1996 Ford F-250 - Off Road Ford Trucks

Luke Gibson's original intent for his Ford looked nothing like what you see before you. Looking to build a vehicle that would haul his friends quickly around the desert, Luke's project began with a fullsize '96 Ford F-250. The large cabin space provided ample room needed to transport four large guys around comfortably and still leave room for necessary off-road equipment. As the transformation began, Spirit Design and Development out of El Cajon, California, quickly turned a mild-mannered machine into a get-the-heck-out-of-my-way rocket ship.

Spirit widened a set of four-wheel drive Dana 50 Ford twin traction beams by four inches, fabricated a new knuckle and used super strong Pro Truck ball joints as the base for the front suspension. You read that right, this truck still turns power at every wheel. King 3-inch triple-bypass shocks, 3-inch coilovers and 2.5-inch bump stops provide 21 inches of front wheel travel. Every weld, notch, cut, and bend found on Luke's truck is meticulous. This truck has beauty in both form and function.
Spirit widened a set of four-wheel drive Dana 50 Ford twin traction beams by four inches,
The mid '90s Ford F-series trucks had that big, square, mean look that we miss in the new late-model series. Front to back, this truck was built to pass race specifications and don't be surprised if you see it on the race course one day soon. This truck also doubles as a prerunner and support vehicle for Spirit Racing. Chromoly 4130 tubing was used to make the bumpers, the suspension, and throughout the strengthened chassis. ACRO Hid lamps light up close obstacles and Hella Rallye 4000 HID lamps swing out above the truck, helping shed light on terrain farther out. A truck this capable needs a ton of light to keep everything in sight.
The mid '90s Ford F-series trucks had that big, square, mean look that we miss in the new
A Howe Performance hydraulic assist was installed to work with the Spirit crossover steering setup. CNC six-piston caliper brakes with 14-inch rotors stop this beast on a dime.
A Howe Performance hydraulic assist was installed to work with the Spirit crossover steeri

Spirit designed the headers to squeeze their way just past the front shocks and down along the body.
Spirit designed the headers to squeeze their way just past the front shocks and down along
Trent Alford installed a Borg Warner 4407 transfer case in the truck to work with the Steve Culhane Ford E40D transmission. Here you can see how a good portion of the stock frame was retained and strengthened. It has been completely boxed-in and supported throughout with 4130 chromoly steel.
Trent Alford installed a Borg Warner 4407 transfer case in the truck to work with the Stev
Luke wanted to keep maintenance quick and easy, so he had the entire chassis powdercoated. No need to wipe down the entire truck every night with WD-40. Those long arms from the four-link suspension achieve 30 inches of wheel travel bump to bump.
Luke wanted to keep maintenance quick and easy, so he had the entire chassis powdercoated.

If you are looking for a stout rear end, it's tough not to mention the Chrissman 10.25. This is a big-boy rear end that is usually reserved for Trophy Trucks. Considering Luke's truck is just as heavy and almost as fast, a big rear end is needed. The rear is stuffed with 4.30 gears, 40-spline axles and a spool.
If you are looking for a stout rear end, it's tough not to mention the Chrissman 10.25. Th
Under that headliner is a thick layer of Dynomat and thermal insulation, both keep the truck quiet and warm or cold when needed.
Under that headliner is a thick layer of Dynomat and thermal insulation, both keep the tru
Spirit built containers for spare parts and tools with easy access on both sides of the spare tires. A Hi-Lift jack also found a home mounted to the chassis under the spares. An aluminum race jack is also hidden between the tires.
Spirit built containers for spare parts and tools with easy access on both sides of the sp

Specs
Vehicle: '96 Ford F-250
Owner: Luke Gibson
Chassis: Custom 4130 chassis with partial OE stock retained and strengthened
Engine: Ford Big Block 521ci V8, Ford Motorsport Super Cobra Jet heads, Eagle crank, Holley 850 carb, NGK plugs
Drivetrain: Borg Warner 4407 t-case, Culhane E40D tranny, Dana 50 front, Chrissman 10 1/4 rear, 4.30 gears, Spool
Suspension: Ford TTB custom made, KING shocks, Spirit four-link rear
Steering: Howe Performance hydraulic assist, Spirit crossover setup
Brakes: CNC six-piston calipers, 14-inch rotors
Tires/wheels: BFG Baja T/A KR, Robby Gordon bead lock
Interior: Spirit Dash, Lowrance GPS, Kenwood radio, Mastercraft seats, Auto Meter, Art Carr, MOMO, PCI Race Radios intercom
Other Parts: ACRO HID lights, Hella Rallye 4000 HID lights,
Favorite Off-Road Area: Plaster City, Ocotillo Wells, Nevada, Colorado, Montana

The above cabin light bar is kept low when not in use. Incredible aluminum work is surrounding Fluidyne coolers with an 83-gallon Aero Tech fuel cell below running a Weldon pump.
The above cabin light bar is kept low when not in use. Incredible aluminum work is surroun
The 37-inch BFG Baja T/A KR tires and Robby Gordon 17-inch beadlock wheels both can take a serious beating off-road and keep on rolling. Trailer Products fiberglass fenders left ample room for that big tire to swing all 30 inches. Benny's Autobody out of San Diego, California, is responsible for the Jet Blue paint job.
The 37-inch BFG Baja T/A KR tires and Robby Gordon 17-inch beadlock wheels both can take a

This is sadly as close as many of us will ever get to driving a truck like this. Many of the usual suspects are found inside including a Lowrance GPS, Kenwood Race Radio, PCI intercom, MOMO steering wheel, Auto Meter gauges and an Art Carr gate shifter. A Vintage Air system was also installed keeping the cabin cool. Armando's Upholstery located in El Cajon, California, wrapped the entire cabin in leather and tweed.
This is sadly as close as many of us will ever get to driving a truck like this. Many of t
If only our project trucks looked this good under the hood. Stuffed under the cage is a big 521ci Ford Big Block V-8 engine pushing out over 600 horsepower. Helping achieve all those ponies are Ford Motorsport Super Cobra Jet aluminum heads, Eagle crank, Crane hydraulic roller cams, Holley 850 carb, NGK plugs, Eagle rods and SRP pistons. The oil system is a Barnes external wet sump and cooling comes from a Ford Motorsport water pump. A Wrangler NW alternator turns 200 amps using an MSD 6AL ignition and an Optima Yellow Top battery. Spirit made sure the intake was painted to match the exterior of the truck as well. This may not be a show truck but we know it'd bring home a few trophies.
If only our project trucks looked this good under the hood. Stuffed under the cage is a bi
Mastercraft race seats up front match the bench seat in the rear with five total sets of belts. We're guessing three guys shoulder-to-shoulder in the back through a rough section of dirt gets quite "comfy".
Mastercraft race seats up front match the bench seat in the rear with five total sets of b