Bigger, Badder, Better: Showcasing What Hard Work Can Do

DMAXRYNO grew up in a blue-collar family and has surrounded himself with blue-collar folks his entire life. A truck guy all his life, he started a YouTube channel back in 2006 to document his life surrounding blue-collar work and all things trucks.

His goal? “I strive to show that blue-collar workers can be successful and own nice things,” Ryan explained. Since its inception, Ryan’s channel has gained over 259,000 subscribers, that follow Ryan along his life’s journeys, and of course, his 2016 GMC Denali.

I had a similar truck before this current one, but one night, I was hit by a drunk driver and the truck was totaled," truck owner Ryan explained. It all gave way to his bigger, badder, better theme on this Duramax.

Trucks were always apart of Ryan’s life, and even more so now that he owns his own construction company. Bigger, Badder, Better is the description Ryan gave us that described his 2016 GMC 2500 Denali HD. Ryan explained, “I had a similar truck before this current one, but one night, I was hit by a drunk driver and the truck was totaled.” After the incident, Ryan vowed to build his next truck bigger, badder, better. Ryan partnered up SR Designs and begun the planning with the help of his friend Zach Garcia.

Where The Build Started

Arguably one of the most critical aspects of any lifted build is the suspension. Ryan went with a custom made 14-inch coilover conversion kit built by Bulletproof Suspension’s. Out back boasts a 4-link rear suspension setup built by Ultimate Air Ride with adjustable ride height from 9 inches to 14 inches. Supplying the new suspension with air are dual ExtremeAire high output air compressors with dual tanks. Ryan is able to control is ride height settings via the Accuair controller right from his driver seat.

In addition to the adjustable suspension setup, Ryan installed a Banks differential cover which incorporates fins for better cooling and an increased life span.

Upgrades in the performance department were a must for Ryan. He takes many adventures with his rig, so he never quite knows when he might need to use a little extra power. The upgrades started with a bigger exhaust setup, as well as an Air Raid intake. While contemplating all the extreme situations and the long roads traveled, Ryan decided to add a FASS 165 lift pump.

Duramax engines do not come with a factory lift pump. Lift pumps reduce harmless vapors, increase performance and efficiency and improve fuel flow. In order for everything to mesh together and run effectively, a proper tune for PPEI Tunes was installed as the final performer modification.

Practical yet subtle changes were made in performance upgrades. With the additions of the new lift pump and air intake, Ryans Duramax is more powerful while also being more efficient.

Attention To Detail

With plenty of choices on the market for aftermarket bumpers and accessories, Ryan wanted to work with a company that shared similar values. He went with FLOG Industries out of Washington, Utah for a custom set of front and rear bumpers that included details to match his truck’s exterior.

DB Customs supplied Ryan’s build with a custom LED-backlit grille with the logo, “WORKFORIT.” Wheel and tire commotions are always a tough choice. What will fit? What will look good?  Ryan chose a set of Fuel Forged FF19 22×14 wheels wrapped 40×15.5R22 Toyo M/Ts. Lastly, the side mirrors were smoothed and painted to match the factory color!

Roadwire outfitted Ryan's interior with black leather with white double-crossed stitching. Custom embroidered headrests with the logo "WORKFORIT" adds a nice little touch!

The Denali addition of any GMC is typically the top of the line for the fleet. Thus includes some pretty sweet features such as an upgraded leather interior and a killer sound system. While he left most of it alone, he wanted to upgrade the seats and center console. He went with black with white stitching Roadwire leather interior for the front and rear seats, as well as the custom, stitched center console.

Ryan definitely didn’t skimp out in the lighting department either. He had the front headlights custom painted to match the exterior and also added switchbacks LEDs, while the rear taillights were painted black. The biggest upgrades in lighting were the additions of the 32 C4 rock lights underneath the truck as well as C4 pods in the bumpers.

"BBB" won't be sneaking up on anyone with the installation of over 32 C4 LED rock lights underneath the truck.

Rounding out some of the upgrades on the truck include a GEN_Y hitch with stabilizer bars, for all of Ryan’s towing purposes. Other additions include Speedpole flag pole holders and a Pedal Commander for faster acceleration. Subtle additions none the less, yet practical in every way.

Bigger, Badder, Better utilizes a set of FLOG Industries front and rear bumpers. These bumpers provide the durability and functionality for any use while maintaining the street style appearance Ryan was looking for.

With 500 videos and nearly 50 million views, we’d say Ryan is definitely keeping it real. Ryan is grateful for all his fans and remains humble to his blue-collar roots. ” I will always show real stuff on my channel. I am not afraid to post a video of me digging a ditch in video or my 120k truck in the next. WORKFORIT and you can achieve it!”

In the end, anything is possible with a little hard work and Ryan shows that with his build. What do you think of his truck? Is this the route you would go with yours or would you do something different? Tell us in the comments below!

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Eddie Maloney

A resident of Las Vegas, Eddie has been involved in drag racing most of his life. Currently an NHRA tech and photographer, he has served 17 years in the military.
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