Feature Editor Robin Stover gets the scoop on Triple X Traction's latest creation.
On the Friday before Christmas I stopped by Triple X Traction of Seaside California to see the latest master piece shop owner, Toby Lavender had recently finished up. For those of you who don’t know Toby’s work, take a good look at our own project Mega Titan in the Project Vehicle pages. Toby has clearly mastered the whole vehicle fabrication thing. This latest truck started life as a 2003 Ford Super Duty that was totaled in a pretty bad wreck. I usually try to keep a close watch on projects of this kind because I always discover great ideas and innovative new products to showcase to the masses. Besides I always like to see future TTC competitor rigs as they come together. In this case Toby started work on the project over two years ago. The guy who owns this rig saved up his hard-earned money and funneled it to Triple X Traction as each month passed by. Obviously a rig of this type commands a serious price tag, as do most of the creations born at the hands of a skilled master fabricator.
This posed a question to me:
How much should one spend on a trail toy?
We’re talking about some serious dough when you consider the time it takes to build a rig from scratch.
What would you be willing to spend on a perfect trail rig?
What if money were no object?
Clearly ones economic standings play a big role here, but where does it end?
If you have no problem making ends meet would it really hurt to drop $80K on a toy?
If one can afford to build a rig that exceeds all the standard trial rig expectations, there is no problem with that person actually dishing out the cash to get what he or she wants.
This particular truck is worth far more in time than it is in parts.
Where should one draw the line in time verses parts?
Sure you can drop a ton on top-quality hardware, but when it comes to custom fabrication the sky is literally the limit.
Here are the specs on the Triple X Super Duty.
Vehicle: 2003 Ford Super Duty
Axles: The front axle is a Dynatrac HP Dana 60. The rear is also a Dynatrac Dana 60, except it is a low pinion. Both of the 5.13:1 ring and pinion gears have been cryogenically treated. Each pumpkin houses an ARB air locker. There are also Dedenbear inner C's and knuckles and each corner holds a 300M axle shaft and CTM u-joint.
Engine: The 6.0L Powerstroke Diesel
Transmission: Stock Automatic
Suspension F/R: Triangulated 4-link with 14-inch travel King coilover shocks/ same
Steering F/R: Howe double ended ram/ 2 independent Howe rams. <o:p></o:p></SPAN>
Wheels: 20-inch with Trail Ready bead locks
Other goodies: 2 Warn M-15,000 winches, full tub chassis, 3 yellow-top Optima group 31 batteries, 20-gallon fuel cell and fiberglass front fenders and bedsides.