Here is probably one of the most unique front clip swaps I have run across this whole entire show season. Just imagine a 2006 Dodge Magnum; now just imagine the front clip making its way onto a 2000 Dodge Dakota! Yeah, that is what we first said,"Ewww...", BUT... then Linc Lamoureux taught us a lesson about judging a truck's mod before it has even been performed!

This crazy idea came right out of left field and at first we were all like "You're crazy"... "Won't look right"... "You're gonna make your truck into an ugly duckling". Well, this past Slammin' & Jammin' we got to see the end product now appropriately referred to as the "DAGNUM". We must admit that not only is it appealing and impressive, we are waiting for several other Dodge Dakota owners to perform this very same modification! After all, there is no better form of flattery than for someone to copy your idea.

Of course, the front clip is not the only modification that makes this truck the real deal. The fact that the body has been shaved clean also adds to the sudden cool factor which includes the cab seams, third brake light, door handles, rear bumper, body lines, bed rail stake pockets, and tailgate handle. A molded-in roll pan was installed, the tailgate handle was shaved, and the license plate box was moved to the center of the tailgate. The tailgate now opens with linear actuators. The stock tails were removed and the housings reworked so that a set of carbon fiber Toyota Supra taillights could take their place. The inside of the bed was widened 1½-inches on each side and received some serious diamond plate bright work. The nose received a smooth wiper cowl and billet grille inserts. Once the body was massaged to show perfection, it was painted with DuPont Hot Hues Blazing Copper.

Being a full fledged AcrophobiA member requires Linc to have his ride low at all times. This requirement is fulfilled with an air ride suspension that consists of upper and lower dropped control arms up front, 2-link in the rear, and Slam Specialties 2600lb air springs on all four corners. The control switches are mounted in the center console of the cab which enables Linc to tuck 20-inches of chrome ADR wheels wrapped in Nitto 235/35R20 rubber.

Under the hood, Linc installed a set of performance headers along with a Flowmaster exhaust system that tucks nicely under the bed. The throttle body received a spacer, a one-off custom air cleaner was installed, and the computer received a little fine tuning with a programmer.

The interior also received its perks. The seating, headliner, and door panels received two-toned gray and charcoal vinyl. A custom console was installed with color matched diamond plate along with my favorite modification... a Bud Light tap shifter! A Colorado Customs billet steering wheel made its way to the top of the steering column and the stock gauges received a facelift with a custom white face plate and billet accent. Behind the seats is a custom subwoofer enclosure, also adorned with painted-to-match diamond plate, with two 15-inch Kicker subs powered by two 800 watt Audiobahn amps. All of the audio action is controlled with a Clarion CD head unit.

Linc's truck can teach us all a lesson of not judging a ride before it even makes it out of the shop. ESM passed judgment and I have to admit that I am glad he didn't listen because the "DAGNUM" is truly a cool ride.

Shout Out: "Thanks to my boys at NEVRDUN Kustoms, Zane Stokes, Tony P., Clay Capps, Eric at Kustom Werks, James at Godfather Customs, Edsel Parnel, and Ron at Sound & Security, Bo at ESS Welding, and AcrophobiA." -Linc Lamoureux