First-to-Finish: Cody Hill’s Groundbreaking 2017 Ford F-350 Super Duty

First-to-Finish: Cody Hill’s Groundbreaking 2017 Ford F-350 Super Duty

For most builders, getting one truck into a magazine is a milestone. For Cody Hill of Lawton, Oklahoma, it became the baseline. His second build reached both print and the show floor at SEMA, raising expectations even higher. By the time the all-new 2017 Super Duty platform debuted, Cody wasn’t looking to repeat past success—he was determined to outdo it.

The moment Ford unveiled the redesigned 2017 Ford F-350 Super Duty, Cody knew it would be his next canvas. The problem? The truck was brand new. Aftermarket support was nearly nonexistent. Fabrication data was scarce. Timelines were brutal. But the opportunity to be among the first—if not the first in the Midwest—with a fully customized new-body-style F-350 was enough motivation.

Moments after his first test drive in September 2016, Cody signed the paperwork. The dealership informed him he would be the first person in Oklahoma to own one. That distinction came with a challenge: SEMA was only four weeks away.

A 30-Day SEMA Build

While many SEMA vehicles undergo year-long build cycles, Cody had roughly 30 days. That meant immediate sponsor outreach, logistics coordination, and zero margin for delay. Emails went out. Phone calls were made. Partnerships were secured.

With the clock ticking, the truck was transported from Oklahoma to Tennessee thanks to Stillman Transport, landing at Stryker Off-Road Design in Maryville. There, the transformation began.

Stryker installed one of its Identity Series 9.5-inch lift systems, engineered around a front 4-link conversion and 2.5-inch remote reservoir coil-overs. Out back, the setup included a rear add-a-leaf, traction bars, and matching 2.5 remote reservoir shocks. Remarkably, the complete suspension installation was finished in about a week.

The freshly lifted F-350 was then shipped back to Cody—still unfinished, but on schedule.

Color, Detail, and Controlled Aggression

As soon as the A2L Series front and rear bumpers from Bodyguard Bumpers arrived, paintwork began immediately. Cody partnered with longtime friend and painter Michael La Plante to execute the vision he had decided on the day he bought the truck: a fusion of factory Ingot Silver Metallic and a bold, candy-inspired Jolly Rancher Red.

Suspension components, bumpers, mirrors, grille, cab lights, fender lights, and emblems were color-matched to create a cohesive aesthetic. The suspension received Jolly Rancher Red powder coat over a super chrome base, amplifying depth and contrast beneath the truck.

Lighting was integrated throughout. Heise LED cubes, a 30-inch front light bar, rear flush-mount cubes, rock lights, and Morimoto LED components from The Retrofit Source ensured the truck was as functional as it was show-ready.

A one-of-one custom grille from Gravel Empire gave the front end a distinctive signature. AMP Research Powersteps added practicality, while a Pace Edwards Full Metal Jackrabbit bed cover and Line-X bed liner enhanced durability.

Underneath, a Hornblasters Conductor 540 train-horn system—complete with a spare tire delete kit—added attitude. It looks factory-integrated, but it certainly doesn’t sound subtle.

Big Truck, Bigger Footprint

Wheel selection remained undecided until late in the build. Ultimately, Cody chose American Force Code wheels in a custom Jolly Rancher Red finish with polished accents. Measuring 24 inches in diameter, they’re wrapped in 38-inch Nitto Trail Grappler tires—proportions that complement the 9.5-inch lift and establish undeniable road presence.

V V Concepts 33mm spiked lug nuts provide an aggressive finishing touch.

Power to Match the Presence

Under the hood sits Ford’s 6.7L Power Stroke, enhanced with a Stealth Performance Products module to produce approximately 540 horsepower and 1,050 lb-ft of torque. The TorqShift six-speed automatic manages power delivery, while supporting upgrades include a T-Spec distribution block and fuse holder, dual Optima Yellow Top batteries, and a 48-gallon fuel tank for extended range.

The result is a Super Duty that delivers both show-quality refinement and real-world diesel performance.

Interior Execution

Inside, the truck maintains a factory-forward layout while integrating premium upgrades. Black perforated leather upholstery elevates the cabin, complemented by custom billet LED switches controlling the truck’s lighting and horn systems.

The audio system, installed by High Volume and Cleland’s Upholstery, centers around a stock head unit paired with a Rockford Fosgate Punch 500 amplifier producing 750 watts. Two Rockford Fosgate P3 shallow-mount subwoofers sit in a custom down-fire enclosure, supported by 6.5-inch two-way speakers and a full amplifier wiring kit. The subwoofer box is wrapped to match the seating material for seamless integration.

Every detail—from Lund floor mats to custom upholstery—was selected to match the truck’s exterior precision.

The Debut

After three relentless weeks of long nights and compressed timelines, the finished F-350 was cleaned, loaded, and sent to Las Vegas for its SEMA debut. What began as a newly released platform with virtually no aftermarket support became one of the first fully customized 2017 Super Duty builds to hit the national stage.

For Cody Hill, this wasn’t simply another project. It was proof that execution, coordination, and commitment can overcome even the shortest deadlines.

Truck Specifications

Owner: Cody Hill
Location: Lawton, Oklahoma
Vehicle: 2017 Ford F-350 Super Duty

Engine & Drivetrain

  • 6.7L Power Stroke

  • 540 hp / 1,050 lb-ft torque

  • Stealth Performance Products module

  • TorqShift six-speed automatic

  • Dana 300 rearend

  • 48-gallon fuel tank

  • T-Spec distribution block and fuse holder

  • Dual Optima Yellow Top batteries

Chassis & Suspension

  • Stryker Off-Road Identity Series 9.5-inch lift

  • Front 4-link conversion

  • Front 2.5 remote reservoir coil-overs

  • Front and rear 2.5 remote reservoir shocks

  • Rear add-a-leaf

  • Rear traction bars

Wheels & Tires

  • 24×11 (front) and 24×8.5 (rear) American Force Code wheels

  • Jolly Rancher Red finish with polished accents

  • V V Concepts 33mm spiked lug nuts

  • 38×13.50R24 Nitto Trail Grappler tires

Exterior

  • Bodyguard A2L Series front and rear bumpers

  • Heise LED cubes and 30-inch light bar

  • Morimoto LED reverse bulbs and HIDs

  • Gravel Empire custom grille

  • AMP Research Powersteps

  • Pace Edwards Full Metal Jackrabbit bed cover

  • Hornblasters Conductor 540 train horn kit

  • Line-X bed liner

  • Monster Hooks swivel hooks

  • Bulletproof Hitches 3-inch receiver with 12-inch drop

  • Bolt Lock security system

  • Axalta Chrome Base Ingot Silver Metallic paint

  • Jolly Rancher Red powder coat suspension

  • 5% window tint

Interior & Audio

  • Black perforated leather upholstery

  • Billet LED control switches

  • Rockford Fosgate Punch 500 amplifier (750W)

  • Two Rockford Fosgate P3 shallow-mount subwoofers

  • Rockford Fosgate 6.5-inch two-way speakers

  • Custom down-fire sub enclosure

  • Lund carpeted floor mats

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