Meet Will Dalberry. He’s 22, likes to go fishing, hunting and scuba diving, lives in Miami, Fla., and drives a… diesel pickup? In Miami? When you think of vehicles in Miami, you think Miami Vice and low profile sports cars, not a souped up truck. While Will’s 2005 Ford F350 isn’t your typical Miami ride, it fits his lifestyle and certainly turns heads. 

“I drive through downtown all the time and it definitely catches a lot of attention,” Will explained. “I see people take videos and pictures of it all the time. Every now and then someone will ask me if I can pull over so they can take a picture with it.”

According to Will, two major groups run the diesel scene in the area: Dade County Diesels (Instagram: dade_county_diesels) and Vice Mafia (vice.mafia). The truck meets get so big they have trouble finding spots that can accommodate everyone.

“I’m very involved in the truck scene down here,” Will said. “Just about everyone knows me. At least from the diesel side of the truck scene. It’s very family-oriented and very supportive for the most part. I can’t say the same for the gasser side of the truck scene; those guys are always in constant competition trying to see who can spend more money and be better than everyone else.”

The Truck Journey

Will’s diesel journey started at a young age. His dad always had a truck at home that first got him interested so after Will graduated he became a mechanic. He needed a truck to move his tools around, so a diesel just made sense.

“Diesel over gas because it’s got more towing capability and I do pull a boat with it,” said Will when asked why he prefers a diesel. “As well as it’s a more reliable motor. I’ve pulled people out of the sand at the beach, pulled people out of mud holes and even towed people home. It seems to be the ole’ reliable to everyone including myself.”

Will got his current truck out of the blue when he received a phone call about its availability. With it sitting on the side of the road, he checked it out and made a deal with the owner. It had a couple dents, was missing a few parts and had a fuel leak, but it was bone stock and the project truck Will was looking for. 

“Originally I wanted to do a military/mad max look,” Will said, “but had a change of mind when the bank account didn’t agree so I just decided to go for a cleaner, more factory look for the most part.”

It’s a King Ranch truck that is lifted 6 inches with Skyjacker Suspension Hydro shocks while sitting on Fittipaldi FTF18s 24×14 wheels and Mickey Thompson Baja Boss 38×15.50 tires. The loaded and heavily modified Ford includes a BD Diesel Stage 2 transmission and a BD Diesel Screamer Stage 2 turbo, Warren Diesel 175/30 injectors, Mishimoto radiator and transmission cooler, CSF intercooler, Bulletproof Diesel air oil cooler with remote filter, AirDog 4g 2 fuel pump, Move It Fab trac bars, Mag Hytec differential covers and Dynatrac ball joints. From PMF, Will decided to add a front 4-link, drag link and tie-rod bar to complete the build.

“It’s for sure a head turner with how loud the turbo is and my traction bars have my name in them that seems to get people quite interested. Most common thing I hear is, ‘I’m not a Ford guy/girl but that’s a Ford that I like.’”

Pride And Joy

“My truck is my pride and joy, being on the road all the time I spend a lot of time in my truck so it’s something that has become a part of me. Because she takes care of me, I got to take care of her.”

Will has taken his diesel to Daytona truck meet, but because it’s not done yet he doesn’t want to take it too many places right now. Coming up for the build is 10-inch front king coil overs, Kelderman 8-10 4-link air suspension, PMF traction bar, Wilwood 6 piston calipers and a SoCal Billet compound turbo kit. The look will improve soon as well with a full interior upgrade and fully powdered suspension.

“Only thing I do have to say to anyone who is building a truck,” he concluded, “is that there are a lot of people out there who are going to tell you how you should do this and how you should do that, but remember it’s your truck, build it how you want to. Money doesn’t grow on trees, take your time and don’t try to impress anyone but yourself.”

As Will continues to modify his Power Stroke, soon you might not even recognize the truck. It’s getting a new compound turbo to get it up to 1100 hp, and a new paint job. Proof that he’s only getting started with his build.