It's a tough job, but someone has to do it. Being a fire fighter definitely comes with more than its fair share of ups and downs. Risking your life day after day, protecting people and property, commands a huge amount of pressure to be asked of any one person. We can only imagine what it must feel like knowing that you have the ability to save a life with your own hands. When all the fires have been put out, and the long 48-hour shift has been completed, it's time for some relaxation and fun. So, how does Ryan Rose let loose, you ask? Let's find out.
Take a look back at the June '03 issue of OFF-ROAD magazine and you will find the first vehicle we featured from Ryan Rose. His Ford Ranger race truck (aka The Blinger) is a work of art that has become very popular around the deserts of Southern California. Recently, we picked up the phone and called Ryan to find out what new toy he was working on. With the addition of an '04 6.0L Power Stroke turbodiesel Ford F-250 Super Duty XLT 4x4 and a 37-foot Weekend Warrior LE3705 Trailer, his level of stress reduction has grown by leaps and bounds. As we said, being a fire fighter definitely has its ups and downs.
If you've spent any time in places such as Glamis, Ocotillo Wells, Lucerne Valley, or even most California highways, then you know how popular the Ford F-250 Power Stroke diesel has become. Why? Power and versatility in the form of their ability to tow heavy loads as well as achieve great horsepower and torque numbers. Not only do they come straight from the factory ready to rock, but the tremendous aftermarket manufacturer lineup can prepare one to roll anywhere it deems necessary. These qualifications attracted us to Ryan's truck. It has a very clean look, is modified with all the right goodies while still functional, and is an attainable truck for the average enthusiast. Not to mention that Ryan installed all of the modifications himself.
First and foremost, no true off-road enthusiast enjoys rolling around on factory suspension and tires. Ryan turned to Donahoe Racing Enterprises and purchased the company's Edge 4-inch suspension system and dual shock Hoops. Two-and-half-inch King piggyback reservoir shocks were installed at all four corners of the vehicle - four up front, two in the rear. This setup allowed Ryan to stuff 35-inch BFG Mud-Terrain tires wrapped around 17x8-inch Robby Gordon bead-lock wheels, which brought the look of the truck to life and also kept it at a height that was effective for hauling, off-road fun, and daily driving.
On top of having many years of experience in the dirt, Ryan also comes from a background of street and import racing. Combine both of these and what do you get? Knowing what it means to have more power under the hood and protection in all the right places. In order to open the airflow through the truck and add power, an MBRP T-409 stainless-steel 4-inch exhaust system with downpipe was added in conjunction with an aFe Stage 1 air intake and Air Fury Intake Modification. An important concern with diesel engines is maintaining idle control; to do this, an auxiliary idle control module wrapped in carbon fiber was installed in the cab of the truck. A BD Performance X-Monitor Gauge System was also added to control transmission and boost levels as well as exhaust gas temperatures (commonly referred to as EGT). A PML transmission pan and differential covers both front and rear have been added to protect the vital elements of the undercarriage. Up front, a Randy Ellis Design lightbar protects the front bumper, and Hella Rally 4000 Off-Road lights keep the terrain traps ahead well in sight.
The modification list continues on as well as the long list of future products Ryan will be installing to his amazing Super Duty soon. We loaded the entire Rose Racing lineup of toys and headed out for a little backwoods adventure for our photo shoot. Both on- and off-road the truck was able to handle everything we tackled. From dirt to mud to rocks, the truck was capable of overcoming every obstacle in its way. The versatility of this truck was nothing short of incredible. With two trucks now featured in the magazine, we anxiously await the next creation coming out of his garage.