Project Build Update: BDS Super Duty

F250-7

If you missed the announcement 2 weeks ago, BDS’s is in the process of building up the test mule 2012 Ford F250 Super Duty into a capable trail and tow rig. The build is underway as we prep it to take its maiden journey out to Moab, UT for Easter Jeep Safari next week. (Click here to read the announcement and build plans)

As with all builds there have been a few setbacks along the way, but we’re making progress an plan to have this truck ready to leave Friday afternoon for the 25hr haul from Michigan to Moab with the BDS show trailer and Project KJ in tow. Over the past 2 weeks we’ve finished up installing the suspension install opting for the preproduction BDS 6” Coilover Conversion 4-Link System (more on this system once it releases later this year). With all the towing and trail time we have planned for this truck we’re upgrading to a set of rear AirLift airbags and Wireless One compressor system with our custom mounts to allow for additional load support without limiting suspension articulation. We’re excited to get some trail and street field testing with the new 37×12.50×20 Mickey Thompson Deegan38 tires as we’re mounting them up on 20×10 BMF‘s new B.A.T.L. wheels. Our Fab Fours premium bumpers were sandblasted down to raw metal and the team made modifications to mount an assortment of Vision X LED lights from and rear. The bumpers are scheduled for paint tomorrow to be color matched to the vehicle with metallic gray up front match the 3M wrap getting installed and white in the rear to match the stock paint color. A Warn 12,000lb winch will be bolted in place for any heavy extraction needs in the future along with a set of Monster Hook swivel hooks for a stout recovery point. Also up front the stock grille is getting swapped out for a bad ass Royalty Core mess unit. Under the hood an Airaid intake was bolted in place of the stock unit as well as the Diamond Eye exhaust system.  Out back a Nitro rear diff cover will give us more protection and gear fluid capacity. Along with a spray-in liner, an Extang revolution tonneau cover will give us addition dry storage space and easy access. Up next the Bully Dog diesel GT tuner to wake up the stock 6.7L Power Stroke, paint, graphics, wiring and final assembly before we hit the road. We’ve got a busy couple days ahead of us, follow the progress at on the BDS Facebook and Instagram pages.

6 comments

I’ve been fortunate enough to trade in my 2011 king ranch for a 2015 f 250 platinum. It’s not everyday but I pull a 12k loaded trailor a few times a month so the suspension you have in mind on your 2012 project may be exactly what I need. I’d like to know when it may be available for purchase & if BDS will supply bags along with the brackets. I’d also like to know some of the Intel you get from of your project or were its available to read. If you need another test bed we may be able to work something out. Lol. Looking forward to seeing more from you guys at BDS.

JEFF

Hey Jeff,
Thanks for the offer and the interest in BDS. We’ve been testing out several options and have a few new ones going into production. While I can tell you first hand that this particular kit performs amazing on-road, towing on the highway, charging at the beach, trails and flexing on rocks out in Moab, our company policy dictates that we can’t get into kit specifics, price point, or expected release dates until all the parts are on the shelf and we release them for sale. As soon as products become available we’ll have more info available

hello there,
I’ll be in the market for a lift soon and BDS is one of the brands I am considering. My vehicle is a 2014 Ford F250 diesel, quad cab, FX4. Will your lifts, either the 4″ or 6″ reduce my towing capacities? I have a toyhauler, that when fully loaded weighs about 14k.

Hey Sedley, with our lifts and any others you are increasing the center of gravity of the truck and adding some strain to the drivetrain by installing larger/heavier wheels and tires. We build our kits to the highest standard and offer options like the 4-link conversion that will improve strength and handling over your factory radius arm. In the rear we offer the 4″ kits with either block or replacement leaf springs, while the 6″ kits come standard with replacement leaf springs. All of our springs integrate a overload leaf to help increase tow capacity. We tow large trailers regularly accross the country 3/4-ton trucks lifted up 6-8″ on 37-40″ tires without any issues.

Love y’all’s 6” lift kit with rear leaf replacement. Super comfortable ride and I recommend to anybody I can. I am however curious if you guys know what the actual towing capacity number is on the super duties once the lift kit is installed? Great looking build you guys are doing too

Hey David,
Thanks for the feedback. We don’t test tow capacity numbers post-installation as there are a number of factory that would plan into the equation (engine-cab-bed configuration, tire choice, etc)

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