1973 Ford F-250 Original Slim - Specs

Dual Fox 2.0 smooth body shocks and a bucket-captured coil spring are old-school, but were finely tuned by Keith Sato. Just to the right of the shocks you can see the rod end that replaced the rubber bushing in the I-beam, adding strength.

Dual Fox 2.0 smooth body shocks and a bucket-captured coil spring are old-school, but were

Anything else? Definitely. There's no shortage of spare parts on this truck, each with its own slick James-built mount. If the starter dies, James has a spare for that. If the alternator lets loose, James has a spare for that, too. The same goes for the steering tie rods and drive shaft. Tools, along with recovery gear, are also close at hand. "I was on a 7s racing team," James informed. "We ran a Toyota in Best in the Desert and I learned a lot from that experience. When it was time to build my Ford, I already knew what spares I should carry and how I wanted to mount them."

With the close-ups snapped, it was time for Slim and the F-250 to face off with the desert. James hit the whoops, slammed The Wall, and powerslid Anderson dry lake. Thanks to a set of newly-fitted Champion beadlocks, the tires stayed firmly mounted and the rubber side stayed down.

Even the best-tuned smooth-body shocks can't match the tune-ability and position-sensitive control of a bypass shock. A pair of Fox 2.5s control 16 inches of Deaver-sprung rear suspension travel.

Even the best-tuned smooth-body shocks can't match the tune-ability and position-sensitive

It was good to see Original Slim and his truck back in action. Rollover repairs often take multiple months, if not years, to complete. Thanks to savvy building techniques and equally-adept friends, the truck was back in blue in a hurry. Even though repairs can be performed, it's always easier to avoid a crash in the first place. What's the best way to do that? Resist the urge to say, "Just one more."

Specs
Vehicle:
'73 Ford F-250
Owner/Hometown:
James Janssen / Lake Elsinore, California
Engine:
Ford 400M with Clay Smith cam, roller rockers, UNI air filter, MSD distributor
Induction:
750 cfm double-pumper carburetor
Cooling:
PWR radiator, PWR transmission cooler
Transmission:
Ford C-6 with fixed output yoke built by Roy's Transmissions
Front Suspension:
Kingpin I-beams extended and plated, Fox smooth-body shocks, Fox bumpstops, 16 inches of travel
Rear Suspension:
Deaver leaf packs with spring-over mount, Fox 2.5 bypass shocks, Fox bump stops, 16 inches of travel
Rear Axle:
Currie-built Ford 9-inch with Wilwood disc brakes
Tires:
35-inch BF Goodrich Baja T/As
Wheels:
American Racing Outlaw II fitted with Champion beadlocks
Interior:
Mastercraft seats, Crow harnesses, Lowrance GPS, Autometer gauges, dash built by James, headliner, seat covers, and door panels by Yvonne Janssen, Kreger Fab tilting steering column, Kenwood race radio

Mastercraft seats and Crow harnesses cradle and secure driver and co-driver. James's wife Yvonne made the headliner, which tucks up tight to the roof, deadening sound and providing some insulation against the extreme temperatures in the Mojave. If there's one bummer to his truck, it's the lack of A/C. James admits it gets hot inside during the summer.
Mastercraft seats and Crow harnesses cradle and secure driver and co-driver. James's wife
First aid is within close reach, as is a fire extinguisher and the main electrical shutoff. The 'cage's rear main hoop is tucked behind the seats next to the rear cab wall. On smaller trucks, the rear main hoop often runs outside the cab to create more interior room.
First aid is within close reach, as is a fire extinguisher and the main electrical shutoff
James built this dash, which is home to Autometer gauges and a Kreger Fabrication tilting steering column. The Lowrance GPS was a Christmas gift from Yvonne. Way cool!
James built this dash, which is home to Autometer gauges and a Kreger Fabrication tilting

A set of Champion beadlocks holds the 35-inch BF Goodrich Baja T/As in place during hard cornering and with low tire pressure. Tony Sato built the front hubs, and Keith Sato tuned the shocks, helped with the rollcage design, and applied the Ford blue paint. Here's a relevant side note: Keith used Dupli-color rattlecan engine paint, which looks great in the photos as well as up close in person. Who'd-a thunk it?
A set of Champion beadlocks holds the 35-inch BF Goodrich Baja T/As in place during hard c
"The Wall" in Lucerne Valley is a favorite jump for testing metal and mettle. The short, abrupt launch ramp lends itself well to shorter wheelbases and trucks with balanced front-to-rear weight distribution. This, of course, shows a successful launch.
"The Wall" in Lucerne Valley is a favorite jump for testing metal and mettle. The short, a

Everything In Its Place
After the main parts of a truck build (suspension, drivetrain, and rollcage) are taken care of,
Everything In Its Place After the main parts of a truck build (suspension, drivetrain, a
......one of the biggest challenges is creating places to store spare parts and tools. Fluids, both for the vehicle and for the occupants,.....
......one of the biggest challenges is creating places to store spare parts and tools. Flu
.....also need a home. James created hold-downs, brackets, and mounts for everything he needs. We suggest you do the same.....
.....also need a home. James created hold-downs, brackets, and mounts for everything he ne