When Chad Fincher purchased this '97 GMC Sierra in 1999, he had no idea that it would turn into the body-dropped custom that you see now, but after driving it with a static drop for several years, a fender bender damaged the front end and gave him the opportunity he needed to go full-bore with the customization. When Chad decided to build it to debut at SEMA, there were plenty of naysayers that told him he'd never get it done in time. To prove them wrong, Chad employed a team of trusted craftsmen and put his nose to the grindstone to finish the build in time without cutting any corners.
Lowboy Motorsports in Mesa, Arizona, took over the suspension portion of the build, which involved serious frame alteration. The front of the frame was pie cut for clearance and Ride Tech control arms, DJM spindles, and Slam Specilaties RE-7 'bags were installed to allow for the correct camber throughout the suspension's travel. The rear was notched and a KP Components six-link was welded in place before the Slam Specialties bags were plumbed with 1/2-inch stainless steel tubing and 1/2-inch valves.
Two new crossmembers were fabricated, one to mount the gas tank above the frame, and another to mount the 8 1/2-gallon tank and two Viair 480 compressors that feed the 'bags. Lowboy also handled some of the sheetmetal work, as they fabricated inner fenders and the mount for the Optima battery under the hood. The goal of the frame fabrication was to showcase the Chevy and fully lay out on 22-inch Bonspeed Quasar wheels and, as you can see, they were quite successful.
Chad's favorite modification is the body drop, which was performed by his friend, and Truckin' contributor, Kevin Whipps at Whipps Industries. You may remember the channeling tech, as we ran the story a few years ago, but to freshen your memory, with help from Chad, Kevin channeled the cab floor 2 3/4 inches and raised the bed floor to maintain a flat load floor.
From there, the truck was off to Demented Customs in Hobbs, New Mexico. Chad had already installed the Caddy front clip and the front bumper that was sectioned by IF Customs, but there was still a lot of work to be done. Demented shaved the door handles, tailgate handle, and stake pockets, before the entire body was prepped for Dark Toreador Red, a factory Ford color. Next, two layers of flames were sprayed on, one in burgundy, and the other in snow-white pearl.
With wheelwells nearly flush...
With wheelwells nearly flush with the bedrails, there's plenty of room to lay body on 22s.