Actually, I do all my own component fabrication. The truss started as just a 1.5"x .250" DOM tube from knuckle to knuckle to keep the axle straight during the occasional bashing. But after finishing it, thinking about the carnage from having a rock bend that tube made me instantly plate it all in. Viola: fully boxed truss. It does indeed look like a Hughes truss though. He has some MAD skills, and his rear bumper on his truck is freakin' amazing!
I knew I wanted to make a light bar for my truck, but didnt want to lose the tow hooks. I then saw the tow hooks are basically useless for using a shackle, so I incorporated one into my own interpretation of a Defiant light bar. Turns out, Jason and I must've been thinking the same thing 'cause later I found out mine looks VERY similiar to his.
I fabbed up the spare tire carrier too, but wisely didn't bolt it to the flimsy bed.
I also made a quick little bracket here and there, made my own receiver shackles, and installed my suspension.
Its a Thuren 3" system with 2.5" King's (extra long reservoirs for improved cooling capacity), Shock towers, stainless end links, track bar, and Don's full leaf packs with custom shackle.
The ride is AMAZING- highway ride is SOFTER than stock, still has sports-car like handling, and offroad is just STUPID. My truck can do 110mph on the beach like a cadillac, take the drive to Mike's sky ranch at 60mph, and can still flex like a power wagon when I disconnect the sway bar. Truck makes me speechless.
Im still pondering about what to do next, trying to find out how to easily convert the interior into a sleeping cabin, make a can-back type topper, a rugged rear bumper, a front diff skid plate, etc....
Those of you with a Megacab have it lucky: put the front seats all the way forward, fold down the rear seat, thrown in a QUEEN size air mattress, and you're goood to go.......
Sometimes I wish I had a 12V Cummins too, you just cant kill them!
