Craig Cerkez of Mantua, New Jersey, is the owner and builder of this incredible 1986 Chevy Silverado, and its story is as cool as its 468 cubic-inch big-block, 38-inch Super Swampers, and droolworthy vintage appeal.
Bought, Sold, Bought Back Again
The truck’s story began when Craig spotted it for sale on Facebook Marketplace in Florida and wasted no time bringing it home. It started life as a service vehicle for an electric company in South Carolina before a previous owner transformed it into a mud racer.
When Craig bought the squarebody, it had been sitting for years, but the body was solid. Underneath were 12 inches of suspension lift, 1/2-ton axles with 5.13:1 gears, a 383 cubic-inch V8, and a blown transmission. Craig rebuilt the transmission, only to discover the rear axle was shot. Undeterred, he rebuilt the axle, installed a locker while he was in there, and got the truck back in service. About three years later, he sold it.
Then fate stepped in. Two years later, Craig found the truck and bought it back. Time had not been kind to the Silverado. Rust had claimed the fenders, cab corners, and bedsides. But Craig, a jet engine technician and former owner of seven squarebody trucks and K5 Blazers, saw the perfect foundation for the fire-breathing, towering vintage beast he had envisioned.
Craig gave the truck a complete restoration, leaving no part untouched.
Fuel-Injected Big-Block Makes Big Power
Under the hood, the 468 cubic-inch big-block V8 is loaded with performance hardware. Highlights include Straub Technologies heads, a roller cam and lifters, while a Holley Stealth Terminator X Max fuel injection system keeps the fuel flowing. An Optima YellowTop battery helps supply amperage, and Hedman headers feed a Kaspers Korner-bent 3-inch-diameter exhaust with a Black Widow Exhaust muffler.
Craig scored the engine as a short-block for just $500 from a seller at the Daytona Turkey Run. The seller had picked it up at an estate sale, and Craig soon discovered it had already been completely rebuilt. After adding his own finishing touches, he sent the engine to Moore Racecraft for tuning and dyno testing. The payoff was impressive, with the big-block laying down 380 horsepower and 530 pound-feet of torque at the wheels.
Built 4L80E, NP241C T-Case
Craig kicked the Silverado’s 700R4 to the curb and replaced it with a beefy Monster Transmission 4L80E SportMonster backed by a 2,600-rpm stall converter.
He also scored an NP241C transfer case with VSS, another critical piece in getting all the electronics to work together. Out came the truck’s NP208, and in went the new T-case. Because the 4L80E is longer, the transfer case was positioned farther back. Craig then modified the shifter to match its new location.
1-Tons And Crossover Steering
When it came to axles, Craig never considered anything less than 1-tons. He sourced a Dana 60 up front and a GM 14-bolt out back, then regeared both to 4.88:1 with Elite gears. An Offroad Design disc brake conversion, backed by an MBR Products brake booster and master cylinder, brought the stopping power, while a Yukon locker gave the 14-bolt added traction. Up front, Offroad Design crossover steering works through a RedHead steering box.
Big Lift, Remote-Res Shocks, 38s
After sandblasting the frame and coating it in Hot Rod Black, Craig bolted in Superlift leaf springs. Up front are massive 12-inch lift packs, while the rear relies on 8-inch lift springs and an Offroad Design reverse shackle kit that adds another 4 inches of lift. Fox remote-reservoir shocks at all four corners keep the towering suspension in check.
All that altitude creates plenty of room for 38×15.50R15LT Interco Super Swamper Radial TSL tires wrapped around 14-inch-wide, powder-coated Bart wheels.
Exterior Mods
Craig handled all the bodywork before spraying the Silverado in eye-catching PPG Copper Pearl paint. The entire underside is protected with Raptor Liner, while the bed wears a durable Line-X coating. Exterior upgrades include a tucked rear bumper and a set of Davis Offroad-sourced retractable steps that make climbing aboard much easier.
Stunning Interior
Inside, Craig re-covered the factory bench seat, installed a complete interior kit from USA1 Industries, added Dakota Digital VHX gauges, and cranked up the entertainment with a killer Menace Audio sound system. A monitor for the reverse camera adds modern convenience, while a rebuilt and repainted steering column completed the attention to detail.
Nailed It
In the end, Craig absolutely nailed the restoration and transformation of his vintage Silverado. And after experiencing the thumping big-block firsthand at the 2026 Summer 4-Wheel Jamboree Nationals, we can say it backs up its looks with plenty of ground-pounding muscle.
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