VAUGHN & CO.
TOOLS. SYSTEMS. RESULTS.
DIESEL DADDY
LB7 DURAMAX
A frame-off restoration documenting every part, tool, and lesson on the road to building my dream toy hauler.
WHERE IT ALL STARTED:
It was perfectly running and driving when I bought it.
But when a rear brake line blew loading it on the trailer.
I figured I'd do what any reasonable person would do......
...take the entire thing apart.
STATUS:
STAGE 1
IN PROGRESS
TARGET
COMPLETION:
2027
ENGINE:
6.6L
DIESEL
HORSEPOWER:
550+ WHP
PARTS & TOOLS USED
ENGINE
14 PARTS
TURBO SYSTEM
14 PARTS
INTERIOR
14 PARTS
EXTERIOR
14 PARTS
DRIVETRAIN
14 PARTS
TOOLS & GEAR
14 PARTS
COMPANIES BEHIND THE BUILD
The companies whose products I actually use on the builds.
STAGE 1
BUILD SPECS:
ENGINE:
6.6L LB7 DURAMAX
TRANSMISSION:
BUILT
ALLISON 1000
DRIVETRAIN:
4X4
SUSPENSION:
BDS 4"
LIFT KIT
HORSEPOWER:
550+ WHP
TURBO:
COMPOUND S466
OVER STOCK
FUELING:
EXERGY 10 MIL
100% OVERS
FASS LIFT PUMP
WHEELS & TIRES:
TIS 20x12
BUILD ROADMAP
Follow the journey. Each stage is a major milestone in the build.
STAGE 1
ROADWORTHY
FOUNDATION
GOAL: Safe, reliable, running
52%
STAGE 2
HEART
TRANSPLANT
GOAL: Install rebuilt engine & compound turbos
STAGE 3
AESTHETIC
TRANSFORMATION
GOAL: Custom paint, interior, & lighting
STAGE 4
CHASSIS
EVOLUTION
GOAL: Dana 60 swap, long travel kit, & quadrosteer
STAGE 5
SEMA
READY
GOAL: Finishing touches, decals, & testing
STAGE 1
CURRENT STATE:
Get the truck running, driving, and structurally complete.
52%
COMPLETE
Frame Repair
Sandblasting
Cab Swap
Cadillac Interior Swap
Repair Headliner
Hand Paint Frame
Body Prep.
Exterior Paint
Engine Install
Programming
Mount Tires
Install Lift Kit
PROJECT SCORECARD
DIFFICULTY
COST
TIME
FRUSTRATION
SMILES/MILE
LESSONS LEARNED
BIGGEST WIN
CUSTOM PAINTED FRAME
This took forever and so many layers of paint but was worth every hour spent.
BIGGEST WASTE
CHEAP FUEL INJECTORS
Ended up fuel washing a engine with cheap fuel injectors.
BIGGEST REGRET
BUYING A RUSTY TRUCK
We should've started with a cleaner truck from the beginning.
BEST MONEY SPENT
BUYING A USED ENGINE
Once fuel parts fail it's often cheaper to just buy a used low miles engine with a warranty.
BIGGEST TIME SAVER
PULLING THE CAB
Pulling the cab before any major work made everything so much more accessible.
WHAT I LEARNED
DIESELS ARE EXPENSIVE
This is hands down one of my most expensive... if not THE most expensive build I have going.
ENTIRE BUILD SERIES ON YOUTUBE
Real builds. Real problems. Real solutions.
EXPLORE THE BUILD LIBRARY
Browse every build, track progress, see parts lists, and follow the journey.
THE VAULT
DISCOUNT CODES & EXCLUSIVE DEALS
Unlock exclusive discount cods, partner deals and limited-time savings on gear I use, all in one place.
SYSTEMS
DIGITAL TOOLS & RESOURCES
Build planners, checklists, templates, and digital resources to help you plan smarter and build better.