Racing across Mexico’s Baja Peninsula is not for the faint of heart. The landscape is brutal—rock-strewn hills, deep sand washes, and endless stretches of off-camber whoops that test both man and machine. It’s a high-speed, high-stakes game of endurance, navigation, and mechanical resilience. And if that sounds like a good time, you’d be in good company with Gilroy, California’s Jerry Souza, who built his dream rig—a 1976 Ford F-250 crew cab—to take on this very challenge in the NORRA 500.
But this wasn’t always destined to be a race truck. Jerry initially set out to build a classic off-roader—a versatile machine that could handle weekend wheeling trips and look great at events. It had to be capable, but also unique. What began as a vision turned into a full-fledged, three-and-a-half-year passion project that ended up on the start line of one of Baja’s most iconic races—and took home hardware.
Built to Be Beaten
Constructing an off-road truck for competition is more than bolting on a lift and slapping some tires underneath it. Everything from chassis integrity to drivetrain durability to wheel travel has to be engineered with a purpose. Jerry began with the original Ford frame, but sent it to M-Fab for major surgery—cut, notched, and fortified with a full integrated cage that runs the length of the truck.
To handle Baja’s relentless terrain, M-Fab also crafted a custom 3-link suspension. Eibach springs and King shocks tuned by KDM give the F-250 massive travel and plush damping, while a Red-Head F-150 ported steering box and PSC hydraulic-assist stabilizer offer precise, rock-steady handling even at speed.
Method MR704 wheels (17×8.5) roll on a mix of 40-inch Toyo M/T or BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain tires, depending on the conditions, with a 4.25-inch backspacing to accommodate articulation and clearance. Whether crawling through rocks or blasting through the desert, the suspension setup ensures performance and comfort far beyond anything the original truck ever knew.
A GM Heart in a Ford Shell
When it came to power, Jerry went against the grain—and some purists—by swapping in a 6.2L GM V8 from a 2008 donor vehicle. The engine remains mostly stock, but breathes through custom 1 7/8-inch headers and a 3-inch side-dump exhaust. A Speartech harness and a custom ZMOD Performance tune keep everything running flawlessly, while a Fuel Safe fuel cell behind the cab keeps things fed under pressure.
Backing the V8 is a stout, CBR-cooled 6L90 transmission from a 2012 GM vehicle, mated to a heavy-duty NP205 transfer case. For ultimate low-speed torque and rock-crawling control, Jerry added an Offroad Design Magnum underdrive, achieving a whopping 5.33:1 crawl ratio. Tom Wood’s driveshafts front and rear transmit all that torque reliably to beefy 2014 Ford Super Duty axles—Dana 60 up front, Sterling 10.5 out back—each loaded with 4.88 gears and selectable lockers.
Stopping power is just as impressive, with Super Duty disc brakes at all four corners powered by a GM Hydroboost master cylinder, adjustable proportioning valve, and line lock system for maximum control.
Rugged Looks, Custom Style
Sure, Jerry built this truck to run hard in the dirt—but he didn’t skimp on style. Using his own skills as a painter, he laid down a bold coat of Vineyard Yellow accented with black and white cartoon-style striping. It’s a head-turner at every stop.
A retro 1975-77 F-Series grille, tube bumpers, rock sliders, and a custom spare tire rack built into the bed cage all serve function as much as they do form. The truck bed has been bobbed for better departure angle, while the cut-out fender wells improve clearance and minimize body damage off-road.
Lighting is top-shelf and Baja-ready, with 7-inch KC HiLiTES Gravity LED Pro headlights, a massive KC light bar over the cab, and an array of 30 rock lights ensuring visibility no matter the conditions or time of day.
Inside, the cab is just as custom as the chassis. PRP suspension seats in brown and tan set the tone, with matching door panels, dash, and center console continuing the theme. A MOMO California Wood Heritage steering wheel adds a classic touch, while AEM digital gauges deliver modern data. A full Rugged Radios intercom system with headsets and even a refrigerator/freezer make it functional for long days in the desert—or nights under the stars.
A Race Truck With Pedigree
The best part? This truck doesn’t just look tough—it is tough. In 2023, Jerry entered the NORRA 500 and, in the truck’s very first race, scored an impressive third-place finish in his class. Not bad for a classic Ford that started as a dream and was built in a garage.
About the NORRA 500
The NORRA 500 is a shorter, more accessible off-road race that starts in Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico. Unlike the grueling full-peninsula Mexican 1000, the NORRA 500 consists of two 250-mile loops. It’s a more relaxed event compared to traditional desert races, with better logistics for teams and a rally-like format that’s just as fun but a bit easier on support crews. Participants can stay in Ensenada’s resort hotels while still getting the full Baja race experience. The event emphasizes camaraderie, fun, and the spirit of off-road adventure.
Founded in 1967, the National Off-Road Racing Association (NORRA) was the first organization to sanction off-road races like the original Mexican 1000, which eventually became the Baja 1000. After a long hiatus, NORRA returned in 2010, now with classes for both vintage and modern vehicles, including alternative-fuel categories.
Link:
Norra 500
Truck Specs at a Glance
Owner:
- Jerry Souza – Gilroy, California
Chassis & Suspension:
- Modified 1976 Ford frame by M-Fab
- Full roll cage
- 144” wheelbase
- Eibach springs, King shocks (KDM tuned)
- Custom 3-link suspension
- Red-Head ported steering box, PSC hydraulic assist
- Wheels & Tires:
- 17×8.5 Method MR704 wheels
- Toyo M/T or BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A tires (40×13.5×17)
Drivetrain:
- 2008 GM 6.2L V8
- Custom headers and exhaust
- 6L90 transmission, NP205 transfer case
- Offroad Design Magnum underdrive (5.33:1 ratio)
- Tom Wood’s driveshafts
- Dana 60 front, Sterling 10.5 rear (4.88 gears, lockers)
Brakes:
- 2014 Super Duty disc brakes
- GM Hydroboost system
- Line lock and proportioning valve
Body & Paint:
- Vineyard Yellow with custom accents
- Retro F-Series grille
- Tube bumpers, sliders, bobbed bed
- KC HiLiTES lighting suite
Interior:
- PRP suspension seats
- Custom upholstery and trim
- Rugged Radios intercom
- AEM digital gauges
- MOMO steering wheel
- Onboard fridge/freezer
Jerry Souza’s F-250 is more than just a beautiful vintage Ford—it’s a purpose-built machine that’s ready for anything Baja can throw at it. Whether it’s racing the NORRA 500, wheeling in the wild, or just turning heads at the next off-road show, this classic crew cab is proof that old iron still has what it takes.
Photos:
About The Author
Growing up, my father always believed that every family needed a truck—there’s just something about having a vehicle capable of hauling anything at a moment’s notice. That philosophy stuck with me, and it’s been the foundation of my lifelong passion for Ford trucks.
While I’m best known for my work with Ford Rangers, I’ve owned a wide variety of Ford trucks over the years—including F-150s, F-250s, F-350s, and even larger rigs like the Ford Excursion, Ford Expedition, and a 1982 Ford Econoline Sportsmobile camper van. I’ve used these vehicles for everything from family transportation to towing car trailers and campers, and each one has fueled my love for Ford’s versatility and durability.
I especially enjoy the styling of 1970s and 1980s Ford trucks—the bold designs, rugged presence, and classic charm are timeless. Sharing my passion for Ford trucks, vans, and SUVs with other enthusiasts online brings me a great deal of joy, and it’s why I created Blue Oval Trucks.
This website is dedicated to helping Ford truck enthusiasts explore, learn about, and celebrate these incredible vehicles. While I share my expertise and experiences here, Blue Oval Trucks is an independent enthusiast site and is not affiliated with Ford Motor Company.
