The One Up Offroad front coilover...
The One Up Offroad front coilover package uses separate reservoirs for the coilovers and bypass shocks.
Sometimes, when the planets align and fortune smiles, you get the chance to make a living doing something you love. Cary Jones is one of those lucky guys who gets to work and play every day. Initially into imports (and still into motorcycles), Cary saw the truck market as the perfect business opportunity. Now, as the owner of DV8 Motorsports in Lake Park, Florida, he and his team specialize in tailoring trucks to their clients’ needs. Most of them don’t take their vehicles off-road, claiming they prefer to drive a truly badass truck on the street. Luckily, Cary is up to the task! The name of the place (DV8) sets the tone for the crew. Cary explains, “We like to deviate from the norm, always creating distinctive custom vehicles that stand out from the crowd.”
That same approach certainly applies to shop vehicles—especially when the goal is to showcase the talents of the business. Cary’s own ’10 F-250 Super Duty, four-door crew cab shortbed was the perfect choice for the makeover. Bought new, the truck had a basic lift installed as an interim measure while Cary was researching the market. After several lengthy conversations with the team at One Up Offroad, Cary decided they had the quality and handling he wanted for his truck.
The two distinctive features in the bed are the reservoir for the Snow Performance methanol injection and the custom-made 4-inch dual exhaust tip on the open exhaust.
The One Up Offroad upgrade began with a huge center cradle, which holds the adjustable link arms that support front and rear Dana 60s. The arms allow for precise tailoring of the front axle, provide extensive caster adjustment, and—with greater tire clearance at full lock—deliver a tighter turning radius. Its front coilover package uses separate reservoirs for the coilovers and the bypass shocks. The One Up Offroad-formed front axle truss incorporates dual 2.0 stabilizers designed to keep the truck tracking true, regardless of how rough the road is.
The Dana 60 axle was powdercoated...
The Dana 60 axle was powdercoated red to contrast with the satin silver One Up Offroad front axle truss. The suspension includes a pair of coilovers, adjustable link arms, and dual 2.0 stabilizers.
In the rear, Cary replaced the Ford leaf spring setup using One Up Offroad’s rear axle truss and coilover conversion package, utilizing single reservoirs stabilized with a heavy-duty Panhard bar. Both axles are equipped with 4.88 gears, and the rear is equipped with a Dynatrac locker and a Mag-Hytec cover that adds extra fluid for cooling and reliability. Not only does the lift work well, but the beautifully machined pieces have an elegant air about them. There is the added benefit that the ride is as stable at low speeds as it is cruising at Interstate speeds (and occasionally well above!). The team at DV8 installed the kit, taking about two weeks of after-hours work.
KMC makes the distinctive...
KMC makes the distinctive 22-inch XD Diesel rims, fitted with a set of 40X15.50-R22LT Nitto Mud Grapplers.
The Ford leaf spring setup...
The Ford leaf spring setup was eliminated and replaced with One Up Offroad’s rear axle truss, which holds the company’s coilover conversion package. It’s all stabilized with a heavy-duty Panhard bar. The Dana 60 is equipped with 4.88 gears, a Dynatrac locker, and a Mag-Hytec cover.
Fun to drive and a great advertisement...
Fun to drive and a great advertisement for the business, this wrapped truck is the best of both worlds. Custom touches include the T-Rex grille and side vents that were powdercoated satin black, along with the three-headlight Ansani front bumper.