If a modern-day Bo and Luke chose an F-350 as their pony of choice, would they stay with stock height? We didn't think so. Once he saw the work of Roland Trudell at BTW in Azusa, California, Leonard had found his match. J.P. Thornton at BTW began the modifications with the addition of Atlas 18-inch leaf springs front and rear, paired with King 2-1/2-inch dual shocks. The front and rear axle tubes were braced with ladder bars at both ends, which pivot on 1-inch Teflon-coated rod ends and provide added traction as this hog rolls across the terrain. Most of the suspension components, including the ladder bars, spring perches, and shock-hoop mounts, were painted to color-coordinate by Darren Shockey in Hawthorne, California. With the new height demanding sturdier rubber, the truck makes its way on 15x16.5-inch Welds wrapped in 46x19.5-inch Mickey Thompson Baja Claws.
J.P. took a look under the F-350's hood and saw room for improvement. Using Rolling Big Power's Stage II 6.0L Power Stroke air-intake system and a 4-inch exhaust with 5-inch tip, the shop's crew ensured that the engine is ready to go wherever Leonard chooses. A 6.0L computer module was hooked up to monitor the power functions, which are viewable on a digital monitor. J.P. also handled the assignment of lengthening the driveshafts by 1-1/2 inches, ensuring that Leonard would never have to think twice about hitting the dirt.
As cool as it was, jumping into the truck through the window just isn't possible 18 inches above the ground, so Leonard took the interior a little more seriously. Eddy & Sons of Bellflower, California, pimped the F-350 with embroidered flame seat inserts sitting in copper-orange suede upholstery, with the same material used as trim for various pieces throughout. Showbound Customs in Hawaiian Gardens, California, added the aluminum bling on the taillights and diamond-plate in the door panels.
Leonard Lacey's F-350 may never see the backroads of Hazzard County. This engine may never have to cry with Rosco on its tail. The truck may never even leave the Sunshine State's asphalt byways. But that doesn't really matter. As Leonard said, "If you have a dream, you have to follow it." Who cares what you do with it? This proud owner thanks his friends and all the professionals who allowed him to sit in on every part of the buildup. Regardless of the F-350's destined path, this is one vehicle that might've actually stopped the General Lee and has already done Boss Hogg proud. Oh, and it will be "a little too much for the law to allow."