“This project began with an idea from one of our customers, an older gentleman who wanted a classic truck with an off-road vibe but modern power and handling. His main concern was keeping the truck as low as possible to avoid climbing in and out. After some thought, I decided to go with the look of a 1980s Baja truck. This way, we could fit big 37-inch tires without needing a massive lift.
We’re big fans of the Duramax powertrain, and since the modern HD 3/4-ton trucks have great independent front suspension, we chose to use the 2007 Silverado 2500 front clip. This setup gave us the modern handling, steering, and braking we wanted while still keeping good off-road capabilities.
We even drove the truck to a show at Gilbert’s Resort in the Florida Keys, towing a 1979 Blown Big Block jet boat. We took the boat out for a spin at the show and then towed it all the way back home. It was an amazing combination!
Originally, the project was for a customer who eventually abandoned it. The truck sat for about 3-4 years before we decided to finish the build ourselves. Jeff Patterson did a fantastic job modifying the cab to make sure the body sat low on the chassis.”
ADAM PELA • ‘84 K10
- 2006 Chevy Duramax 6.6L diesel
- Machine work by J&J Racing Engines and assembled by Pela Motorsports
of Jupiter, Florida - Keyed OEM crankshaft
- Mahle Perf Cast pistons
- Exergy performance injectors and CP3
- Calibrated Power Stealth 64 turbo
- Custom 4” exhaust
- Allison 6-speed transmission by Suncoast Performance, rated to 700HP
- Suncoast 1056 triple disc billet torque converter
- Raybestos clutches
- Custom chassis with 2007 silverado front half and fabricated box tube back half
- AAM 11.5 rear axle with 3.73 ring & pinion
- Trailing arm rear suspension with track bar Cognito rear antiroll bar
- ADS coilover shocks
- 3/4-ton Powerstop drilled and slotted brake rotors
- Powerstop brake calipers
- Cognito upper control arms with dual Fox remote reservoir shocks
- Custom fabricated aluminum rear fuel tank with skid plate
- Method wheels, 17x9
- Mickey Thompson Baja tires, 37x13.50R17
- Destroyer Gray paint and bodywork by Laprade Customs Paint
- LMC Truck headlights and taillights
- Firewall modified for tire clearance and suspension travel
- rain gutters removed
- One piece windows (quarter window delete)
- Relocated cab support structure to facilitate body drop over frame rails
- Custom baja bulged fenders
- Moved front wheel opening
- Transmission tunnel fabricated to clear Allison transmission