In Chapter 1, I talked about my experience navigating today’s market to find the right OBS truck to serve as the foundation for a custom build unlike anything I’ve ever owned. One of the biggest decisions early on was choosing the right direction: a full bolt-on setup using the latest aftermarket products, or something a little more tailored to my personal vision.
One tempting option was to go for a full coil-over setup with tubular bars front and rear. After countless hours of research and conversations with owners who had gone the coil-over route, I kept circling back to what’s always been my true love in truck stance: air-ride.
Next time, we’ll dive into the teardown process at Phat Phabz and take a first look at some of the newly fabricated parts in the works. Stay tuned — Project Blue Steel is just getting warmed up!
Braking Into the Next Level
From experience, I knew that upgrading the brakes would be essential. The stock system simply wouldn’t cut it, especially with the wheels and suspension I had in mind.
Fortunately, Wilwood Disc Brakes has stepped up their game in the OBS world. Many of my clients have run their products with nothing but great results, so it was an easy decision to reach out. After talking with Brian at Wilwood, he recommended their 14” Front Big Brake Kit (P/N: 140-15950-D_kit-xl) and their newly designed 14” Rear Big Brake Kit (P/N: 140-17543-D_kit-lg) made specifically for the ‘88-’98 C1500 trucks.
To complete the package, we added Wilwood’s Compact Tandem Master Cylinder Kit with Bracket and Valve
(P/N: 261-14964-BK). For the front brake setup, their C1500 2” Drop Pro Spindles (P/N: 831-15933) were selected to mount the calipers, and a pair of their Braided Brake Lines (P/N: 220-16439) will connect everything together.
Fully Adjustable
Specifically, one air-ride system I’ve always admired but never had the chance to own was AccuAir’s E-Level system. I’ve followed AccuAir since their first setups hit the market and have always been impressed with their continuous improvements and innovative approach. Their kits are incredibly well thought-out, designed to cater to a wide range of project types.
For my truck, their “Ultimate Kit” (P/N: AA-3838) checked all the boxes. Before placing the order, I had an awesome conversation with their staff, walking through every detail of my build plans. They helped me fine-tune the setup to make sure it would deliver exactly what I wanted.
Even better, AccuAir partnered with JRI Shocks to create a custom-valved shock specifically tuned for air-ride systems. I chose a set of their rear shocks (P/N: AA-4443) to handle the suspension travel requirements for my setup.
Choosing the Perfect Wheel – A Nod to the Past
Now that suspension and brakes were locked in, it was time to pick wheels. And here, I decided to go a little nostalgic.
Back in my early OBS days in the Midwest show scene, one wheel manufacturer always stood out: B.A.D. (Billet Accessories Direct) Wheels out of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Jason, the owner, consistently created designs that stood apart from the rest, even offering half-wrapped billet steering wheels that matched his wheel designs.
There was always one design that stuck in my mind: the Rockstar. It felt fitting that, after all these years, I would finally bring that dream to life. I ordered a set of 22×8.5” (front) and 22×10.5” (rear) B.A.D. Rockstar billet wheels, and Jason got to work on them.
Covering It Up – Slosh Tubz
With big wheels and a low stance, covering the tires cleanly was going to be a must. Enter Mike from Slosh Tubz.
Mike has been designing and building bolt-in inner fender tubs for over 15 years, and his products have always looked super clean — exactly the look I wanted. After sharing my vision, Mike agreed that his 1988-98 Slosh Tubz would be the perfect fit for my project.
The Builder – Phat Phabz
At this point, air management, brakes, wheels, and fender tubs were all in motion. But who would bring it all together? I knew from the start that only one shop could pull this off the way I envisioned: Phat Phabz in Choctaw, Oklahoma.
Jake McKiddie, the owner, and I have known each other for over 15 years. I’ve photographed many of his incredible builds, and we always said if the day ever came, I would have him build my dream truck.
The timing couldn’t have been better. Jake mentioned he was in the early stages of designing a new rear 4-link kit for the ‘88-’98 C1500 trucks — perfect for my build. Not only can Phat Phabz install the air suspension components, but their metal fabrication skills mean they’ll be seamlessly integrating new rear fender tubs into the bed for a clean, stock-looking finish.