Project Tarmac - Part 1 - 2012 Ford F-150 - CGS Motorsports

1. Taking the brand-spankin'-new F-150 from the dealer lot, the father and son team of Ron and Casey Scranton wasted no time tearing down the suspension. Up front, the factory lower control arm bolts were busted loose, the lower arm given some slack, and the strut/coil spring assembly pulled free.

1. Taking the brand-spankin'-new F-150 from the dealer lot, the father and son team of Ron

We're guilty of it as much as you are—you see a nice truck with paint, suspension, and some audio and you say, "That's a nice custom truck." My desktop dictionary defines the word "customize" as modifying according to individual requirements. Casey Scranton, the owner of this '12 F-150, doesn't "customize" like the average truck enthusiast. He and his dad, Ron, own CGS Motorpsorts, and have been taking pickups to the next level way back when they created Caddy Hack, a former cover truck in 1999 that dropped jaws with the best of 'em. Fast-forward to 2012, and the father and son combo have one of the most custom F-150s in the country. Over the next few months, we'll show you the major steps involved in transforming this Ford into a classy, tire-shredding hot rod with a bed. Take a look at this no-holding-back level of commitment, as we hope you'll be inspired to take your own truck to the next level.

2. To drop the front end down a few inches, a new Belltech lowering strut will replace the factory unit. This is a trick piece, as it's adjustable and can drop the truck up to 2 inches, or lift it depending on application.
2. To drop the front end down a few inches, a new Belltech lowering strut will replace the
3. Every proper custom truck needs big brakes, especially when you factor in the big wheels and big power the Scrantons had planned. Each corner was fit with 15-inch Baer rotors and six-piston calipers.
3. Every proper custom truck needs big brakes, especially when you factor in the big wheel
4. Those monster-sized rear tires are 405/25R24 Pirellis, and as you can see, they're substantially larger than the factory 18-inch stockers. To tuck such large rubber, a narrowed rearend was needed, as was bed wheel tub modifications, and of course, the suspension needed reworking.
4. Those monster-sized rear tires are 405/25R24 Pirellis, and as you can see, they're subs

5. With the original wheel tub cut out, you can see just how massive the new tires are. The factory wheel tub shell will be reused, but with a large centersection welded to seamlessly create one extra-wide tub.
5. With the original wheel tub cut out, you can see just how massive the new tires are. Th
6. After removing the bed, measurements were taken for the proposed four-link rear suspension. Note the axle was centered and aligned, and the factory leaf-spring mounting tabs were cut off.
6. After removing the bed, measurements were taken for the proposed four-link rear suspens
7. Using those measurements, 11⁄2-inch DOM tubing was cut, bent, and fish-mouthed for the lower link bars. These will mount to the lower leafspring hanger and a custom tab for the axlehousing.
7. Using those measurements, 11⁄2-inch DOM tubing was cut, bent, and fish-mouthed for the

8. Moving ahead a few steps, here is the triangulated four-link rear suspension setup. Typically, they would have mounted the upper bars facing out, not in, but due to the gas tank location, this route was chosen instead. Also shown in this photo is the rear crossmember used to mount the VariShocks to.
8. Moving ahead a few steps, here is the triangulated four-link rear suspension setup. Typ
9. In order for proper axle travel, a C-notch was cut into the frame. Here you can see the outer sides welded in place, providing structural integrity for the factory frame when the middle section was cut away. It will later be boxed in.
9. In order for proper axle travel, a C-notch was cut into the frame. Here you can see the
10. While the frame was being cut and welded, the axle was delivered to the pros at Currie Enterprises. There, it was disassembled for shortening, new gears, and powdercoating. The first step was to remove the C-clips and pull the axles out of the tubes. Removed next, the rear brakes were discarded to make room for the big Baer brakes, and the gears were set aside.
10. While the frame was being cut and welded, the axle was delivered to the pros at Currie

11. Measuring twice and cutting once was vital to stuff the new rear wheels and tires under the bed. Held down by a hydraulic press, the axle was straightened up and then a massive chop saw made quick work of the axle.
11. Measuring twice and cutting once was vital to stuff the new rear wheels and tires unde
12. The new axle flange was aligned and trued, then welded into place. Note the custom shock mounting tab already in place for the rear coilovers.
12. The new axle flange was aligned and trued, then welded into place. Note the custom sho
13. After being cleaned, powdercoated, and baked, the narrowed rearend was ready to receive the new gears.
13. After being cleaned, powdercoated, and baked, the narrowed rearend was ready to receiv

14. Separating themselves from other rearend shops, Currie can actually make their own axles in-house. Here, a blank axle is in the lathe getting milled to the F-150's exact specs.
14. Separating themselves from other rearend shops, Currie can actually make their own axl
15. All buttoned up with new axles, lug studs, and gears, the freshly narrowed rearend was ready for business.
15. All buttoned up with new axles, lug studs, and gears, the freshly narrowed rearend was
16. To simply whet your appetite, here is a sneak peek underneath the F-150. You can clearly see the narrowed rearend (though Casey had it powdercoated black to match the truck), and you can also see double-adjustable VariShocks, lower link bars, and meaty tires.
16. To simply whet your appetite, here is a sneak peek underneath the F-150. You can clear

17. A quick trip was taken up to Fresno where Whipple Superchargers used this 5.0L-equipped F-150 to perform their supercharger R&D. The end results were staggering. Those chubby rear tires will definitely be needed thanks to 445 rwhp and 408 lb-ft of torque! Don't miss next month, where we'll show you the body mods and wild interior makeover, as well as give you an up close and personal tour of the truck inside and out.

SOURCE
Currie Enterprises 382 North Smith Corona CA 92880 714-528-6957 www.currieenterprises.com	Belltech 1075 North Avenue Sanger CA 93657 800-445-3767 www.belltech.com
Baer Brakes 2222 W. Peoria Avenue Suite B Phoenix AZ 85029 602-233-1411 www.baer.com	VariShock 8661 Younger Creek Dr. Sacramento CA 95828 800-722-2269 http://www.varishock.com
Pirelli 100 Pirelli Drive Rome GA 30161 800-747-3554 www.us.pirelli.com	CGS Motorsports 4525 Carter Court Chino CA 91710 1-909-902-0102 http://www.cgsmotorsports.com/