Taking a Rare 2001 Ford F-250 Platinum Edition 7.3L Power Stroke to an Unexpected Level

When it comes to diesel engines, every enthusiast has an opinion—but ask a loyal Ford crowd to name the greatest Power Stroke ever built, and the 7.3L V-8 is almost always the unanimous answer.

Renowned for its durability, simplicity, and long-haul reliability, the 7.3L Power Stroke earned a reputation as one of the most “bulletproof” diesel engines ever installed in a light-duty truck. Introduced in 1994 and phased out in early 2003—largely due to tightening emissions and noise regulations—the engine continues to command respect and demand decades later. That legendary status is exactly what inspired Caleb Rennekamp of Groveland, Florida, to take one of Ford’s rarest Super Duty trucks and elevate it far beyond factory intentions.

A Platinum Foundation

The truck in question is a 2001 Ford F-250 Platinum Edition—one of fewer than 3,000 produced for the model year, built to commemorate Ford’s one-millionth Super Duty truck since the platform’s 1999 redesign. Equipped from the factory with a 7.3L Power Stroke, this Platinum Edition already carried serious collector appeal.

For Caleb, however, rarity alone wasn’t enough.

As the owner of Shifted Industries, a Florida-based shop known for high-end lifted and custom truck builds, Caleb saw the Platinum Edition not as a finished product, but as a foundation. His goal was simple: preserve what made the truck special, while transforming it into a one-of-one build that stood apart from the other 2,479 Platinum Editions that rolled off the line.

Not Your Typical F-250

The transformation began beneath the body. Rather than working with the stock F-250 chassis, Caleb and his team performed a full frame swap, placing the truck on an F-350 crew cab longbed chassis. This increased the wheelbase to a substantial 176 inches, giving the truck improved proportions and a more commanding stance.

Suspension upgrades followed, blending ride quality with capability. Up front, Icon leaf springs paired with Sulastic shackles work alongside Bilstein remote reservoir shocks mounted with dual shock hoops. In the rear, factory F-350 springs were retained but enhanced with a Kelderman 2-Stage air suspension system and Bilstein shocks, providing both load support and ride adjustability. Steering control comes courtesy of dual Bilstein steering stabilizers, while the entire setup delivers a clean 4-inch suspension lift.

Rolling stock is equally purposeful. Custom-built 17×14-inch Shifted Industries wheels fill the fenders, wrapped in 33×12.5R17 Nitto Mud Grappler tires that provide aggressive traction and unmistakable presence on pavement or dirt.

The Heart of the Build: A Reinvented 7.3L

While the legendary Power Stroke was the catalyst for the build, leaving it stock was never an option. Caleb and his team completely overhauled the 7.3L, addressing everything from seals and gaskets to head studs, then stepping up performance with carefully selected, top-tier components.

At the center of the upgrade is an Obsession Diesel Performance T4 kit paired with an S369 turbocharger, dramatically increasing airflow and power potential. Fuel delivery was fully reworked using a FASS Diesel fuel system, Full Force Diesel 238cc/80-percent injectors, and a Sinister Diesel regulated fuel return kit. A massive 67-gallon Titan fuel tank ensures extended range to match the truck’s long-haul capability.

Oil management received equal attention, with the factory system replaced by a Harvard Corporation oil filtration setup boasting a 27-quart capacity, complemented by a DieselSite Adrenaline high-pressure oil pump. Supporting upgrades include a Mishimoto radiator, COMP Cams valve springs and pushrods, ceramic-coated factory headers, and a 5-inch MBRP exhaust system that exits just behind the rear axle.

Manual Muscle

Backing the upgraded Power Stroke is a ZF 6-speed manual transmission—fully swapped in using all Ford factory components and wiring. A South Bend dual disc clutch handles the added torque, transferring power through 3.73 gears to both the front and rear axles. The result is a drivetrain that feels purposeful, mechanical, and built to last.

Preserving the Platinum Identity

Despite the extensive mechanical and chassis work, Caleb intentionally kept exterior modifications subtle. The goal was enhancement, not erasure.

The original Platinum-specific grille and chrome bumpers were swapped for factory 2005–2007 Ford pieces, giving the truck a slightly updated look without straying from OEM design language. The color-keyed windshield visor and specialty running boards—unique to the Platinum package—were removed, further simplifying the exterior.

What remains untouched is the truck’s defining feature: the exclusive Silver Metallic and Mineral Gray Metallic two-tone paint scheme, a hallmark of the 2001 Platinum Edition and a key part of its visual identity.

Refined, Not Reinvented

Inside, the theme continues. The cabin retains its restored two-tone gray leather Platinum Edition seats and original center console, preserving the upscale feel Ford intended. Subtle upgrades include full cab and roof sound deadening using HushMat and fresh Auto Custom Carpets carpeting—improvements that enhance comfort without drawing attention to themselves.

A Platinum Edition, Reimagined

Built atop an already rare platform, Caleb Rennekamp’s 2001 F-250 Platinum Edition Power Stroke represents what many enthusiasts wish Ford had delivered from the factory: timeless styling, legendary diesel power, and uncompromising execution.

It’s a truck that respects its heritage while boldly exceeding expectations—and that’s exactly what makes it special.

2001 FORD F-250 PLATINUM EDITION POWER STROKE DIESEL

Owner: Caleb Rennekamp
Location: Groveland, Florida

Chassis & Suspension

Full frame swap to F-350 crew cab longbed chassis
176-inch wheelbase
4-inch suspension lift
Icon leaf springs with Sulastic shackles (front)
Bilstein remote reservoir front shocks with dual shock hoops
Factory F-350 rear springs
Kelderman 2-Stage rear air suspension
Bilstein rear shocks
Dual Bilstein steering stabilizers
All suspension work completed by Shifted Industries

Wheels & Tires

Custom 17×14-inch Shifted Industries wheels
33×12.5R17 Nitto Mud Grappler tires

Engine & Drivetrain

2001 7.3L V-8 Power Stroke
Obsession Diesel Performance T4 kit
S369 turbocharger
Mishimoto radiator
FASS Diesel fuel system
Full Force Diesel 238cc/80% injectors
Sinister Diesel regulated fuel return kit
Titan 67-gallon fuel tank
Harvard Corporation 27-quart oil filtration system
DieselSite Adrenaline HPOP
COMP Cams valve springs and pushrods
Ceramic-coated factory headers
MBRP 5-inch exhaust
Full engine reseal with new gaskets and head studs
ZF 6-speed manual transmission (Ford parts and wiring)
South Bend dual disc clutch
3.73 front and rear gears

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