When we received a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado Duramax Crewcab 2500HD to serve as the tow vehicle for our drag car, opinions as to how we could modify it into the perfect, purpose-built hauler began flying around the office. Taking your rig down to the local strip is one thing; doing it with class and customized flair, well, that’s the part the rest of the world gets to see, as you haul ass on the interstate.

Well-built rigs are a thing of both practicality and appeal, and with a multitude of sponsors already lining up to help make our “Brutish Bowtie” tow truck possible, it was time to turn to matters of external reinforcement. Enter Fab Fours, with its line of imposing Vengeance bumpers and tough-as-nails side steps – a winning combo that we unpacked the other week in the shop.

But before we get to all that, we should probably talk about why we went to Fab Fours for this setup. For the better part of the past two decades, Fab Fours has been dominating the truck and SUV market with a unique design language, bulletproof engineering, and next-generation 3D design software. Manufactured exclusively within their Lancaster, South Carolina headquarters, each piece of hardware to come out of Fab Fours is backed by outstanding warranties and OEM-grade fit and finish. Simply put, appeal doesn’t always correlate to the way a product looks, and we respect the way in which these guys have gone about building a business.

What began as a move to follow a luxury truck and SUV trend has turned Fab Fours into one of the largest aftermarket bumper manufacturers in the world. By keeping everything in-house over all of these years, the brand has been able to ensure amazing quality control from start to finish, all while focusing heavily upon the American market.

Many of you may know this particular brand for its Grumper line, a hybridized winch-grille-bumper that has since taken the world by storm. However, our build is neither off-road animal nor show machine, but a dedicated workhorse. Thus, our interest in Fab Fours’ line of lightweight bumpers: the Vengeance Series.

Engineered to sit high across the front of the vehicle, with lower cutouts permitting more airflow, the 2500HD looks to gain quite the war mask with this Vengeance bumper, and we can’t wait to see it mocked up on the truck. Note that we opted to skip the prerunner guard option on the front bumper for a more streamlined look, a decision that we’ll cover in greater detail when we get around to installing everything.

Ultra-strong and sharply lined, these sensor-ready steel bumpers are engineered to be both light and relatively low-key in the styling department. Upon unboxing the 2500HD front Vengeance bumper, we were quick to note the integrated 20-inch LED light bar housing in the center of the beam, as well as mounting options on either side for an additional duo of lamps.

As for the rear, we opted for a matching back bumper from Fab Fours’ Vengeance Series. Once again, our choice was swayed heavily by streamlined, high-clearance looks, and the fact that they are made from 11-gauge U.S. steel. Side openings will allow us to either position four 2×2 dually lamps out back, or a pair of 6-inch light bars.

Regarding Fab Fours’ Side Steps for the 2500HD, the same mantra of “strength, durability, and safety” comes to mind. Measuring 10 inches in width, the stomp pads on these puppies are manufactured from 13-gauge U.S. steel, and come enclosed for added safety. We also discovered things like embossed logos and lipped drain holes for increased traction. Like every other product to come out of Fab Fours’ workshop, these steps are 3D-rendered, CNC laser cut, meticulously fabricated, and powder coated for terrific American-made quality and longevity.

Looking at our brand-new steps sitting on the shop floor, we mused over how this patented cab-length design will likely be a breeze to install due to their OEM bolt-on design. Complete with high-grade mounting hardware, straightforward instructions, branded rubberized end caps, a two-stage matte black powder coating, and a 70-pound curb weight, this set looks to be an all-around winner.

So stay tuned, as we’re about to throw a slew of fresh upgrades at this 2500HD tow rig. Quality parts are what make a truck build both reputable and reliable, and to quote Fab Fours directly, “Fit, finish, and function are key components to every product.”

These bumpers and steps will look killer on our Chevy truck!