BDS Project Ascension: Build Update #3

bds-projectascension-14With SEMA deadline rapidly approaching the engineering team at BDS Suspension is hard at work to overhaul the new company test mule, a 2017 Ford F250 Super Duty to turn it into a head turning overloader ready for backcountry exploration or the local truck meet. This truck is slated to be in the BDS Booth (#30204) out in Las Vegas for the 2016 SEMA Show November 1-4. With 2000 miles to drive to the show, the crew its the road for Vegas the middle of next week to start the drive to Vegas in time to set up for the show and get the truck placed.

Last time we checked in on the progress the team had the truck back from being wrapped in 3M brushed metallic vinyl and were working on the new suspension design. At this point the suspension is complete, its a pre-production BDS 6″ 4-Link Conversion System w/ FOX 2.5 DSC Coilovers, dual FOX 2.0 steering stabilizer and RECOIL traction bars. The 4-link design will offer improved strength and better caster control, the FOX DSC coilovers offer a smooth ride over any terrain, improved dampening capabilities, and adjustable dampening settings for optimal performance.

Also under this way are several other mods to the truck. For additional dry storage in the bed a Bestop Supertop was installed in the bed. The sailcloth canvas top clamps to the bed rails and offers easy access to the bed from all sides with rollup tinted windows. Over top of the Supertop the team is fabricating a roof rack for additional storage space and mounting for the lights we’ll be installing. With bigger tires going on this build we added a set of Bushwacker extend-a-fender flares to give us extra tire coverage and a strong, beefy appearance. These come in a molded ABS plastic and wrapped in the brushed aluminum vinyl. Being that this truck will have extra altitude of 6″ of lift and 38s we added a set of the Amp Research Powersteps. We’re huge fans of these steps and run them on just about all of our promotional trucks. They’re easy to install and wire up off the OBD2 port to take cab access much easier and then automatically tuck up out of the way when the doors are closed.

For tires this build is going with 38×13.50×20 Nitto Trail Grapplers. We run these tires on several of our other rigs and have been very impressed with the look, the traction, how easy they are to balance and their 10-ply E road rated sidewall which will come in handy when we’re towing rigs and show trailers across the country. These Nittos are getting mounted up on a set of 20×10 (4.5″ BSing) XD Machete wheels in satin black. These wheels have a clean 6-dual spoke look with a simulated beadlock ring.

Final graphics are being installed with the BDS adventure edition vinyl graphics getting installed along with logos of all the companies with product on the truck. Next up, the team takes on the interior with Roadwire leather seats, Magellan navigation upgrades and wiring up the Baja Design lights. Next week the Fusion bumpers arrive and we’ll mount up the Warn winch, Factor 55 prolink and more. Now with 4 days left to go the team hassles to get this rig completed, loaded up with displays and ready to hit the road for Vegas. Stay tuned for updates…

1 comment

WOW, BDS always comes through with awesome custom builds…. I will surly keep this build in mind when I convert my Ford Super Duty F250…

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *