Around the first of the year, aftermarket automotive parts manufacturers, who belong to SEMA, are entitled to submit vehicle proposals to various manufacturers in order to develop products that will make it into production. The end result is the actual SEMA Show held every year in Las Vegas, Nevada. Almost all of the vehicles and parts featured in this issue are a direct result of that show. For instance, take a look at this month's main cover blurb. We showcased some of the best new products that this past year's show had to offer. Also in this article, you will see the highlights of the SEMA Show coverage, as well as the cool vehicles displayed.
When the notion of designing a new project vehicle took shape, we looked no further than to Street Scene Equipment (SSE). Through past work-related relationships, President Mike Spagnola and I have collaborated on numerous projects, all of which achieved critical success and accolades. Obviously, we had hoped for the same results this year. We both had one key objective with these projects, though, to make the vehicles completely color-matched, totally useable, daily drivers if need be. Something the average reader could create depending upon their level of build expertise and budget. And, we also didn't want to break the bank when it came to budget.
The Ford F-150 was lifted...
The Ford F-150 was lifted 6 inches over the stock height by a Fabtech suspension kit, fit with its 2.5-inch Dirt Logic shock absorbers and coil springs.
After submitting the renderings, created by Surface Art, designed by Nick Crouch; and receiving approval for the designs in early June, we were awarded an '06 Ford F-150 SuperCrew longbed and SSE was awarded an '07 Ford Expedition. However, due to that vehicle being completely new, SSE wouldn't receive it until six weeks prior to the SEMA Show, which made the build time significantly less, but onto our vehicle.
The F-150 originally started out as a black 6-1/2-foot longbed truck. It seems everyone and their brother has built a short bed version of the SuperCrew, but since this one would be getting Fabtech's new 6-inch suspension lift-complete with its Dirt Logic 2.5 coilover shocks-we wanted the long bed because, once lifted, it is proportionately more correct than the 5-1/2-foot bed. Also, fit to the underside of the new lifted suspension, expertly installed by Off Road Unlimited, in Burbank, California, is a set of Air Lift air- leveling load 'bags and an in-cab controlled compressor. Off Road Unlimited made a few adjustments to the stock brackets to accommodate the Fabtech Dirt Logic shocks, but for the most part, the Air Lift bags are a direct, bolt-on piece and highly recommended for any towing need. Also, fit to the front and rear differentials were 4.10:1 gearset compliments of Randy's Ring & Pinion and a set of Mag-Hytec front and rear differential covers. Planted under the four corners are Weld Racing EVO 20x10-inch Cheyenne Six wheels, dressed in Nitto Mud Grappler LT35x12.50R20 tires. To drastically aid in the stopping power, a set of Stillen supplied AP Racing front and rear 13-1/2-inch four-piston brakes and calipers were installed by Stillen in Costa Mesa, California. Big brakes are a must for any lifted truck. To ease ingress and egress of the truck, the F-150 was fit with a set of retractable AMP Research running boards that detract when not in use. To the uninformed, when the doors are closed, the boards are undetectable.