged SIZE (IN.): 24 WIDTH (IN.): 12, 14 BOLT PATTERN: Custom FINISH: Custom

JEEP GLADIATOR 15

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RISE OF THE ELECTRIC TRUCKS 17

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HOT NEW TRUCK PRODUCTS 22

trending.

10-INCH SUBWOOFER FOR 2007-2018 JEEP WRANGLER JKU

AMERICAN FORCE WHEELS

PURSUIT

MAJESTIC

AXXESS

DIGITAL SIGNAL PROCESSOR PLUG-N-PLAY KIT FOR 2017+ FORD MODELS

AMERICANFORCEWHEELS.COM

AXXESSINTERFACES.COM

CONSTRUCTION: Forged SIZE (IN.): 24 WIDTH (IN.): 12, 14 BOLT PATTERN: Custom FINISH: Custom

The fastest way to upgrade sound and keep the factory radio. This complete DSP package retains OE functions for select new Ford Escape, Expedition, and F-150 vehicles with A2B amplified systems. This technology will retain SYNC and all chimes and voice prompts have an adjustable level. Includes an Axxess Digital Signal Processor (AX-DSP), T-harness, A2B data interface & amplifier bypass harness.

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TUNING ESSENTIALS // 2019 TRUCKS // 9TH EDITION

2019-02-06 10:04 AM

#MEMPHISAUDIO

Harness the power of MOJO Subwoofers in a new compact package!

The look, feel and power of MOJO

BIG SOUND IN A SMALL PACKAGE

subwoofers is now available in miniature

8” 900/1800w // 6.5” 700/1400w

8” and 6.5” versions opening a whole new world of possibilities for Memphis MOJO applications.

• Vented cast aluminum basket

• Stitched foam surround

• Heat dissipating aluminum heat sink

• Fiberglass reinforced cone

• 4-layer copper voice coil

• DVVC Direct Vent Voice Coil Cooling

Distributed in Canada by Trends | 877-946-9255

www.memphiscaraudio.com | 800-489-2300

PAS_152_Memphis.indd 1

Designed and Developed in the USA Memphis, Tennessee

2018-12-20 2:19 PM

2019

BLACK RHINO

ARSENAL

BLACKRHINOWHEELS.COM CONSTRUCTION: Cast SIZE (IN.): 17-18, 20 WIDTH (IN.): 9.5, 12 BOLT PATTERN: 5x127, 5x150, 6x135, 6x139.7, 8x165.1, 8x170, 8x180 FINISH: Sand on Black, Textured Matte Black

CLARION

NX808 HEAD UNIT CLARION.COM

Clarion's NX807 navigation receiver is a tremendous triple threat: it's a fantastic standalone navigation receiver with a beautiful, bountiful screen; it's a terrific way to integrate your iPhone into your car with Apple CarPlay; and it can be the foundation for an amazing fully digital sound system.

You can enjoy sweet guidance across all 50 states, plus Puerto Rico and Canada, along with 11 million points of interest and 3D mapping.

JEEP GLADIATOR 15

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RISE OF THE ELECTRIC TRUCKS 17

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HOT NEW TRUCK PRODUCTS 22

trending.

COOPER TIRE

DISCOVERER AT3XLT

COOPER TIRES

DISCOVERER STT PRO

COOPERTIRE.COM

COOPERTIRE.COM

CATEGORY: All-Terrain WHEEL DIAMETER (IN.): 15-18, 20 WIDTH (MM): 265-325 TREAD DEPTH (IN.): 16/32

CATEGORY: Mud Terrain WHEEL DIAMETER (IN.): 15-18, 20, 22 WIDTH (MM): 215-325 TREAD DEPTH (IN.): 19/32

From the trusted name in truck tires comes the new Discoverer AT3 family of tires. Designed with superior all-season, all-terrain traction and true durability, the Discoverer AT3XLT tires feature Durable-Tread Technology, enhancing durability, and enabling a best-in-class mileage warranty.

DS18

DSP-14LCD

The toughest, most capable off-road tire Cooper offers to date, perfect for serious outdoor adventurers who encounter a lot of off-road driving and need to rely on their tires to get them through thick mud, gravel, and even over rocks. You can count on the rugged durability to help you to avoid being stranded.

DS18

JMID FOR JEEP WRANGLER JK / JKU / JL / JLU

$229 | DS18.COM

$299.99 | DS18.COM

The DSP-14LCD is a digital audio processor with one stereo input and four stereo outputs which can be configured independently. It has a display for real-time visualization of input and output levels, simulating the function of an oscilloscope, as well as a potentiometer for adjusting the maximum level of input audio.

The DS18 JMID is designed for the Jeep Wrangler JK, JKU, JL and JLU. This JMID houses two 10-inch midrange speakers and two bullet tweeters. Made of black ABS plastic, the enclosure is designed to save space and streamline the installation process. Features provisions for input wires for RGB and woofer speakers.

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2019

DS18

PRO ZT6

FALKEN

WILDPEAK A/T3W

$59.99 | DS18.COM

FALKENTIRE.COM

DS18 amassed a wealth of experience in manufacturing the most elegant neodymium midranges for those seeking simple perfection. Neodymium magnets provide a higher magnetic flux density in the air gap, which generates a much greater action force in the voice coil. For this reason, Neo magnets have the strongest permanent magnets of all the commercially available speakers. Ranging in sizes, mounting depths, and frequency responses, there are more than 10 different models of Neo midranges.

CATEGORY: All-Terrain, All-Weather WHEEL DIAMETER (IN.): 15-20 WIDTH (MM): 215-330 TREAD DEPTH (IN.): 13-20/32

Engineered for adventure, any time and in any weather. An optimized tread design combined with a silica tread compound enable the A/T3W to excel in three areas: wear, winter, and wet performance.

JEEP GLADIATOR 15

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RISE OF THE ELECTRIC TRUCKS 17

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HOT NEW TRUCK PRODUCTS 22

trending.

FALKEN

WILDPEAK M/T

FULLRIVER BATTERY

FT930-65 FULL THROTTLE HIGH-PERFORMANCE AGM BATTERY

FALKENTIRE.COM

$329.99 | FULLRIVERBATTERY.COM

CATEGORY: Off-Road WHEEL DIAMETER (IN.): 15-20 WIDTH (MM): 235-345 TREAD DEPTH (IN.): 18-21/32

Full Throttle Series High-Performance AGM batteries are designed to tackle the real world needs of both high cranking accessories and components that draw on batteries. TPPL technology (Thin Plate Pure Lead) and brass terminal connections will ensure the power in your battery flows efficiently whenever you need it. Full Throttle Series AGM batteries are built for both performance and reliability.

So go ahead, crank it up and enjoy extreme power on demand!

Trusted by the pros to take on the harshest conditions. The M/T features Falken’s proprietary three-ply DURASPEC Sidewall Technology developed to sustain the most punishing off-road conditions. DURASPEC also features two high ply turn-ups that provide an additional layer of protection and durability.

HEISE LED LIGHTING

INFINITE SERIES 50-INCH LIGHTBAR W/ RGB BACKLIGHT

HEISE LED LIGHTING

INFINITE SERIES RGB CUBE LIGHT 2-PACK

HEISELED.COM

HEISELED.COM

Change your light color with the swipe of a finger. Heise's new dual-row LED lightbars feature bright pure white light with 16-million selectable colors as a backlight, controlled by a mobile app.

Rated IP67 with a military breather port that allows moisture to escape and a virtually unbreakable polycarbonate lens to withstand the toughest environments. Features an extremely bright 8-degree spot beam pattern.

These 3-inch LED cubes with an RGB backlight are stylish and functional for off-roading. A military breather port allows moisture to escape, and the polycarbonate lens is virtually unbreakable.

Features pure white light with 16-million selectable colors as a backlight, controlled by a mobile app that can be synchronized with other Heise RGB lights. Rated IP67 with a bright 1080 raw lumens output.

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2019

JL AUDIO

MICROSUB+ W/ SINGLE ENCLOSED 10-INCH TW1 AND DCD AMPLIFIER

JL AUDIO

STEALTHBOX FOR 2016+ TOYOTA TACOMA DOUBLE CAB

JLAUDIO.COM

JLAUDIO.COM

With MicroSub+ systems, the power is built right into the subwoofer system. Housing a proprietary Class D amplifier, this incredible subwoofer system utilizes JL Audio’s exclusive DCD amplifier technology to extract maximum output from its specially engineered, ultra low-impedance TW1 driver.

Also available in a single 8-inch, dual 8-inch and a single 12-inch version.

Toyota’s Tacoma Double Cab Stealthbox utilizes the small box prowess and shallow mounting depth of JL Audio’s 10TW3 subwoofer, sculpted to fit snugly behind the rear seat. The results are stunning: real, deep sub-bass and totally undisturbed interior comfort and utility.

KAPTION AUDIO

KICKER

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AZR700X5 - 5-CHANNEL CLASS-AB/D AMPLIFIER

KEY180.4 4-CHANNEL SMART AMPLIFIER

$459 | KAPTIONAUDIO.COM

$249.95 | KICKER.COM

RMS POWER/CHANNEL: 81-100 W CROSSOVERS: Subsonic\LPF 40 Hz-220 Hz FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 10 Hz - 35 Hz S/N RATIO: >95 dB DIMENSIONS (IN.): 15.6 x 2.4 x 2.4

Don’t just make your system louder - make it clearer. With the press of a selector button and microphone, the KEY uses a powerful internal computer to deliver dramatic improvements in realism and soundstage. A massive 40-band equalizer automatically improves tonality, and a 24 dB crossover re-defines the capabilities of each speaker. The concert quality of your factory stereo is revealed!

What would take hours for a professional to achieve happens in a matter of minutes, all automatically.

Kaption's next-generation amplifiers combine function and design with voltage, signal and temperature sensing technology built into the hardware you see and the hardware you don’t.

KICKER

KXA1600.1 SUBWOOFER AMPLIFIER

KICKER

TB-SERIES COMPACT SUBWOOFER SYSTEM

$879.95 | KICKER.COM

FROM $349.95 | KICKER.COM

CHANNELS: Mono TOPOLOGY: Class-D POWER (CEA-2006): 800 x 1 @ 4 ohms CROSSOVERS: 24dB/octave, variable 40-160Hz low pass only; 24dB/octave high-pass variable 10-80Hz subsonic filter EQUALIZATION: Variable to +18dB, centered 20-80Hz, variable Q 1-5 FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 10-160Hz, +0/-1dB S/N RATIO (CEA-2006): -75dB, a-weighted, re: rated power DIMENSIONS (IN.): 2.125 x 8.3125 x 11.1875

SERIES: TB-Series Compact DIAMETER (IN.): 8 or 10 IMPEDANCE: 2 or 4 ohm POWER (RMS/PEAK): 400 W / 800 W MOUNTING DEPTH (IN.): > 10 CONE & SURROUND: Injection-molded polypropylene cone, Santoprene surround VOICE COIL: 2 or 4 ohms BASKET: N/A

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2019

KNUKONCEPTZ

KONFUSED POSITIVE BATTERY TERMINAL

LUMENS HIGH PERFORMANCE LIGHTING

XTREME LED REVERSE LIGHTS

$24.99 | KNUKONCEPTZ.COM

WWW.LUMENSHPL.COM

The FBT-40P combines two functions, a battery terminal and in-line fuse holder, into one product.

Their engineers have cut a traditional battery terminal in half, insulated the two parts from each other, and linked them with fuses. The FBT-40P features two fused ports and two non-fused ports. The fused ports should be used for connecting your accessories while the non fused side can be connected to the vehicle's factory wiring.

Lumens HPL’s ultra bright XTREME LED reverse lights are the answer to those complaining that their back up lights are too dim. These LED kits produce more light than HID reverse lights. With these lights installed, everyone will know you’re in reverse!

MEMPHIS AUDIO

NITTO TIRE

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VIV60C SIXFIVE SERIES SPEAKERS

EXO GRAPPLER

$629.95 | MEMPHISCARAUDIO.COM

NITTOTIRES.COM

SixFive Series speakers are the most impressive speakers ever produced by Memphis Audio. These speakers offer exceptional acoustic accuracy even at high power to produce a rich full musical experience unrivaled by anything in their class. These speakers feature a cast aluminum basket, a dual-layer ultra-stiff but lightweight composite fiber cone, Biampable passive crossover aluminum housed silk tweeter and an extremely versatile crossover.

CATEGORY: All-Terrain, All-Weather WHEEL DIAMETER (IN.): 17, 18, 20 WIDTH (MM): 235 - 305 TREAD DEPTH (IN.): 19/32

NITTO TIRE

RIDGE GRAPPLER

Whether their journey takes them through off-road trails, gravel, or farmland, the Exo Grappler AWT is built for 4-seasons of 4-wheeling. Featuring an all-new chip resistant all-weather compound, 3-ply sidewall construction, and large, thick sidewall lugs.

NITTO TIRE

TERRA GRAPPLER G2

NITTOTIRES.COM

NITTOTIRES.COM

CATEGORY: Mud-Terrain WHEEL DIAMETER (IN.): 17, 18, 20, 22 WIDTH (MM): 265 - 305 TREAD DEPTH (IN.): 18/32

CATEGORY: All-Terrain WHEEL DIAMETER (IN.): 17, 18, 20, 22 WIDTH (MM): 235 - 325 TREAD DEPTH (IN.): 17/32

The Ridge Grappler represents the next generation of the Nitto Grappler family of products which provides the best of both worlds from our mud-terrain and all-terrain product offerings. Featuring a revolutionary dynamic hybrid tread pattern, the Ridge Grappler provides a quiet and comfortable ride.

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Nitto’s next generation all-terrain light truck tire specifically designed to meet your everyday on and off-road adventures. Whether you’re commuting to work, towing a trailer or headed up to your favorite mountain trail; the balanced off-road and on-road performance of the Terra Grappler G2 will get you there.

TUNING ESSENTIALS // 2019 TRUCKS // 9TH EDITION

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CLARITY • QUALITY • TONALITY • DYNAMICS • PRECISION

RS 1.0 SPEAKER SIZE SPEAKER TYPE POWER HANDLING (PEAK) POWER HANDLING (RMS)

25MM TWEETER 120 WATTS 60 WATTS

RS 6.0 SPEAKER SIZE 6.5” SPEAKER TYPE MIDRANGE -RAW DRIVER POWER HANDLING (PEAK) 200 WATTS POWER HANDLING (RMS) 80 WATTS

ACOUSTIC BLISS THE NEW ARC AUDIO RS REFERENCE SERIES continues our ongoing tradition of setting new industry standards with optimum performance and acoustical precision ideal for any level of enthusiast or audiophile.

Designed for todays Hi-End DSP controlled multi-channel active sound systems the RS Series the RS Series is a true testimate to engineering and technology without compromise to quality and without the need to take a second mortgage on your home to obtain it!

A R C A U D I O . C O M

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RS SERIES SPEAKERS ARE ONLY AVAILABLE THRU AUTHORIZED ARC AUDIO RETAILERS AND EXCLUSIVELY ONLINE AT ARCAUDIO.COM, THE ONLY PLACE ONLINE TO BUY ARC AUDIO AUTHORIZED WITH AN AUTHENTIC ARC AUDIO WARRANTY

2018-09-10 3:31 PM

2019

ORACLE LIGHTING

FORD F-150/RAPTOR LED OFF-ROAD MIRRORS

ORACLE LIGHTING

ILLUMINATED LED WHEEL RINGS

$399.95 | ORACLELIGHTS.COM

$199.95 | ORACLELIGHTS.COM

Oracle high-powered LED mirrors feature a set of LED light bars integrated into factory-style side mirrors. Designed for late model Ford Raptor and F-150 trucks, these LED mirrors feature a total of 24 Cree LEDs, giving the driver a total of 48W of LED power (approximately 4,080 lumens). Each unit has a 45-degree beam angle to optimize the driver's peripheral visibility. Installation is easy because these utilize the factory vehicle mirror mounts.

ORACLE Lighting illuminated LED wheel rings are an easy and effective way to light up your truck’s wheels and suspension! This head-turning lighting product consists of a set of 4 LED illuminated aluminum rings which install around the brake rotor, attached to the brake dust shield, but can also be mounted to older vehicles with drum brakes. The effect is a large ring of light which accents custom wheels and stands out at events.

ORACLE LIGHTING

PHOENIX GOLD

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ULTRA HIGH-OUTPUT LED HEADLIGHT BULBS

MX SERIES DUAL CONCENTRIC SPEAKERS

$149.95 | ORACLELIGHTS.COM

$224.99 | PHOENIXGOLD.COM

These new ultra high-output LED headlight bulbs form Oracle Lighting create a 4,000+ LM blanket of light for the driver to increase safety and night time visibility. The new Philips Luxeon ZES chips allow for the increased Lumen output and unsurpassed reliability. The new internal driver features USA-made components and offers excellent performance in an even smaller package.

The MX series Dual Concentric Design provides an excellent off-axis response as the woofer and tweeter share a common center, thus focusing the sound of both drivers in a uniform field of sound resulting in premium sound quality from stock locations. Oversized Silk Dome Tweeters deliver rich, warm treble with remarkable clarity and definition. Unique waveguide technology, Corona Lens, focuses the tweeter, correcting any phase cancellation that occurs in traditional “point source” speakers.

PHOENIX GOLD

MX SERIES FULL RANGE 5-CHANNEL AMPLIFIER

PHOENIX GOLD

MX SERIES SLIM MOUNT 12-INCH SUBWOOFER

$429.99 | PHOENIXGOLD.COM

$239.99 | PHOENIXGOLD.COM

A sub-compact series of amplifiers engineered for vehicles where space is at a premium, like trucks, Jeeps and sports cars. The MX series of amplifiers proves that amazing things do come in small packages. Designed to fit, without compromising power and sound quality. These full-featured Class D amplifiers are available in 3 configurations and same footprint (mono, 4-channel, and 5-channel) with 600-800 watts each.

The MX series is Phoenix Gold’s new slim mount subwoofers that are designed to deliver even deeper, more accurate bass in tight environments. Perfect for installations where depth is limited, and a small enclosure is needed. Emphasizing reliability and style, these subwoofers are ideal for nearly any system or budget. These subwoofers are engineered strong to withstand those with a zealous use of the volume knob. Also available in 10-inch versions.

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TUNING ESSENTIALS // 2019 TRUCKS // 9TH EDITION

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2019

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POWERBASS

OE692-FD FORD OE DROP-IN SPEAKERS

POWERBASS

OE65C-TY TOYOTA OE DROP-IN SPEAKERS

$129.99 | POWERBASSUSA.COM

$109.99 | POWERBASSUSA.COM

Making your factory sound system sound great is a simple task with PowerBass’s OEM drop-in replacement speakers for many 2011 and up Ford and Lincoln cars, trucks, and SUVs. PowerBass OEM Speakers are available in two different styles: coaxial and component. The coaxials feature an injection molded PP cone with a 1-inch silk dome tweeter, while the component system features an inverted molded woofer cone with a separate 1-inch titanium dome tweeter to deliver the music experience you have always wanted.

Making any factory sound system sound fantastic is simple with the new PowerBass OEM direct fit speakers for most Lexus, Scion, and Toyota cars, trucks, and SUVs. These drop-in speakers are engineered to deliver the music experience you have always wanted from your factory sound system, with direct fit installation that requires no wires to be cut, making them truly plug and play. Available in component and coaxial configurations.

RUST CHECK

TOYO TIRES

COAT AND PROTECT

OPEN COUNTRY C/T

RUSTCHECK.COM

TOYOTIRES.COM

Rust Check Coat and Protect is a heavy-duty protectant lubricant. It forms a gel-like coating that resists moisture and abrasion. Provides durable lubrication and protection against rusting and seizing even under adverse outdoor weather conditions. Ideal for car and truck undercoating, industrial machinery and equipment, metal parts and equipment in storage and during shipment, hitches, chains, cables and fittings, battery terminals and electrical connectors.

CATEGORY: All-Terrain WHEEL DIAMETER (IN.): 16-18, 20 WIDTH (MM): 235-285T READ DEPTH (IN.): 19/32

TOYO TIRES

OPEN COUNTRY M/T

Boasting all-terrain commercial grade durability, and a Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake qualifies it for severe snow conditions. Developed for balanced on- and off-road work, this 4x4 tire offers unique tread design and tough construction to deliver long tread life and traction in gravel, mud, and snow.

TOYO TIRES

OPEN COUNTRY R/T

TOYOTIRES.COM

TOYOTIRES.COM

CATEGORY: Mud-Terrain WHEEL DIAMETER (IN.): 15-18, 20, 22, 24 WIDTH (MM): 235-385 TREAD DEPTH (IN.): 20.2/32

CATEGORY: On/Off-road WHEEL DIAMETER (IN.): 15-18, 20, 22 WIDTH (MM): 255-325 TREAD DEPTH (IN.): 16.4/32

The Open Country M/T is legendary for durability, off-road performance, long tread life, and an aggressive tread pattern. It’s designed to help trucks work hard on pavement, then work just as hard when roads are muddy, snowy, and rocky - or when there are no roads at all.

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Built rugged for any terrain, this tire offers excellent off-road traction. Its ability to tackle dirt, sand and rocks is inspired by the legendary Open Country M/T, while its quieter ride is a nod to Toyo’s best-selling Open Country A/T II. Backed by a 45,000-mile treadwear warranty.

TUNING ESSENTIALS // 2019 TRUCKS // 9TH EDITION

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2019

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WILWOOD DISC BRAKES

CHEVY C10 PROSPINDLE KITS

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Give your C10 truck a new stance with the Wilwood 2.5-inch drop ProSpindle kit. Designed for all 1963-1987 Chevy/GMC C10 trucks, the Wilwood ProSpindle is a safer, sturdier and more lightweight alternative. Featuring forged aluminum bolt-on steering arms and forged aluminum knuckles with fortified caliper mounting bosses, the Wilwood ProSpindle is built to complement the full line of Superlite and Aerolite disc brake kits.

$755.99 | WILWOOD.COM

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WILWOOD DISC BRAKES

TACTICAL XTREME TX6R BRAKE KITS FOR 2014+ DODGE RAM 2500/3500

WILWOOD DISC BRAKES

TACTICAL XTREME TX6R BRAKE KITS FOR 2013-2017 FORD F-250/F-350

$2,519.94 | WILWOOD.COM

$2,351.93 | WILWOOD.COM

Make your truck even tougher with new Tactical Xtreme TX6R front brake kits for 2014 and newer Dodge Ram 2500/3500 trucks. These kits use the same military-grade technology and feature massive six piston forged aluminum calipers wrapped around 16-inch diameter rotors. Combined with BP20 compound SmartPads, these kits provide unmatched braking capacity and durability. 24 caliper colors are available to match your style and build.

Big trucks need big stopping power to match the big horsepower. Wilwood’s Tactical Xtreme TX6R front and rear brake kits are built using components and technology developed for tactical, armored, and extreme-duty specialized application.

That same technology is now available for your single rear wheel (SRW) 2013-2017 Ford F-250 and F-350 Super Duty four-wheeldrive truck. Be ready to tackle the toughest towing, hauling, and off-road jobs.

2019-02-06 3:01 PM

YOKOHAMA TIRE CORPORATION

YOKOHAMA TIRE CORPORATION

YOKOHAMA TIRE CORPORATION

YOKOHAMATIRE.COM

YOKOHAMATIRE.COM

YOKOHAMATIRE.COM

CONSTRUCTION: All-Terrain WHEEL DIAMETER: 15-20 WIDTH (MM): 175-295 TREAD DEPTH (IN.): 12.1/32 An innovative all-terrain tire engineered for durability, and it vastly improves traction for SUVs and full-size trucks on any surface, in any weather condition, including snow. The G015 meets severe snow service criterion and is stamped with the mountain/snowflake symbol. Available in 60 LT and P/E metric sizes.

CATEGORY: Mud Terrain WHEEL DIAMETER: 15-20 WIDTH (MM): 175-275 TREAD DEPTH (IN.): 17.2/32 Designed for hardcore off-roaders, outdoor enthusiasts and pickup truck/SUV owners, the M/T is available in 37 sizes, ranging from 15- to 20-inch rim diameters and featuring aggressive sidewall styling and GEO-SHIELD technology. The M/T has intimidating good looks and excellent traction on all terrains.

CATEGORY: Mud Terrain WHEEL DIAMETER (IN.): 17-20 WIDTH (MM): 225-355 TREAD DEPTH (IN.): 21/32 Available in 10 sizes, from 17-inch to 20-inch rim diameters with outside diameters up to 40 inches. For an extreme off-road tire with tenacious grip and killer looks – from rock-crawlers to truck enthusiasts – with an exceptional balance of performance and value.

GEOLANDAR A/T G015

GEOLANDAR M/T G003

GEOLANDAR X-MT

diesel manual #mcleodequipped #mcleodxdiesel

diesel automatic Find it all at

mcleodracing.com PasMag_Truck.indd 1 2019_PASTrucks9_BG_V03.indd 9

10/10/18 11:01 AM 2019-02-06 10:06 AM

2019

FEATURE

COMEBACK FOR THE

CROWN HOW MIKE FLANAGAN BLAZED HIS WAY TO MECA’S BEST OF BEST OF SHOW Story by

Micky Slinger Nathan Knight (Knight Photography) & courtesy of Mike Flanagan

Photography by

After a 15-year break from car audio competition, Mike Flanagan decided to dive back in again in 2014, which resulted in a successful season and a second place finish at MECA World Finals. Being that close to number one obviously reignited his hunger for competition because during the downtime between the 2014 and 2015 seasons, Flanagan decided to revamp the system in his and his wife’s 2002 Chevy Trailblazer for contention in MECA’s Best of Best of Show (BOBOS) category. In 2017, Flanagan topped that category. Talk about a comeback!

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efore the Blazer was a champ, the SUV lived life as a comfy daily driver for Flanagan and his wife, Lea Ann. Flanagan had been building competition-worthy systems since 1988, and eventually took

his break from the scene in 1999, but Lea Ann decided that she wanted to show MECA what she could do in 2011, and had Linear Power build a system in the Chevy. For a year, she competed successfully, and then stopped once she got her taste. For Flanagan though, this would be the catalyst to begin his return to car audio competition.

“My wife is my inspiration,” Flanagan explains. “If it wasn't for her, I’d never have gotten back into this hobby. She is a Marine and she pushes me to be the best every day.”

From daily driver, to competent competitor, to BOBOS winner, the Trailblazer now packs seven amplifiers, six speakers across the dash, doors, and sail panel, two 15-inch subwoofers, four batteries, and a 10-channel signal

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ESSENTIALS 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer

COMEBACK FOR THE

CROWN

OWNER › James Micheal Flanagan (Mike) LOCATION › Byram, MS TEAM AFFILIATION › Linear Power / Sundown SOCIAL MEDIA @james.m.flanagan.7

2019

FEATURE

processor, among a myriad of wiring, interlinks, and voltage regulation.

The tuning of the system was started by the late, great Chris Zenner, who unfortunately passed before seeing the Blazer win its title, but handed off the torch to the capable Steve Cook to finish the job. Add in the build support from Flanagan’s friends at Linear Power, and it was never a doubt that this SUV was a champ in the making.

The resulting system from all this work is one that generates 3,962 watts on the subs at eight ohms.

All that aside, Flanagan says that the enclosure was the most challenging part of the build.

“Building an enclosure to do around 150 dB and still sound good for SQ judging is a lot harder than it may appear,” he chuckles. “I overcame this with determination and building about 10 different enclosures before I got the right one!”

Never being trailered to any event, with 400,000 miles about to tick over on the odometer, the Blazer isn’t stopping and neither is Flanagan. He has to make up for 15 years after all!

ENGINE

K&N air intake system EXTERIOR

StreetGlow LED headlights INTERIOR

Custom LED lighting MOBILE ELECTRONICS

Kenwood Excelon double-DIN DNN 990HD head unit + Helix (Director touchscreen remote control, Pro 10-channel signal processor) + Linear Power (LP2150 Front Stage amplifiers (3), LP2250's Sub Stage amplifiers (4), LP8 door midwoofers (2), LP4 dash midrange speakers (2), LPT1 door sail panel tweeters (2)) + Sundown Audio X15v2 D4 15-inch subwoofers (2) + NorthStar Battery (NSBAGM34/78 under-hood batteries (2), NSB-AGM480 rear batteries (2)) + Hyde Performance (300-amp alternator, adjustable external voltage regulator) + Metra T-Spec V-12 series (wiring, interlinks) + System tuning by Steve Cook SPECIAL THANKS

Linear Power (Ray Rayfield, Steve Carnahan, Jeri McCord), Chris Zenner, Jimmy Walker, Mike Mastin, Lea Ann Flanagan, Tiffany Carnahan, Keith Payne, Steve Morrison, Steve Cook

B L AZ I N G FAC TS ■ Over 200 awards have been won by the Trailblazer between 2014 and 2017.

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■ The scores were so close during MECA World Finals, the SQL RTA Freq-Out contest determined the winner, which saw Flanagan win by a margin of only 1.5 percent.

PASMAG

■ 948 white LEDs make up the backlighting in the Trailblazer.

■ The voltmeter in the taillight is switched on by a magnetic reed switch on the side of the light housing, while the voltmeter in the dash is hidden by a Trailblazer logo panel.

■ The Helix Director control panel is hidden away in the motorized sunglass holder.

■ Subwoofer control is integrated into the cigarette lighter.

■ The Trailblazer has been driven to all but four states in the lower 48 (Maine, Washington, Oregon, and California).

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KolossussKablee sBenchmarkkSincee20011

Home & Mobile Audio Accessories

KFX-AK44 4 Channel Kolossus Amp Kit

Karma v3 RCA Available in 2 or 4 Channel

• Marine Grade Tinned OFC • Exceeds AWG Specs • Ultra Flex PVC

Amp Kits • Distribution Blocks • Power / Speaker Wire • RCA Cable • Sound Deadener PAS151-KnuKonceptz.indd 1

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SEMA 2019

FEATURE

BUILDING A

TRUCK Story by

TAKING A CRACK AT BUILDING AN ALLROUNDER TO TAKE HOME AFTER THE SHOW

Jay Canter (with notes from Micky Slinger)

//

Photography by

Nineteen SEMA Shows attended, and 2018 would be the first show Jay Canter has been to where his handiwork would be on display. Even with that much SEMA under your belt, actually building would be a bit of a nerve-racking challenge, but Canter, having been involved in the industry since 1995, took the challenge head-on. Canter has also been shooting photos for PASMAG for the last 20 years, so when we caught wind that he’d be building a SEMA truck, we asked him to take us along for the ride.

A

fter the truck was built, shown off, and made it back home, we sat down with Canter to ask a couple questions about his experience and to outline some of his favorite parts to find out why they’re important to have on a truck that would retire from the SEMA spotlight to become a daily driver for photoshoots, camping, and trips to the gun range. If you’ve ever dabbled in the idea of building something for the big show, you may want to take some notes here.

Jay Canter

Tell us about the experience of setting up a SEMA build! How did you acquire the F-150, and how did it all begin?

I was in the market to purchase a personal truck. After driving pretty much everything, I decided that the 2017 F-150 was the best overall. It was the most comfortable, best looking, and who doesn’t like turbos? Also, I’m not a fan of the front end change on the 2018s, so I was able to find a low milage 2017 that had basically all the options I would have wanted in the first place. I knew the truck was not going to stay stock for very long, so just saying, “new wheels and tires” turned into a, “yeah, let’s do a lot more than just that.” I had some companies interested in using the truck for SEMA, so I knew it had to be more than just a few pieces thrown on.

Did you experience the infamous “SEMA Crunch” during the build process?

Actually, yes! I picked the truck up in late May, 2018, and figured since the body style had been available for two years already, there would be plenty of aftermarket support, so I would be able to get parts, put them on, and be good to go at least a month before the show. Some parts that were shipped ended up not being the correct version, so I had to wait a bit for the correct ones to show up. I also needed to find a shop or three to help with the build, and after dealing with

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one or two that ended up being unhelpful, I was fortunate to find some shops who did amazing work and helped out big time.

Vinyl went on two days before the show roll-in, but that was SEMA crunch enough for me.

Describe the feeling of completing your truck and seeing it among the other builds at SEMA 2018!

It’s awesome to see a build and design you’ve done at the world's largest show. That means there are some companies who believe in you and what you are doing, which, of course, is a huge honor.

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What is your favorite aspect of the build?

I am quite impressed with the EcoBoost engine. With just a few bolt-ons and a programmer, it really moves. I can’t wait to see when new turbos and downpipes get put on what will happen. Overall, my favorite aspect is the entire truck.

I designed it exactly how I wanted it. Sure, I could have been like 95 percent of the other trucks there and put a huge lift that isn't all that usable for daily needs, but the Icon Vehicle Dynamic suspension is perfect for daily freeway use and going off-road.

What are people’s reactions to the truck? How do you respond?

It all depends. At SEMA, I did sit there and listen to some people say it was cool, but not very lifted like the other trucks there. Of course, some people don’t like the colors of the vinyl. Luckily, it isn't their truck! At the end of the day, it only really matters as long as I’m happy with it and the companies involved are happy. No matter what I would have done, there would be someone hating on it. If it had a huge lift, people would have said that it isn't very useful or it looks like every other truck at the show. You can’t please everyone - just please yourself.

PARTS OF THE PLAN ENGINE PROGRAMMER

With Ford choosing to offer a V6 twin-turbo engine in the F-150, it now gives tuners more ways to make good power out of the 3.5-liter engine. At the time of building the truck for SEMA it barely had 10,000 miles on it, so I wanted to keep that reliability, but still wanted more power out of it. The easiest way to make a decent amount of extra power with the best bang for my buck was an engine programmer, so I chose the new Bullydog GTX because it has a great touchscreen that gives you tons of information, plus it’s easy to install. It already comes with a preloaded tune, which is what we used to see what it would do. On low-grade 87-octane fuel, it gave the truck about 80 wheel-horsepower, which definitely makes the truck even more fun to drive.

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2019

FEATURE

SUSPENSION

SEMA BUILDING A

TRUCK

WHEELS & TIRES

INTERCOOLER

As with any turbocharged application, one of the things you’ll want to do is upgrade the intercooler, especially when Ford produced the minimum size intercooler to keep things cool-ish with the engine.

Wagner Tuning is a well-known name in the German tuning world, producing intercoolers for Audi, BMW, and other European vehicles.

This is their entry into the US truck market and they did an amazing job.

Their intercooler fits absolutely perfectly and comes with every bracket you need. You can even reuse the factory piping, which makes the install even simpler. Their cooler uses cast end tanks versus the plastic crimp-on ends that the factory uses, and being about four times larger than factory increases airflow significantly.

EXHAUST

The Ford V6 exhaust note is a bit questionable; you either like it or hate it. I was leaning towards the hate it side when I first got the truck and would open up the throttle, so I knew the exhaust had to be changed out. There are a lot of options, but with it being a daily driver, I did not want to have a loud exhaust - except when I wanted it to be loud. The MBRP exhaust I chose has 2.5-inch piping to allow for some good flow, but it won’t be obnoxiously loud. To give it a bit more aesthetics, I got a pair of MBRP’s carbon fiber exhaust tips. There’s no extra power with those, but they look amazing!

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My F-150 is two-wheel drive, which isn’t what I originally wanted, however it actually has a higher tow capacity than the four-wheel model and better fuel economy, plus, honestly, the deal was far too good to pass up. Without a doubt though, it needed new suspension, so I went to one of the leaders in off-road suspension: Icon Vehicle Dynamics. Their Stage 3 kit is a great setup that bolts directly in to give you increased wheel travel and ride quality. The kit also comes with upper control arms equipped with their Delta joints. This is a solid piece that replaces the traditional ball joint that would always get destroyed from use in harsh environments or just taking suspension on and off.

This is a daily driver, but I still wanted performance and great looks, so Venom Rex wheels were my top choice.

Designed and made by Vorsteiner, makers of amazing pieces for supercars, I knew these wheels were going to be perfect. The color choice is “Tungsten Graphite,” which has some really nice metallic grey in it (when they aren’t getting abused in the dirt). The Venom Rex engineers perfectly executed the 20x9-inch wheel offset and styling, as they sit absolutely flush to the fender with no spacers.

Mated to the wheels are Falken Wildpeak AT3W tires. I’ve used their tires for many years in different applications, so I already knew their all-terrain tires would be fantastic. The Falkens

have low road noise for normal driving and they handle higher speeds like champs, plus off-road performance is not compromised either, which makes these some of the best all-terrain tires on the market.

BRAKES

With the addition of horsepower, stopping power is equally as important. Wilwood makes a front and rear kit for this generation F-150, which is the last year they did a front and rear kit, as this truck has a mechanical e-brake. All of the new gen trucks received an electronic e-brake system that a rear brake kit is not available for as of yet. The other super nice thing that Wilwood offers is a ton of different color options to customize the brakes to your liking. Now there’s a much more stylish and powerful way to stop the truck more quickly.

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FORGED ONE-PIECE TECHNOLOGY Weld Racing is the leader in forged wheel technology. Over 50 years of wheel manufacturing for pro-race markets has kept us at the leading edge of design and durability. All of that expertise has been channeled into our XT product line and has produced wheels that meet the strict demands of the ultimate truck market.

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SEMA BUILDING A

ESSENTIALS 2017 Ford F-150 XLT EcoBoost

TRUCK

DRIVER › Jay Canter LOCATION › Mesa, AZ ENGINE › Ford EcoBoost 3.5L twin-turbo V6 SOCIAL MEDIA @jaycanterphotography

ENGINE

EXTERIOR

When I saw Armordillo’s PreRunner Guard front bumper, I thought it looked like something that could be used to push just about anything out of the way with ease, while protecting important pieces, like the intercooler. It's also modular, so you can unbolt the bull bar if you don’t want to run it, and it’s a direct bumper replacement, so there’s no cutting or welding needed for install. Another nice thing they thought about was the fog light holes, as there are already two tabs welded in for mounting light pods.

I opted for two pairs of Mocha Performance MA22 LED light pods. Mocha’s lights run a two-color LED inside the housing, with mine being a white LED that changes to orange with the flip of a switch. Across the bumper are two of Mocha’s 30-inch light bars with the same white and orange LED lights. I had a good friend of mine, Wes of FS Defense, who does custom cerakote work in the gun industry, put down a custom camo job to make them truly one-off pieces to stand out on the front of the F-150.

®

Wagner Tuning front-mount intercooler + Turbosmart blow-off valve + AFE Power Momentum GT Pro 5R cold air intake + Mishimoto coolant expansion tank + Dress Up Bolts blue titanium bolts + Bullydog GTX programmer + Dyno tuning by UMS Tuning EXHAUST

MBRP (2.5-inch dual-exit exhaust system, 4-inch carbon fiber exhaust tips) CHASSIS / SUSPENSION

Icon Vehicle Dynamics Stage 3 suspension system WHEELS / TIRES / BRAKES

Venom Rex Vr-601 wheels - 20x9 +12 (f/r) + Falken Wildpeak AT3W tires 275/55 R20 (f/r) + Dress Up Bolts blue titanium gear design stem caps + Wilwood BBK - 6-piston calipers, 15.5-inch rotors (f) / 4-piston calipers, 14.25inch rotors ® EXTERIOR

Armordillo (modular front bumper, pre-runner guard, rear bumper, drop steps) + Alpha Owls LED headlights + Tuf Skinz USA

flag graphic (front grille, tailgate) + Raptor-style replacement (front grille, tailgate) + VMS Racing 50cal bullet antenna + Hexis clear bra paint protection film + Mocha Performance (30-inch lightbars (2), 2x2 light pods (2)) + N-Fab bed cage tire carrier INTERIOR

Tuffy Security Products under-seat safe MOBILE ELECTRONICS

Kicker (KEY amplifier, QS Series 3.5-inch 2-way center channel speaker, QS Series 6x9 coaxial speakers, QS Series 6.75-inch coaxial speakers, 8-inch powered rear-seat subwoofer enclosure) SPECIAL THANKS

Unique Car Audio - car audio install + Elite Automotive Finishes suspension & brake install + UMS Tuning - dyno tuning + Clear Bra & Window Tint done by 101 Motors - clear bra & window tint + “Luth” (@ontakeriput) - artist rendering + 210 Industries vinyl cutting & prep work + Hollywood Customs AZ vinyl install

®

Show & Shine

2019 will feature 200+ MECA events Worldwide Thanks to our Competitors, Retail Members, Judges, and these Manufacturer Members/Sponsors:

American Bass, Arc Audio, Audible Physics, B2 Audio, Ballistic, Beyma, Clef Labs, Dayton Audio, Heise Lighting, Hybrid Audio Technologies, Incriminator Audio, iSimple, JL Audio, JY Power Batteries, KnuKonceptz, Lanzar, Limitless Lithium, Linear Power, Massive Audio, Mechman Alternators, Memphis Car Audio, Metra Autosound, Ohio Generator, Orion, Phoenix Gold, Pioneer, Pyle Audio, Shuriken Batteries, Stinger, Sundown Audio, TermLab, True Bass Solutions, T-Spec, US Acoustics, XS Power Batteries, Xstatic, and Zapco.

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AUDIO

As a midrange F-150, the audio honestly wasn’t horrible, however there was a ton of room for improvement, and Kicker Car Audio has definitely figured out how to improve the sound in an F-150. They’ve designed a punchy eightinch powered sub box to fit behind the rear seat, so it doesn’t take up valuable floor space. I much prefer a bit of punchy bass with nice mids and highs, so to compliment the powered sub, all the factory speakers were torn out and Kicker’s high end QS series went in. The master installers over at Unique Car Audio in Gilbert, Arizona, did the complete install and tuning of the speakers, and now the truck sounds as good inside as it does outside.

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INTERIOR

Without the luxury of an actual trunk to be able to hide things in, any additional secure space is value added, so under the rear seat is a Tuffy Security Products gun safe, though you can use it for anything you need to secure. It’s high quality and a super easy install, plus with the seats down, it doesn’t take up additional space and is impossible to see from outside the truck. This was super important to me since I am always on the go, and sometimes that extra peace of mind is well worth it.

2019-02-05 2019-02-05 11:19 2:44 PM AM

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TRACKS ON TRACKS 2019

FEATURE

THE ABOMINABLE SNOWMOBILE Story by

Micky Slinger

//

Photography by

Erik Fleishhacker

So, you think you like snowmobiles? We can guarantee it’s not as much as David Fischer. Growing up obsessed with powersports, like racing watercross, Fischer’s biggest love was snowmobiling, whether competitive or just hunting around for the best trails. After years of shredding sleds, Fischer is now a Terrain Dominator for Polaris and represents them with his sled of choice: Polaris’ 850 PRO-RMK 155. Not a bad gig!

A

s anyone who needs to move their toys around to use them can tell you, they have a love for trucks as well, and it’s no different for Fischer, though he prefers to get a little bit more showy with his. Fischer has built four trucks for the SEMA Show in the past, but his trucks live a different kind of life from your usual SEMA build fare. Instead of being immediately sold off or rolled from one parking lot to another, all of Fischer’s projects make it back home with him and are put to work hauling, working, or scouting zones for all of his favorite activities. His fifth SEMA build, the truck we’re talking about here, is be the ultimate workhorse and showpiece of the lot.

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2019

FEATURE

SEMA 2016 is where Fischer would meet the guys from Wold Fabrication, including the man behind the name, Tom Wold himself. This meeting would get the gears turning to produce something amazing, as with Wold Fab stationed in Minnesota and Fischer being a Minnesota native himself, it made all the sense in the world to collaborate on something show-stopping and diesel, which just so happens to be Wold Fab’s bread and butter.

Fast forward to 2018, with SEMA being months out, and Fischer rolls up to the Wold Fab shop with a 2016 Chevy Silverado High Country equipped with a 6.6-liter LML Duramax diesel V8.

“My original intentions with this build was to have something that was clean, yet functional - not just for show,” Fischer explains of his choices.

“I wanted a big diesel with power to pull and get snowmobiles to higher elevations. This High Country Duramax was the perfect start to the build.”

This is where the biggest draw of the truck comes into play. After a brainstorming session to figure out something to make the Chevy stand out amongst SEMA’s sea of lifted trucks and haul Fischer’s sleds, it was decided that they’d go full snowmo-

bile and put the Duramax on tracks!

Tom Wold had been fascinated by the tractors that roamed on tracks through the fields near his childhood home, and the idea had always been in the back of his mind to apply that mobility to a truck to make something that could go just about anywhere.

With a talented team of fabricators and designers, Wold could finally make that dream a reality.

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NEW

NEW

TYPE M26

MOJAVE SAND w/ MATTE BLACK LIP EDGE 17x9 | 18x9 | 20x9

MATTE GREY w/ MATTE BLACK LIP EDGE 17x9 | 18x9 | 20x9

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TYPE M25

@mambawheels

TYPE M23

GLOSS BLACK w/ BALL-CUT ACCENTS 17x9 | 18x9 | 20x9

@mambaoffroadwheels 2/5/19 1:10 PM 2019-02-05 4:05 PM

2019

FEATURE As per the root of inspiration with this build, it’s only suitable that the first tracks tested were based a used set of snowmobile tracks. From there, pen hit paper and the ideas started flowing, which then turned into something tangible.

“For the SEMA build, we had to locate a rubber track that would hold up and to be the right size, and we found a company that made a custom set of rubber tracks to our specifications,” Wold reveals. “Our Design Engineer, Alex Madsen, then began to draw a 3D model with ideas that had worked in the past. We wanted to design something that would not only turn heads, but also be completely functional.”

After Madsen had spent hundreds of hours designing the track system, the files of the final model were sent out to a local laser cutting shop to punch out the framework parts, while Wold Fab handled the machining of the bearing hubs and shafts from

billet. Once all the parts were ready to go, it was on to the arduous task of welding it all together.

“We had three Miller welders going for three days to finish up the framework,” Wold recalls, chuckling.

“From start to finish, the tracks’ construction was completed in less than a week’s time.”

With the stress of the tracks out of the way, the next challenge reared its head: the rest of the build! Both Fischer and Wold agreed that nothing about this Chevy should be bolt-on, so they agreed on a frame-off build, but now they had a bare frame sitting on a hoist with just about 30 days until the ship out date for the show. Crunch time.

The frame was chopped, shaved, and powder coated, while every fastener and bolt was replaced with newly machined hardware. To keep the tracks moving at a steady rate, the LML engine was modified to support Wold Fab’s Quantum-Max 68-mm turbo

“WE WANTED TO DESIGN SOMETHING THAT WOULD NOT ONLY TURN HEADS, BUT ALSO BE COMPLETELY FUNCTIONAL.”

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and work in conjunction with custom intake and piping kits from Wehrli Custom Fabrication. This has the Duramax churning out about 650 horsepower, which is more than enough for ripping through hills of powder.

Of course, clearance is needed for any kind of off-roading, so the Chevy received a Cognito Motorsports 12-inch lift and sway bars in the front, while a 12-inch Kelderman air ride lift system takes up duty in the rear. The air-assisted rear suspension is key to this truck’s function of hauling sleds to the best zones.

“We worked very closely with Kelderman on this build, from bumpers to lift,” Fischer says. “With the rear air ride lift, it allows us to dump the air and

lower truck for loading the sleds easily.”

With some favors called in to get this truck together within the time frame, and a full wrap job from ECD Customs on location, the Duramax on tracks made it to SEMA to make one of the largest impressions of the show in the vast truck hall. Now that the show is over though, the Chevy has gone home with Fischer is already being put to good use hauling snowmobiles and going on adventures. Wold Fab has also said that once they can get their manufacturing process to reasonable cost, there’s no reason they wouldn’t offer this same tracks service to customers. If you love sledding, there should definitely be some tracks on tracks in your future.

2019

ESSENTIALS 2016 Chevrolet Duramax

FEATURE

OWNER › David Fischer LOCATION › St. Paul, MN BUILT BY › Wold Fabrication ENGINE › Chevrolet RPO LML 6.6L Duramax V8 HORSEPOWER › 650 hp (est.)

SOCIAL MEDIA @df36 /david.fischer.36 ENGINE

Wold Fabrication QuantumMax 68-mm turbocharger + Wehrli Fabrication (custom 4-inch one-piece intake piping, intercooler piping, 3-inch Y-bridge) + Air Dog fuel pump + EZ Lynk tuner + All In Truck Performance custom tune + Amsoil lubricants EXHAUST

P1 Race Parts 5-inch exhaust system + MBRP (3-inch turbo down-pipe, exhaust tip) WHEELS/TIRES/BRAKES

Wold Fabrication custom tracks + American Force wheels - 28x16 (f/r) + Fury Offroad tires - 42/15.50 R28 (f/r) + SSBC (B8 Barbarian 8-piston calipers, drilled & slotted rotors) + Custom braided brake lines + Amsoil brake fluid CHASSIS/SUSPENSION

Fox shocks + Cognito Motorsports (12-inch front suspension lift, sway bars) + Kelderman adjustable 12-inch air ride rear suspension lift EXTERIOR

Kelderman Alpha Series (front bumper, rear bumper, front grille) + Warn front winch + Rigid Industries lighting + ECD Customs full vinyl wrap + Bodywork by 2nd Street Customs SPONSORS

Polaris Snowmobiles

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B 2019

FEATURE

IS FOR

BADASS MOVE OVER, MALL CRAWLERS. DEFCO TRUCKS IS ON THE SCENE.

Story by

Adam Gordon

//

Photography by

Trevor Reiff ( @fleetingmemoriesmedia)

The world of big trucks in America is a rapidly expanding market. With the explosion of Cen-Cal style trucks over recent years, you can expect a gigantic lifted truck with powdercoated suspension components and oversized wheels at just about any show or meet across the country. While those more showoriented trucks may be enough to get some peoples’ rocks off, Doug Paddock of DEFCO Trucks is not one of those people. For him, a truck needs to be functional above all else - otherwise, what’s the point?

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TUNING ESSENTIALS // 2019 TRUCKS // 9TH EDITION

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D

EFCO Trucks is no stranger to the world of building trucks.

The shop has built countless custom trucks for customers, as well as some seriously fast cars, and

their love for both speed and practicality has dovetailed into a formula for trucks that not only look the part, but perform accordingly on or off the road. Back in Vegas during SEMA 2018, I got a chance to ride in their “BA-350” down the strip after the SEMA Ignited circus, and it quickly became one of my favorite trucks.

I’ll try not to offend any pavementpounders, mall crawlers, or Cen-Cal style truck lovers as I explain why.

Unlike typical show trucks that seek attention with bright suspension parts, train horns, and LED light pods as bright as the sun, the BA-350 (the BA stands for badass, as far as I’m concerned) commands attention from the enthusiast with an eye for detail. It may not attract the Instagram fanboys of a neon-laden truck, but anyone who knows what they’re looking at will appreciate the simple, subtle details. The first thing you’ll notice is the complete

re-body, made up of a custom kit from Advanced Fiberglass. This isn’t your ordinary fiberglass prone to cracking at the slightest impact, either. While showing off the truck to me on the show floor, Paddock grabbed his front widebody fender with both hands and shook it back and forth violently. It didn’t even flinch.

As if the kit wasn’t enough, complete with fenders, bedsides, tailgate cap, and a new hood, the front and

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FEATURE

B IS FOR

BADASS rear bumpers are also custom spec, courtesy of LewisBuilt Performance in California. With integrated Quake LEDs in the front and rear, and a 16.5k Warn winch up front, the truck takes on an aggressively functional look.

The BA-350 widebody kit adds at least four inches of track width, and that calls for some serious wheels and rubber to fit the bill.

A set of custom-spec Weld XT Renegade wheels, custom built for DEFCO Trucks and measuring 20x14 with 4.5-inch backspacing on both the front and the rear, fill out the new fenders nicely. Wrapped in Continental MPT 81 tires measuring 365/80 R20, the wheel and tire package offers an aggressive off-road-ready stance to the truck, as well as a promise of excellent off-road prowess, which complements the intricate suspension setup nicely. As you can imagine, a big truck meant to take abuse needs a beefy suspension setup, and the system built specifically for the BA-350 by LewisBuilt brings everything you need to the table.

“When we were researching how to create unique and challenging suspension package for these trucks, we couldn’t find anyone as crazy as we

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THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE LEWISBUILT STAGE II SUSPENSION SYSTEM WAS AN EXERCISE IN REIMAGINING HOW A BIG TRUCK SHOULD PERFORM

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2019

FEATURE

were to partner with us, and help us design and build the suspension exactly how we wanted,” Paddock grins.

“Then we found Chris Lewis of Lewisbuilt Performance and it was a match made in heaven. When I called him, he was extremely receptive to the idea, but I’m not sure he took it seriously until my shop foreman and I were in his shop showing him exactly what we were thinking and how we want it designed - increasing wheel travel without sacrificing a low center of gravity. Then, about two hours into our drive back to Denver from California, Chris sent me some Solidworks designs and it fit the bill perfectly.”

B IS FOR

BADASS

The development of the LewisBuilt Stage II suspension system was an exercise in reimagining how a big truck should perform, both in enthusiastic driving and when hauling. It starts with a unique fab job to relocate the front shocks to straddle the reinforced Dana Super 60 front axle. From there, custom BA-350 lower radius arms, a ProComp Track Bar and dropped pitman arm, Defco sway bar drop bracket, and dual King 2.5-inch steering stabilizers set the geometry, and a custom upper shock mount allows them to package a three-inch King coilover and a three-inch King triple-bypass shock with an external reservoir. All in, the

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ALL TOGETHER, THE BA-350 IS A TRUCK WITH A CLEAR CUT PURPOSE: TO DO IT ALL, AND LOOK GOOD DOING IT setup up front equates to 12 inches of useable front travel, with better-thanfactory steering geometry thanks to DynaTrac ball joints, LewisBuilt steering arm, and pitman and idler arm supports.

In the rear, King triple-bypass shocks are found once again, this time measuring 3.5-inches. Customrate leaf springs from Atlas Suspen-

sion are employed to handle more abuse than the factory offerings can take, and a patent-pending LewisBuilt cantilever shock arm system provides handling prowess unlike anything else available for the platform. By laying the shocks parallel to the frame, the system maintains complete functionality of the bed, and gives the BA-350 17-inches of rear travel.

With the intricate and proven suspension system dialed in from front to back, the truck handles more like a car than the behemoth that it is. The drivetrain needed some bolstering to take that kind of abuse as well. The Sterling 10.5-inch rear differential containing an ARB air locker is reinforced with gussets and braces, and both axles are re-geared

TUNING ESSENTIALS // 2019 TRUCKS // 9TH EDITION

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WILWOOD HUBS & ROTOR HATS

FRONT BRAKE KITS

Forged aluminum hubs and hats for strength and durability

ROTORS COMPLETE BRAKE KITS FOR THOUSANDS OF VEHICLE MODELS

Rotors for applications from original equipment replacement to pro racing

PEDAL ASSEMBLIES TRU-BAR PRECISION BALANCE BAR

REVERSE MOUNT BRAKE/CLUTCH PEDAL

MASTER CYLINDERS TANDEM

TRIPLE FLOOR MOUNT WITH THROTTLE PEDAL

2014-Present Dodge Ram 2500/3500 Tactical Xtreme TX6R Front Brake Kit

GS REMOTE

PROSPINDLES

FORWARD MOUNT BRAKE/CLUTCH PEDAL

MUSTANG II PROSPINDLES REMOTE TANDEM

STANDARD AND 2” DROP

CHEVROLET C10 PROSPINDLES FLANGE MOUNT COMPACT

REVERSE SWING MOUNT DUAL MASTER CYLINDER PEDAL

2.5” DROP

BRAKE PADS GS INTEGRAL

S M A RT PA D S P O LY M AT R I X

COMPACT REMOTE MASTER CYLINDER KITS

HYDRAULIC CONTROLS

TANDEM BRAKE & HYDRAULIC CLUTCH PEDAL

P R O M AT R I X

Compounds available for all applications,from daily driver to pro racing

MOUNTING BRACKETS

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COMPACT PROPORTIONING VALVES COMBINATION PROPORTIONING VALVES BRAKE LINE KITS RESIDUAL PRESSURE VALVES

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B

2019

IS FOR

BADASS

FEATURE to a 4.30 final drive ratio (with other ratios available on request).

All together, the BA-350 is a truck with a clear cut purpose: to do it all, and look good doing it. “There’s a complete uniqueness to the build.

There is nothing like it out there,” says Paddock. “We like to say that we’re 'making big trucks great again' because the truck, despite her being large and in charge, still continues to do all the things someone needs their truck to do.” When the truck was finally finished, Paddock decided he would show off the truck’s prowess in the best way he knew how. On New Year’s Day, he rigged up a crude ramp, and hit it at 70 mph! Clearing about 100 feet from the jump, and 15 feet off the ground, the truck came down a little front-heavy after the overzealous launch, but other than popping off a fender mounting tab, the BA-350 took it like a champ.

“We just wanted to build the most badass trucks on the planet,” laughs Paddock. By all accounts, it looks to us like they succeeded with the help of some key partners who were just as crazy as they were. If you want one of these monsters for yourself, DEFCO currently offers a number of configurable packages, including a BA-250, and four different trim levels of BA350, complete with all the proprietary components and engineering goodies you can fit on the platform.

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ESSENTIALS 2017 Ford F-350

OWNER › Doug Paddock BUILT BY › DEFCO Trucks ENGINE › Ford PowerStroke 6.7L V8 SOCIAL MEDIA @defcotrucks @defcotrucks

ENGINE

Bully Dog BDX tuner EXHAUST

Custom 4-inch stainless steel exhaust + MBRP exhaust tip DRIVETRAIN

4.30 gearing + ARB Air Locker differential WHEELS / TIRES / BRAKES

“WE JUST WANTED TO BUILD THE MOST BADASS TRUCKS ON THE PLANET.”

“Our partners have helped us make these trucks what they are,” he says.

“From custom leaf springs from Atlas Suspension, and custom badging from Billet Badges, to a custom billet wheel from Weld XT so that we could guarantee strength.” In closing, Paddock thanks his in-house team for being the backbone of the operation.

“I couldn’t do this without my guys: Lance Jarman, our foreman, and Justin Kill, our fabricator, at our shop. They make it all happen and make these trucks what they are!”

Weld XT Renegade wheels - 20x14 (f/r) + Continental MPT 81 tires - 365/80/20 (f/r) + EBC (rotors, brake pads) + Custom stainless steel brake lines CHASSIS / SUSPENSION

LewisBuilt Performance BA-350 (Stage II front/rear suspension, lower arms) + Dana (super 60 trussed and strutted fronts, M275 rear w/ cantilever design, 60 axles) + Custom (track bar, pitman arm) + King Coil (3-inch coils, 3-inch triple bypass shocks) + Atlas Suspension custom leaf springs EXTERIOR

DEFCO x Advanced Fiberglass BA-350 widebody kit (fiberglass hood, fenders, bedsides, tailgate cap) + Billet Badges custom DEFCO Trucks “BA350” badges + LewisBuilt Performance BA-350 bumpers + Warn 16.5k winch + Quake LED lights front and rear INTERIOR

Ford XLT Premium heated and cooled seats AUDIO / MOBILE ELECTRONICS

Rockford Fosgate amplifiers + Focal speakers SPONSORS

BullyDog Tech, Adams Polishes, Atlas Suspension, Advanced Fiberglass, LewisBuilt Performance, Weld XT, Billet Badges

TUNING ESSENTIALS // 2019 TRUCKS // 9TH EDITION

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SOUNDZCUSTOMZ.COM

HI END CUSTOMS 173 Maplewood St Malden, MA 02148 (617) 529-6742 HIENDCUSTOM.COM

UNITEDSPEEDRACING.COM

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ORIGINAL

Photography by Lee Vermont

ALTERED

Photography by ????

Want to WIN some awesomePASMAG gear?

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U L T I M A T E

F A C T O R Y

I N T E G R A T I O N

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/

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40 Emblem Court Toronto, Ontario M1S 1B1

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