As do most enthusiasts, Gilbert, Arizona, resident David Brown has a decidedly unique take on what style of modifications makes for an interesting and effective off-road machine. After all, how many late-model 'wheelers are equipped with 20-inch-diameter wheels and radically colorful graphic'd flames? Not many, we'd say.
Before you write off David's ride as a poser, check the action shots: Those aren't fake. David actually uses the Durango in the dirt, and it performs way better than you'd expect, given the street tread on the Nitto skins. The Mopar's front suspension is a Tuff Country product, delivering 8 inches of lift, while the SUV's exterior is an eye-catching blend of BASF Extreme Rainbow and Tahitian Sunset colorants, artfully applied by Mesa, Arizona-based Kingswood Collision Center.
The title of this story, "Not Normal," isn't a dig on David Brown's persona; it's merely a reflection of the reaction that most off-road enthusiasts have when they spy David's custom Durango out on the sandy desert trails of Arizona. We say: To each his own!
SpecificationsOwner/location: David Baum/Gilbert, Arizona
Vehicle year/make/model: '99 Dodge Durango
Suspension: Tuff Country 8-inch lift
Wheels: 20x8.5-inch MOMO Vantage
Tires: 305/50ZR20 Nitto
Stereo: Infinity head unit; Alpine amplifier; Cerwin Vega speakers and subwoofer
Body: Street Scene Speed Grille; Go Rhino bumper guard; Reflexions cowl-induction hood
Paint: BASF Diamont, Extreme Rainbow/Tahitian Sunset by Kingswood Collision Center and Lee Webb