Dropped 2017 Ford F-350 is a Testament to Perseverance
This a custom build free of ego, pride and corporate branding —a truck that comes straight from the heart.
Shot From the Heart
The giants in the custom truck business nationwide are very well-known. And with their plentiful resources and virtually unlimited access to rigs, contemporary parts, and the latest accessories, it’s no surprise such firms pump out awesome customs each year. This new-body 2017 F-350 Platinum —the work of Justin Benoit —is as impressive as any of those, and even more so considering he’s a one-man band. This a custom build free of ego, pride, and corporate branding —a truck that comes straight from the heart.
Images Courtesy of Truck Trend
From Assembly Line to Chopping Block
Immediately upon their unveiling, Benoit was in awe of the 2017 Ford Super Dutys and knew right away he needed to have one. When Ford dealers in his hometown failed to acquire one to his specs, (a two-wheel-drive Platinum) the search took him to Texas. It takes a particularly driven expert mechanic to buy a brand-new truck and take it to the chopper. With the help of his friend Robbie Bryant from KEG Media, Benoit got to work transforming the truck into his own image.
>>Join the conversation about this custom Ford F-350 right here in Ford-trucks.com.
Power Through
Benoit’s goal was to build a custom truck that spoke a bit about his journey to get where he is today, a work of art and performance under the banner of his own personal mantra: “Never Give Up.” This belief stems from Benoit’s survival of a severe workplace accident back in 2013 after which he was in an induced coma for 38 days. An accidental explosion left Benoit in a hospital for months and tasked with enduring two years of physical therapy. A modest and humble guy, Benoit lets the awesomeness of his custom build inspire others who are facing challenges in life.
>>Join the conversation about this custom Ford F-350 right here in Ford-trucks.com.
One Love
Justin is proof positive of the will to never give up and how, with the right attitude and perspective, there’s not much that can’t be overcome. He’s particularly appreciative of the love and support of his wife Maebell, their children, and his extended family. Benoit also considers the truck to be a testament of appreciation for the positivity and sense of community in the custom build community.
>>Join the conversation about this custom Ford F-350 right here in Ford-trucks.com.
Beauty & Brawn
While the truck is a loving symbol of perseverance and community —it’s also one sweet ride. The chassis features a custom control arm front suspension with Firestone 3,800-pound bags up front built by Ekstensive Metalworks. The rear suspension features a parallel four-link with a Panhard bar ’bag-over-axle with Firestone 3,800-pound bags, narrowed rear-end 14 inches total with Dutchman 300m double-spline axle shafts and custom flanges on the outside.
>>Join the conversation about this custom Ford F-350 right here in Ford-trucks.com.
No Limit
Benoit will never give up, and neither will his custom build’s power train. The truck features a 6.7-liter Power Stroke, sectioned oil pan, PPEI tuned with EZlink, and a 5-inch turbo-back Flo-Pro exhaust. River City Diesel provided the No Limit cold-air intake and EGR block-off kit with 15-percent-over injectors. It's a fearsome combination of power that matches the truck's brilliant exterior perfectly.
>>Join the conversation about this custom Ford F-350 right here in Ford-trucks.com.
Endless Horizon
Last but not least, the truck is rife with custom “Never Give Up” badging, shaved fuel door, tubbed bed by Ekstensive, Gravel Empire grille, Klearz Manufacturing clear marker lights, and Recon LED cab lights. As comfortable as it is powerful, the truck’s interior features Alea Leather Napa Carmel leather seats and a factory sound system with Bluetooth interface. While the country’s big shops continue to pump out custom builds, it’s always great to appreciate the underdogs who are out there designing and crafting vehicles based on their own unique vision, drive, and passion. Here’s hoping we see more Justin Benoit custom builds in the near future.
>>Join the conversation about this custom Ford F-350 right here in Ford-trucks.com.
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