mrfixit
Chief Chaotic Engineer
Matt Jones of Effingham, IL wanted a truck that he could transport his family in and make a statement that would thank all those who protect us and our freedom. In order to fulfill this tall order, Matt rolled his Ford F-350 into the garage, where the suspension setup was decided upon.
Starting with the stock F-350, Matt and brother Chris bolted on a Kelderman air-ride suspension 12-inch lift kit. Using Bilstein 9100 shocks and the 38-inch Nitto Mud-Grappler tires wrapped around the Weld Cheyennes, The Super Duty sits a full 22 inches higher than stock!
Now keep in mind, the suspension modifications are important, but they are not the main focus of this project. Matt worked long hours, making the body as straight as possible and laying down the basecoat, so Mickey Harris could unleash his creativity. The outer sheetmetal is draped in the American flag with patriotic imagery of soldiers in action. After the clear was dry, Matt laid down some guidelines and, with a silver Sharpie marker, started writing the names of all the fallen soldiers of Operation Iraqi Freedom on the freshly painted surface. Before Matt realized, there were more than two thousand names hand written on the bed sides, front fenders, cab, and even all four side windows. When we interviewed Matt, he told us that the total number of names has now reached 2,974.
Popping the airbrushed hood reveals the 7.3L diesel powerplant has a few more horses squeezed out of it, thanks to a TS Performance 250-shot N2O kit, combined with an aFe Stage 2 intake and air filter, paired with a 4-inch exhaust, which makes this thoroughbred a wild ride. With the truck finished, Matt knew it was only a matter of time before he grabbed the attention of anyone who laid eyes upon it. His truck is a reminder to be thankful for the men and women who live life everyday protecting our way of life, and to remember those who have given their lives in building and maintaining what we have: Freedom!
