ESB Fabrications' front suspension was installed complete with 2.5-inch King Shocks coilovers and 2.5-inch King double bypass dampers adding a King 2.0 bumpstop. The custom spindle gusseting can also be seen adding strength to the system, with the extended steering components just behind the A-arms. The geometry of this suspension allows 17 inches of wheel travel, which will be more than adequate for Dan's needs. As soon as the axles are finished, the four-wheel-drive system will be added back to the truck.
 In order to keep everything...  In order to keep everything in its place, Suspend Industries custom-fabricated shock towers that connect to an engine shock hoop, tying in both sides of the truck's suspension. |  Wheel Pro's HE791/MAXX6 16x8-inch...  Wheel Pro's HE791/MAXX6 16x8-inch wheels are surrounded by 305x70x16-inch BFG ATKO tires. |  ESB 12-inch shackles attach...  ESB 12-inch shackles attach to stock rear shackle points and help keep the leaf springs traveling at the appropriate arch. |
The cab of Dan's truck was caged, connecting to six points on the frame. Suspend also created a center console containing a Winters race shifter working with the stock transmission. The benefit of adding a shifting assembly such as this is it replaces the stock linkage with a cable pull system. During many off-road trips, Dan noticed his shifter slipping out of gear and into Neutral, thus losing his momentum and possibly creating a problem on the trail. A cable shifting setup can help prevent this from happening. The console also was cut to keep the four-wheel-drive shifter in place. No matter how well your truck is built, you won't get far hitting the dirt at night without a good lighting system. Suspend fabricated this light switch panel so that even when strapped into the harness, the driver or passenger could control the lights. A Grant steering wheel was also swapped in place of the stock steering wheel, removing the factory airbag system.
 Take a look under the truck...  Take a look under the truck and you will see how the cage has been welded to the frame in six places. This is very important for safe driving through the conditions found in the Southern California deserts. |  Dan plans to retain his four-wheel-drive...  Dan plans to retain his four-wheel-drive system, which means he will also be climbing over some rocky terrain. A high-lift jack is one of the top additions you will find on 4x4 vehicles across the country. This jack is great for use in tight places, and because of its design, it can lift a vehicle much higher than most floor or bottle jack setups. |  For the rear, Dan chose a...  For the rear, Dan chose a set of King 18x2.5-inch triple bypass shocks with Fox 2.0 bumpstops that when combined with Deaver 62-inch race pack leaf springs turn out 19.5 inches of wheel travel. To fit the bumpstops, the frame must be notched and re-welded around the bumpstop. The Suspend guys did a great job and really showcased their talent by keeping all of the welding consistent throughout the truck. |
 An Optima Blue Top deep cycle...  An Optima Blue Top deep cycle battery is surrounded in protective metalwork. Cutting holes into your cab to accommodate your cage is never an easy task. Suspend manufactures these custom cab sealers that use a neoprene ring to help keep moisture out of your cab. |  A K&N FIPK kit helps open...  A K&N FIPK kit helps open the airflow throughout the truck. |  |
The rear shot of Dan's truck reveals the rest of the front-to-back cage work that has been done. Hella Rally 4000 lights have been mounted to the top of the truck using Suspend's custom light rack that folds upright and down, locking in place so that Dan can run his lights only when necessary. A Hella amber dust lamp was also added to let anyone chasing Dan know where exactly he is ahead of them. Glassworks rear fiberglass fenders were installed as well as the company's entire Tacoma Desert Kit front fenders, including a supercharger hood.