1981 Dodge W350 - Big Yellow

What do you do when you're out of work from your job pouring concrete? You build yourself a mud-slinging, fire breathing monster, of course. It's gotta be huge and mean and nasty with lockers and Dana 60's and 44 inch tires and whatever else you can fit in there.

While having all the time in the world is nice, it's the money that becomes the issue when you're not working. So, 21-year-old Derek Rose of Richmond, Michigan had to build this rig on a budget. True, $15,000 sounds like a lot of money, but compare that to a new truck. And consider the fact that he started and finished the entire frame-off restoration in only seven months.

Like most guys in the Midwest who build trucks, Derek wanted to be able to tackle large helpings of both mud and sand. He got what he wanted. The 44-inch Swampers and 13 inches of total lift put him eye-to-eye with semi-trucks. Firm Skyjacker springs combined with his unique, handmade third links create a package with almost zero axle wrap. That's perfect for pulling guys out, which he does regularly at Michigan's Silver Lake Sand Dunes ORV Park on the shores of Lake Michigan.

And as you would expect from a man with his feet firmly planted on concrete, he loves to put his rig in the clouds.

The third link, which is mounted...        read full caption The third link, which is mounted from the top, center of the pumpkin, connects to the frame using rod ends and handmade shackles. This setup eliminates axle wrap without sacrificing articulation or suspension travel.	On the flatbed, Derek has...        read full caption On the flatbed, Derek has come up with a protective cage for his auxiliary transmission cooler and cooling fan with a tidy yet stout transmission cooler installation. The flatbed also features a bed box for spare equipment and tools, and a place to mount a food cooler.	Taking the time to use diamond...        read full caption Taking the time to use diamond plate steel to build the third link mount on the Dana 60 reminds you that Derek is a contractor.
Up front, the crossover steering...        read full caption Up front, the crossover steering makes room for two steering stabilizers to keep the 44's tame and Derek's wrists safe.....	....Those of you with a front...        read full caption ....Those of you with a front mounted receiver hitch know how useful they can be. Notice that the front axle benefits from a third link setup like the rear.	The truck is surprisingly...        read full caption The truck is surprisingly nimble while dodging hardwoods and ramming mudpits. Note the age-old mudder's trick of mounting the rear Swampers backwards.
The 360 cubic inch small block...        read full caption The 360 cubic inch small block is a potent powerplant for the Dodge. The Optima Yellow top battery, MSD 6 Offroad box and 8.8mm wires keep things juiced while the performance cam helps the Edelbrock carb and intake combo breathe deeply. He's got some homemade fenderliners that he puts in during mud romps.	Disc brakes out back courtesy...        read full caption Disc brakes out back courtesy of EGR Offroad help to keep him out of Lake Michigan. Custom shackles with Skyjacker springs keep the Dana 60 15 inches further from the frame than when it left the Dodge truck plant in 1985.	A good way to make quick diagnoses...        read full caption A good way to make quick diagnoses of electrical issues is to put each electrical accessory on its own switch and breaker. The stainless dashboard adds to a Spartan, purpose-built cab.
The Auto Meter Ultra-Lite...        read full caption The Auto Meter Ultra-Lite gauges look sharp and keep the engines vitals visible. Check out that defroster slot.	This custom console supports...        read full caption This custom console supports the B&M Mega shifter and ties the rear of the cab to the dashboard providing strength.