a full chassis and long travel
suspension setup." Once they
received the Colorado from GM,
it started out as a completely
stock truck and was completely
torn down to create a new frame
that would fit the cab of the
truck, but allow for new engine
and suspension modifications.
The engine they selected
was a GM LS7 V8, to which
they added a FAST intake
and Wegner dry-sump oiling
system, along with other engine
modifications. The set-up
makes 730 horsepower and
uses a modified GM 4L80E
automatic transmission to direct
the power out to a Currie full-
floating, 9-inch rear. The engine
is also set back into the cab in
order to provide proper weight
distribution, and to allow for
a C&R radiator to provide the
necessary amount of cooling.
The custom frame was also
the basis for the truck's off-
road style suspension system.
This consists of hand-made
upper and lower J-arms for the
THE ROADSTER SHOP ENGINEERS
AND FABRICATORS HAD TO
BUILD ALL OF THE SUSPENSION
COMPONENTS, INCLUDING THESE
NEW J-ARMS FOR THE FRONT.
NEW SPINDLES WERE
ALSO MANUFACTURED
TO COMPLETE THE
FRONT SUSPENSION,
WHICH HAS 22-INCHES
OF WHEEL TRAVEL.
NEW FENDERS,
BODY PANELS AND
HOOD WERE MADE
FROM SCRATCH AND
FABRICATED IN-HOUSE
TO ACCOMMODATE FOR
THE WHEEL TRAVEL,
BUT STILL MAINTAIN
THE TRUCK'S IDENTITY.
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SCORE JOURNAL