Preserved Heritage with Rough Riders Test Mule

Modified Skills

Usually, Ford sells trucks, but a rare occasions they bought one back. A blast from the past, this 1988 F-150 began life as an off-road racer, built by brothers Ron and Greg Kishiyama. The pair were known for their fabrication skills and engineering tough competition trucks. In the early 1990s, Kishiyama's modified pickup caught Ford's attention.

Photos courtesy of RDC.

Dominant Run

The purchase was part of Ford's sponsorship of the Rough Riders. Consisting of six different independent race teams merged into one factory-backed group, the Rough Riders became a dominant force in both desert and short-course off-road racing from 1991 through 1995. Along with support from BFGoodrich, the amalgamated team claimed more than twenty driver and manufacturer championships during their five year run.

Production Return

Once acquired, the 1988 F-150 was converted to a flareside bed and given a 1992 frontend to resemble trucks being sold at the time. It was then painted in the Rough Riders' iconic red, white and blue livery. In return for sponsorship, Ford employed the race program as a testing platform for the development of stock components.

Phase Result

In particular, Ford Truck Operations advanced drivetrain durability, along with chassis and suspension design for production trucks through the Rough Riders program. The Motor Company's time-honored E4OD automatic transmission is a direct result of the race team sponsorship. That development phase is where this modified F-150 fits in, as a test-bed for the new transmission.

Vision Fame

During the transmission development period, the modified F-150 was driven by teammates Dave Ashley and Dan Smith. The pair were members of Dick Landfield's Enduro Racing team. Landfield, a Ford dealer and experienced off-road racer is considered to be the founder of the Rough Riders—first pitching his vision to Ford executives in 1991. He was inducted into the Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2007.

Original Condition

After testing, Landfield bought the truck from Ford and then sold it to David Leeper. Apart from the Kishiyama brothers, the F-150 had not been raced. Despite been used for testing purposes and as a Baja prerunner, the truck is in excellent condition and still sports its original paint. Small upgrades include a GPS system, Harmon Fuel Cell and an Optima battery.

Adjustable Setup

True to its time, the modified F-150 is powered by a 351 Windsor, and of course, backed by an E4OD transmission. Built by Roush Performance, the motor is fitted with Yates Cleveland heads and a Kinsler Fuel Injection system. The suspension is still original, with its factory-like Twin-Traction Beam up front and an adjustable quarter elliptical leaf spring setup in the rear.

Heritage Highlight

With only slight wear and tear, the sparse but functional interior is unchanged. Leeper indicated that he has added about 3000 miles to the classic rig. It is a prime candidate for the NORRA Mexican 1000, an off-road race for pre-1998 trucks, cars, and motorcycles. If nothing else the F-150 is a piece of preserved heritage—a highlight of factory-backed desert racing in the 1990s.

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