This 1970 Ford F-250 caught Solomon Lunger’s attention instantly when he spotted it on Facebook Marketplace in 2020. Without seeing the Cummins-powered truck in person, he struck a deal with the seller in Idaho, grabbed his friend Simmy, and flew from his home in Miami to pick it up.
The plan was simple on paper. Drive the truck more than 3,000 miles back to Miami while filming the journey for his new YouTube channel. What followed was part road trip, part proving ground. They visited friends, explored national parks, and watched the channel grow from zero to more than 6,000 subscribers as the diesel-powered Ford churned through the miles.
Stout Cummins 12-Valve Turbodiesel
The Ford body sits on a shortened 1996 Dodge Ram 2500 extended cab longbed chassis, trimmed by 5.25 inches to fit the vintage skin. Under the hood lives a modified Cummins 12-valve turbodiesel sourced from DJS Customs, and this is no ordinary swap.
The engine began life in a pulling truck before being rebuilt and upgraded. It now runs a Diesel Power Source 467.7 turbo, ARP head studs, and fire-ringed cylinder heads, along with a long list of supporting mods. Exhaust exits through a 6-inch titanium system from Ticon Industries, fabricated by Hutch’s Welding.
Solomon and his friend handled the engine install themselves after the original 12-valve in the truck suffered a crankshaft failure. Supporting components include a Mishimoto radiator, oil cooler, and transmission cooler, along with a modified core support and an Antigravity battery. The result is serious output, with an estimated 600 horsepower and 1,100 pound-feet of torque.
Allison 1000, NP205 T-Case
All that diesel torque demands a stout drivetrain. A Custom Automatic Conversions-built Allison 1000 automatic transmission answers the call, reinforced to handle the Cummins’ output. Behind it sits an NP205 transfer case rebuilt with billet internals, delivering strength and reliability.
Ford Dana 60 And 10.25 Axles, Lockers, And More
TrailHunters handled the axle setup, and it reflects the truck’s heavy-duty build plan. Up front is a 2010 Ford F-250 Dana 60, while the rear uses a Ford 10.25.
The Dana 60 is heavily upgraded with an Eaton Detroit Locker, Warn manual locking hubs, custom knuckles, and chromoly axleshafts. It also features an Artec Industries diff cover, high-steer kit, and trailing arm system. Supporting components include a Thuren Fabrication 6-inch drop sway bar, dual Skyjacker steering stabilizers, and 2.5-inch RuffStuff Specialties radius arms.
Out back, the 10.25 is also equipped with an Eaton Detroit Locker, and both axles spin 4.56 gears to keep the Cummins in its sweet spot.
Coilovers, Leaves, And Bags
The suspension setup delivers both height and functionality. Up front, Skyjacker ADX 2.5 remote-reservoir coilovers work with custom radius arms and additional components from RuffStuff Specialties and Artec Industries. The result is a towering 16 inches of lift.
In the rear, Skyjacker 6-inch leaf springs pair with ADX 2.0 remote-reservoir shocks, lift blocks, and Artec Industries traction bars. Since the truck sees real work, Solomon added Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 air bags to maintain ride height when towing or hauling.
He notes the lift blocks are temporary, installed to meet SEMA Show 2025 deadlines. Future plans include Atlas Suspension springs to eliminate the blocks altogether. PowerStop brakes are fitted at all four corners.
The truck rides on Mickey Thompson Baja Belted II tires in 18.5/39R17LT, mounted on MT Classic Forged wheels measuring 16 inches wide.
Winch Up Front, Rock Lights Underneath
The exterior leans heavily into function. An Engineered Vintage GOAT front bumper houses a Warn 8274-S winch, ready for recovery duty. Lighting is extensive, with KC lights throughout, including 30 rock lights that illuminate everything underneath the truck.
Upgraded Seats, Gauges, And More
Inside, the truck blends modern comfort with classic vibe. Seats and a center console from a 2018 Ford F-150 have been integrated and wrapped in Apex Leather. The dash features Dakota Digital RTX gauges, while Restomod Air A/C and a JL Audio system with dual 13.5-inch subwoofers bring modern amenities into the mix.
The visible A/C hose routing is temporary, a reminder that when we photographed the truck it was still evolving and only about halfway complete.
Driven Over 165,000 Miles So Far
This is not a trailer queen. Solomon has logged more than 165,000 miles behind the wheel, using the truck exactly as intended.
When asked about his favorite upgrade, his answer is immediate. “The transmission. It just makes the truck work so well and makes it feel like a big rig when I manually shift it and get to feel how real the truck’s raw power is. The transmission really made a difference for me.”
Photos: Ken Brubaker
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