writer: Sean P. Holman
photographer: Ken Brubaker, Sean P. Holman
Josh Tippit's F-150 is a fine example of a powerful, no-nonsense machine that's fitted with a number of simple, proven components. Tippit is hoping that his massive rig will spank the metal-bending obstacles of Top Truck Challenge.
Hey, look! Intact body panels! That's a rarity in TTC nowadays. While Tippit prefers the stock look, he didn't overlook functionality. He dismissed the front bumper and mounted a Warn 12,000-pound winch on a custom mount. He also added a 3-inch body lift and a fiberglass hoodscoop.
No TTB here! The front axle is a big Dana 60 with a Detroit Locker and Dutchman 1.5-inch-diameter 35-spline axleshafts. The front suspension is comprised of custom 12-inch-lift leaf springs and dual Pro Comp shocks. Other front-end mods include traction bars, a 4-inch drop pitman arm, a custom drag link, and dual Rancho steering stabilizers.
A Detroit-stuffed Dana 70 out of a Dodge motorhome resides in the rear, and it features Dutchman 1.5-inch 35-spline axleshafts like the front axle. The suspension consists of 6-inch-lift leaf springs with 6-inch drop shackles, and four Pro Comp 14-inch-travel shocks.
A heavily modified nitrous-enhanced 466ci Cobra Jet engine spits out an impressive 560 hp at 6,000 rpm (710 hp with nitrous) and 535 lb-ft of torque at 4,750 rpm (685 lb-ft with nitrous). This pin-you-to-your-seat power is routed through a Hughes Performance-built C6 transmission and an NP205 transfer case.
Tippit's office is sumptuously appointed compared to other TTC rigs and features Kirkey racing seats, a Grant steering wheel, an Alpine head unit, underdash Auto Meter gauges, and a Summit Racing tachometer.
SPECIFICATIONS
|
|
Owner/city:
| Josh Tippit/Fernley, Nevada
|
Vehicle:
| 1979 Ford F-150
|
What he does when not 'wheeling:
| Construction
|
Engine/aspiration:
| Ford OHV 466ci V-8/Edelbrock 800-cfm four-barrel carb, Ford Racing single-plane intake manifold, Hedman Hedders, Flowmaster mufflers
|
Transmission:
| Hughes Performance C6, TCI torque converter, B&M shifter, Perma-Cool cooler
|
Transfer case(s):
| NP205
|
Suspension (f/r):
| 12-inch custom leaf springs, dual 14-inch-travel Pro Comp shocks, traction bars/6-inch leaf springs, 6-inch drop shackles, four 14-inch-travel Pro Comp shocks, traction bars
|
Axles (f/r):
| Dana 60, Detroit Locker, Dutchman 4340 1.5-inch 35-spline axleshafts, 60-inch Bad Boy Jr. driveshaft with 2.5-ton CV/Dana 70, Detroit Locker, Dutchman 4340 1.5-inch 35-spline axleshafts, stock rear driveshaft with 1410 yokes.
|
Axle ratio:
| 5.13:1
|
Wheels:
| 15x14 Bart
|
Tires:
| 44x19.5-15 Boggers
|