Ben Jackson’s 1996 Chevy Silverado

When it comes to custom trucks, Ben Jackson from Owensboro, Kentucky, knows how to turn heads. As an autobody refinishing technician, Ben’s got the skills and vision to create something truly unique. His 1996 Chevy Silverado, an awesome orange and black OBS, is a testament to his passion for cool pickups.

Ben has always been into custom rides, and this Silverado has been through three different stages before reaching its current glory. The build took two years of hard work, with Ben and his buddy Heath Hoover putting in the hours to make it happen.

This Silverado sports a front grille and headlights from a 2000 Cadillac Escalade, giving it a cool, modern look. The bumpers are from a 2000 GMC Sierra 1500, which adds to the custom vibe. Ben shaved the third brake light and tailgate handle, added Cadillac taillights, and custom rear wheeltubs with a bridge in the bed to clear those big wheels. The truck’s paintjob is unique, with Lamborghini Arancio pearl orange Tricoat layered in black pearl, and all PPG paint applied by Ben and Heath.

Under the hood, you’ll find a 5.3L LS engine from a 2001 Chevy V-8. This OBS engine fits perfectly thanks to Dirty Dingo motor mounts, and looks clean with the performance front pulley accessory drive system, and a BTR Norris camshaft with a 212/22X lift and .552 inch duration. The Edelbrock LS  Pro-Flo intake manifold, Speed Engineering 1 ¾-inch headers, and 2 ½-inch  exhaust system give it the roar it deserves. The transmission is a GM460E with a 2800 stall speed, keeping everything in check.

Ben’s Silverado features a 12-inch rear notch to clear the larger wheels, and is sitting on full air ride with air bags and suspension components. The front brakes are stock, but the rear has a disc brake conversion from Little Shop Manufacturing, ensuring it stops as well as it goes.

The truck rolls on 20-inch Intro Twisted Vista wheels up front and 22-inch Twisted Vistas in the rear, wrapped in Nitto NT555 tires. This setup not only looks killer, but also provides the grip needed for a truck this powerful.

Ben’s Silverado has made the rounds at many events, including Holley LS Fest and C10 Nationals in Nashville, where it picked up second place. If Ben could change anything, he’d add twin turbos, fabricated front wheelwells, and hydro-boost brakes, and clean up the engine bay.

The easiest part of the build for Ben was the paint and bodywork, thanks to his profession. The toughest part? Convincing his family he knew what he was doing. His advice to anyone looking to build a similar truck: “Just do it. It’s just metal, and they sell welders every day. Plan it out and follow through.”

Ben sends a special shout out to his wife, Holley, who supported him through the build.

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Truck Specs

OWNER:

Ben Jackson
1996 Chevy Silverado
Owensboro, Kentucky

Exterior

• 2000 Cadillac Escalade grille and headlights
• 2000 GMC Sierra 1500 bumpers

Paint

• Lamborghini Arancio pearl orange Tricoatwith black pearl (PPG)

Engine 

• 5.3L LS engine
• Dirty Dingo motor mounts
• performance front pulley accessory drive system
• BTR Norris camshaft (212/22X lift, .552 inch duration),
• Edelbrock LS  Pro-Flo intake manifold
• 1 ¾-inch Speed Engineering headers
• 2 ½-inch exhaust system

Transmission  

• GM460E with 2800 stall speed

Brakes 

• Stock front
• Little Shop Manufacturing rear disc brake conversion

Chassis and Suspension 

• 12-inch rear notch
• full air ride with air bags and suspension components

Wheels and Tires 

• 20-inch Intro Twisted Vista wheels (front)
• 22-inch Twisted Vista wheels (rear)
• Nitto NT555 tires

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