This awesome Bronco, with its brilliant desert tan paint and big rugged tires, can take your breath away if you stare for too long. It’s the work of the guys at RK Motors Charlotte (RKMC) and RK Motors Performance Center (RKMPC), who made their heads and hands sweat over a genuine act of generosity and humanity.

The truck, pre-project. Photo: MOTUS

At one time, the truck belonged to Adam Brown, a Navy SEAL Chief who fought in Afghanistan and was killed in the line of duty. His actions were chronicled in the book Fearless by Eric Blehm, in which it was revealed that he had successfully saved the lives of his fellow servicemen by drawing fire to his position during action in the Komar Province in 2010.

As a tribute to the man and his surviving family, the 1991 Ford Bronco, which Adam adored, was made the beneficiary of the “Give Forward” campaign and was put in the hands of the RK Motors build team to refresh and renew. And after hearing the details of its history and ownership, it was decided that the guys would go all-out to make it the perfect rolling tribute to the fallen hero with “Operation Fearless.”

Out with the old, in with the new–among them, a monster 5.0L Coyote V8 cranking out more than 400 HP, a Tranzilla T56 six-speed manual transmission, a Centerforce dual-friction clutch, and an NP241 transfer case with a slip yoke eliminator. In the back, the guys inserted a Ford 8.8 axle with a Yukon diff and 31-spline axles, while the front received a gruff, grabby Detroit Locker using 4.56 gears. The 4×4 got a hefty boost too, thanks to a new set of WARN locking hubs.

Some generous lift, by way of a heavy-duty BDS 4-inch lift kit, was also added to make way for the brand new Fuel Offroad 18-inch wheels and 38-inch Nitto Mud Grappler tires. Stopping power was accounted for with a Power Slot brake system.

The interior got a massive overhaul to reflect the military touches already made. Classic Instruments, Vintage Air, Kenwood, and Alpine are just some of the great names that went toward adding to the aesthetic and stylistic feel of the Bronco.

Now finished, the truck has made its way around the show circuit, having most recently been on display in the Charlotte International Car Show. We’re pleased to see what the guys at RK Motors were willing and able to do for the Brown family, and wish all parties involved a merry Christmas and happy New Year. They deserve it.