Build journal

Roadworthy before cosmetics

Committing to a repair-first order of operations before any visual or performance upgrades begin.

FiberWerX lead-time call

Deciding to order the fenders and bedsides together to keep a consistent carbon-fiber finish, despite the wait.

Why Elite Max headlights

Reasoning behind selecting Diode Dynamics' Elite Max headlight housing over other LED options.

Airbags vs. Timbren

Comparing active air helper springs against passive Timbren SES helper springs for towing support.

Deaver vs. stock leaf springs

Weighing a progressive-rate Deaver spring pack against a straightforward stock-style replacement.

Differential referred for inspection

The rear differential, pushed back from the transfer case in the impact, is the one item being sent out rather than handled personally.

Broken rear leaf spring

Visible damage consistent with the secondhand rear-impact account, confirmed during the initial self-inspection.

Initial collision inspection

A self-inspection to document what's actually visible, plus a secondhand account of how the damage likely happened.

Won at auction, truck arrives

The 2023 F-150 Tremor is won at a Copart auction through AutoBidMaster and arrives on the property days later.

Choosing this specific salvage truck

Downsizing from an F-250, with a specific search checklist and a deliberate strategy for which salvage damage to accept.