Ford Powerstroke owners are an interesting breed. They feel connected to their trucks on a level that few other brand owners can comprehend. When we ran into Loren Taylor, owner of Diesel Tech in San Jacinto, California, he couldn't stop talking about his clean and mean Ford Super Duty. We decided to take his truck for a ride in the local mountains near his home and prove his truck is more than just another typical SD.
When it comes to most Powerstroke owners, the first and most important modifications are always performance boosters. Loren's '03 Ford is running a 6.0L engine pushing roughly 375 hp with the addition of new injectors, Snow Performance methanol, fluid dampener, and ARP head studs all installed in his shop. Also found under the hood is a Banks High Ram system with Mr. Bobs pipes. AEM supplied the air intake system and Banks added a Technicooler. The Ford torque-shift transmission is mostly stock with the addition of a deep Mag-Hytec transmission pan and a new larger auxiliary cooler.
Big trucks require big brakes. Hawk Power Slot disc brakes are found both front and rear on Loren's Ford. All of the factory brakes lines have been replaced with Superlift's Bulletproof steel braided lines. Brakes are an often forgotten part of modifying big trucks. You don't see them and therefore you forget about them how much more effort it takes to stop trucks with oversized off-road tires installed.
Fabtech Motorsports is one of just a few companies that offers a coilover conversion suspension system for the '00-'04 leaf-sprung Ford Super Dutys. Loren picked up the 6-inch Dirt Logic kit for his truck and had everything powder coated grey to give it a unique finish. This 100-percent bolt-on 6-inch four-link suspension utilizes large 2-inch OD links with race style 1-inch spherical bearings for superior strength. The four-link arms attach to the frame with bolt-on -inch thick steel brackets. The link arms are attached to the factory front axle housing with -inch steel brackets that surround the housing and secure the four-link arms for heavy off-road use. Due to the increased side load of a four-link suspension, Fabtech includes a replacement 2-inch OD Trac Bar with 1-1/4-inch heims to properly locate the front axle throughout the travel range. The Dirt Logic 4.0-inch coilover shocks attach to the frame via a large hoop style shock bucket and to the axle, integrating into the four-link axle brackets. The factory sway bar is relocated to the frame (instead of leaving it on the axle) with billet sway bar links. Triple layer limiting straps control the extended wheel travel of the front suspension. This system provided Loran with a substantial ride quality increase both on and off-road.
For the rear Loren decided to call on Pro Comp Motorsports and install their rear traction bars combined with a long-travel leaf spring pack. He decided to stick with Fabtech 2.5-inch remote reservoir shocks in the rear to keep travel moving smoothly. Wheels and tires include Weld Racing 16x10-inch wheels and Pro Comp Xtreme A/T 38.5x13x16 tires.
Considering this truck is also a rolling billboard for his shop, Loren set it up with a few show quality touches. The guys over at McComas Auto Body laid down some fresh ghost flames across the front end. Billet Precision provided the new chrome grille and Dominator hood. Loren also added a back-up camera and a Super Fifth Hitch under rail system. He added just enough to create a great looking truck without looking blinged out.
Remember when we mentioned Powerstroke owners' need for more juice? Climb into Loren's cabin and check out the wealth of digital gauges littering his dash. Not only does he want his truck pushing more power, he wants to be in monitoring every rev, volt and boost. Gauges include Auto Meter transmission temperature, fuel temperature, and boost gauges. Loren also installed an Edge Attitude Monitor which displays EGT temps, boost readings, and gives you the ability to switch power levels on the fly. It will also display diagnostic trouble codes.
The truck was built to be a fun daily driver and rolling billboard for what type of reliable play toy/work beast Loren's shop can make. It has a slue of aftermarket upgrades providing Loren with the perfect company truck and family getaway machine. When he is off the clock, he hooks up the family trailer and heads out to his favorite campgrounds. A Ford Super Duty is an amazing platform if you are looking for an all-around extremely capable full-size.
 The Fabtech 4.0 Dirt Logic...  The Fabtech 4.0 Dirt Logic suspension provides the ultimate in performance and brute strength. |  Loren upgraded his steering...  Loren upgraded his steering with the addition of dual Fox steering stabilizers. |  A 4.0 coilover may look huge...  A 4.0 coilover may look huge on some trucks, but not on Loren's. |
 |  The Pro Comp traction bars...  The Pro Comp traction bars add stability to the rear end keeping the trucks travel movement in line. |  Loren tows a very heavy load...  Loren tows a very heavy load on the weekends and for duties such as this an supplemental air bag system was installed. He can control the amount of pressure needed from inside the cabin. |
 |  A digital gauge tree is a...  A digital gauge tree is a popular choice among Powerstroke owners. |  The Snow Performance methonal...  The Snow Performance methonal injection kit comes with a small dash-mounted gauge for monitoring injection numbers. |
 Struggling to find a place...  Struggling to find a place to mount your Edge system? Loren fabricated this billet mounting system at his shop. It holds the Edge in perfect view above the rear view mirror. (The mirror was pushed down for the picture) |  Sidewinder power side steps...  Sidewinder power side steps were added to help Loren's kids climb into the truck. They slide up and out of the way when the doors are shut. Very clean. |  In order to clear those 38.5-inch...  In order to clear those 38.5-inch tires some cutting needed to be done to the front wheel well. The guys at McComas Auto Body cut out a small section of the well as well as some of the core support. The tires clear beautifully now. |
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