It's a classic case of dj vu all over again. Fabtech's four-linked '05 Super Duty is long past its SEMA debut. We've spotted this truck in a few places, including various ads and even on the cover of Primedia's newbie title, 8-Lug Diesel Truck. While we strive to put the freshest and the first on our pages, there are some trucks that are just too good not to feature, even if they're already somewhat famous.
So it is with the can't-miss-it '05 F-250 in action on these pages. From '99 to '04, Ford's 4x4 Super Duty front was leaf-sprung. For the '05 model year, the Blue Oval brain trust ditched the leaves in favor of a highly successful Ford staple: radius arms and coil springs. This type of front suspension was first used by Ford in '66 under the front of its then-new Bronco as well as the F-100 4x4 pickup. Fitting this design to the '05 Super Duty 4x4 netted immediate gains in ride quality.
Fabtech Motorsports saw an opportunity in Ford's reintroduced front end. Offered in both 6- and 8-inch heights, Fabtech's four-link conversion system uses the factory radius-arm mounting brackets as mounting points for the conversion. Trading in the OEM radius arms in favor of a four-link system nets better handling and improved suspension articulation.
Although the four-link system can be used with factory-style coil springs, owners have the option of topping off their suspension upgrade with a pair of Fabtech's Dirt Logic 4.0 coilovers. These high-end take-apart shocks arrive with application-tuned valving within their 4.0-inch steel bodies. Inside, a 3-5/8-inch billet aluminum piston on the end of a 1-1/4-inch hardened steel piston rod provides damping control. The piggyback reservoir design makes for clean, easy mounting. Should you require additional custom tuning for your particular truck, Fabtech's in-house shock department is at the ready to help you dial in your ride to the nth degree.
Out back, Fabtech's rear lift system is a perfect complement to what's up front. Three-inch dropped spring hangers bolt into place on the framerail, lifting both the fixed end and shackle end of the leaf pack. Fabtech's 3-inch long-travel leaf springs then attach to the Fabtech hangers. The factory rear blocks are then reused. The Super Duty sits tail-high stock, so lifting the rear 6 inches and the front 8 inches produces a level stance.
Even though topnotch suspension performance was the first and foremost priority for this truck, other areas were massaged as well. Under the hood, a Banks Big Hoss Bundle wakes up the 6.0 Power Stroke with additional horsepower and torque. Hannemann Fiberglass front fenders nicely envelop the 38-inch Toyo Open Country M/Ts wrapped around 20-inch Boyd Death Blow alloy wheels. To further accent the wheels, a one-off set of simulated beadlock rings was fabricated and bolted into place. Inside, a handmade aluminum dash complements the scratch-built, aluminum inner fender liners and aluminum Banks A-pillar gauge pod.
If you happen across this rolling showcase of metallic and engineering talent, take the time to check out the details up close and personal. Yes, this truck's debut has come and gone, but as we said at the outset, it's still worth a look.