RUSSELL & KAREN POWERS' 1986 FORD F-350

As a site foreman in Columbus, Ohio, Russell Powers has seen his share of heavy equipment. So it should be no surprise that when it came to building this '86 Ford F-350, his concept was to come up with one big, mean machine. Of course, when you're going to devote two years and $15,000. in that creation it helps that Russell had his wife, Karen for support.

Beginning with a 114" '86 Ford 1/2 ton chassis, Powers swapped the Ford independent front suspension for a straight axle to obtain the clearance he needed. The Dana 60 front axle is hung from 8" Superlift leaf springs, with a trio of Rancho RS5000 shocks to soak up the bumps. Out back another Dana 60, also turning 4.10 gears, is suspended from Rancho springs with twin Rancho RS5000 shocks on each side. L&L ladder bars, dual steering stabilizers, and chrome differential covers complete the chassis modifications. This essentially brought a 1/2 ton chassis up to 1-ton specs.

Mud-bogging, show-stopping Ford looks good from any angle.