The Fisher Family’s ’97 F-350

Your dad may have had an OBS Ford pickup back when you were younger, but we guarantee it wasn’t as cool as Paul Fisher’s F-350. Known as All-American Sender for obvious reasons, this full-size Ford launches into the sky like a rocket ship and lands with cat-like grace. All Paul wanted was a legit freestyle prerunner, and one the dust settled, that’s exactly what he got. While the trail to get here hasn’t been quick, or cheap for that matter, Paul continued to grind at a steady pace, reminding himself to listen to what his truck needed along the way.

Of course, the entire OEM suspension setup was gutted. In its place, Paul assembled a massive upgrade from stock using a Dirt King tubular frame, a center-mount A-arm front setup, a 4-link system at the rear, and a trophy truck steering rack from Power Steering Solutions. King shocks and springs have also been thrown into the mix, as have 17-inch Innov8 G400 wheels and 40-inch BFG KR3 tires. Wilwood braking components bring this beast to a controlled halt, and a Harmon Racing 50-gallon fuel cell ensures that Paul can send his truck flying into the night without worrying about gassing up so soon.

To get this truck moving, Paul installed a GM 376 ci LS3 crate engine and pushed it far back towards the cab. A few performance upgrades in the form of a Holley EFI system, custom headers by Jeramiah Grenell, and a 3-inch exhaust system complete with Borla mufflers were made to the already capable GM mill. Maximum Transmissions in Hesperia, California, then backed the LS3 up with a TH400 3-speed automatic transmission with a reverse manual valve body. Paul’s power source of choice was a good one and has more than enough muscle to thrash through the dirt with ease. Paul was in search of reliability, brawn, and durability, and that is what he has underneath the strut-powered hood.

With the F-350 outfitted with bulletproof suspension and drivetrain systems, the next phase of the build was to prep its exterior for action. Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Vivid Orange Metallic paint was utilized to give the Ford a gleaming shine, while an American flag graphic was added to the roof of the cab for a bonus touch of class. FiberwerX fiberglass flared fenders were also added to provide plenty of clearance for the beefy tires to tuck into during moments of full send. Custom tube bumpers were added to each end, and Baja Designs LED lights were stuffed behind the grille for additional illumination for nighttime shredding. Two full-size spares are bolted into place in the back and sit atop a platform that lifts, providing valuable storage space in a small trunk space below.

Paul went this far with his F-350, and he had no intention of skimping out on its interior space. Four Sparco seats are present, front and rear, to ensure the entire family can tag along. A center-mounted A/C unit creates a cool environment inside of the cab—even on the hottest of days. A fiberglass dash has been stuffed with two separate Switch Pros panels specifically set up for use when the truck is on the streets or off-roading. A Dirt King 2-inch DOM roll cage takes up residence within the cab for safety’s sake, and custom door panels and a headliner give the Ford’s cockpit a slick, utilitarian appeal. A PCI Race Radios intercom system with four headsets allows Paul and his passengers to have constant communication without having to shout at him to drive faster.

Those who know trucks like these know that problems do arise while out on the dirt. Most trucks weren’t originally designed to work as hard as these machines, and they weren’t intended to do even half of the crazy stuff Paul has done behind the wheel of his nearly 30-year-old F-350. “Getting the truck dialed in after the build took over 3 years—and that was after it was ‘done,’” he admits. “The easiest part was buying the truck, but the hard part is staying on top of exactly what the truck needs after every trip. There are never any reliable shortcuts that pan out, but I would recommend using a CAD system to anyone else looking to build something like this. It’ll save you a lot of money before you even start.” Wise words, indeed. Happy sending, Paul!

1997 Ford F-350

OWNER:

Paul Fisher
Ramona, CA

Engine & Drivetrain: 2012 GM V-8 376 ci crate motor; Holley EFI; Jeramiah Grenell headers; 3-inch exhaust system; Borla mufflers; Holley ignition; Holley EFI Terminator X fuel injection; TH400 transmission with reverse manual valve body by Maximum Transmissions, Hesperia, CA; CBR transmission cooler; Custom driveshaft; 40-spline rear axle

Chassis & Suspension: 2019 Dirt King frame; Full tube chassis; Center-mount A-arm front suspension; 4-link rear suspension; 144-inch wheelbase; King front and rear springs and shocks; Power Steering Solutions TT rack; Harmon Racing 50-gallon fuel cell

Wheels & Tires: 17-inch Innov8 Racing G400 wheels; 40-inch BFG KR3 tires; Wilwood brakes and master cylinder

Body & Armor: Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Vivid Orange Metallic paint by Braun, Alpine, CA; Anzo headlights; Custom tube bumpers; FiberwerX fiberglass fenders; Baja Designs lights on front grille

Interior: Sparco black cloth seats; Dirt King full 2-inch DOM cage; MOMO steering wheel; PCI Race Radios intercom system