Built to Haul: 24 Valves, 13 Gears, One Legend

When Troy had the opportunity to buy back a 1987 Ford F-350 that had been part of his childhood, he knew he had to bring it back to life—but fate added its own twist. After blowing up the original 6.9 IDI engine, Troy saw the perfect opportunity to upgrade. He set his sights on a 24-valve Cummins for its unmatched power and reliability. After sourcing a donor truck, he pulled the engine and began the detailed process of integrating the Cummins into the classic F-350 frame, giving the truck a second life with a serious boost. (3:58-4:57).

The transmission was even more unique. He chose a 13-speed Eaton Fuller RTO9513, knowing it was a bit of an over-kill, but appreciated its durability and the potential for a wider overdrive range (5:09-6:25). To achieve four-wheel drive, he cleverly incorporated a divorced NP205 transfer case (6:04-6:18). With the engine and drivetrain sorted, he then focused on the exterior and suspension.

He gave the truck a 3-inch body lift to improve engine access for maintenance (8:59-10:59) and installed a leveling kit with Bilstein shocks for a better ride (10:18-10:59). The dually conversion was a particularly interesting touch, as it required custom bolt pattern adapters to fit the single-wheel donor chassis (10:59-12:53). He topped it all off with 255/85 tires for a look that matched his style (12:54).

The final result is a truly one-of-a-kind F-350. While he admits that a smaller 10-speed transmission might have been a more practical choice, he stands by his decision to use the robust 13-speed, knowing it can handle even the most demanding loads (15:56-17:10). It's a testament to his passion for building and a reminder that sometimes, the most rewarding projects are the ones that are deeply personal.