College Fund: A Family-Built 1994 Dodge Cummins

Colby Staples’ Family-Built ’94 Dodge 2500

Some trucks get their names because of the paint, the engine, or a wild story from the build. Colby Staples’ 1994 Dodge 2500 is called College Fund, and one look at this pearl-white second-gen tells you where a good chunk of the family budget probably went.

For Colby, though, this build was never just about throwing money at an old Dodge. His family has always been into second-gen Dodge trucks, and they decided to build this one together with a clear goal: take it to SEMA. After a year of hard work, they checked that box.

The body keeps that unmistakable second-gen shape but cleans things up with an Overkill Fab grille, V21 Customs headlights, and Fusion bumpers. Billy Staples handled the pearl-white paint, while Victoria Lopez added the vinyl graphics. Out back, the flatbed packs twenty watermelon lights, adding another custom touch once the sun goes down.

Under the hood sits the good stuff—a 12-valve Cummins inline-six built by Wamsley Performance. The balanced engine retains Cummins rods, pistons, and rings with a 17.0:1 compression ratio. A Colt Cam with 0.280-inch lift and 181 degrees of duration joins 120 valve springs and ARP head studs. DDP components handle the intake and fuel side, while a homemade 5-inch exhaust dumps out the rear.

Backing the Cummins is an NV4500 with a 1-3/8-inch input shaft, a Velair dual-disc clutch, and a B&M short-throw shifter. Dana 60 axles sit front and rear with 4.10 gears and limited-slip at both ends.

Then there’s the stance. A custom BBS four-link air-ride setup completely changes the attitude of the Dodge, with Fox 2.0 shocks controlling things at all four corners. KM Metal Works handled the suspension installation, while 26-inch Fittipaldi FDF601 wheels wrapped in 37-inch Venom Swampthing tires fill out the package.

His family has always been into second-gen Dodge trucks, and they decided to build this one together with a clear goal: take it to SEMA. After a year of hard work, they checked that box.

Inside, TMI Products bucket seats wear black leather and suede, backed by a suede headliner, custom door panels, and a Pioneer stereo system.

College Fund has already made it to Lone Star Throwdown and SEMA 2026, but the show credentials aren’t really the best part. Colby says what makes the truck special is that his family built it together. There were challenges, there were no shortcuts, and the lesson was simple: be patient, take your time, and do it right.

1994 Dodge 2500

OWNER

Colby Staples

Brazoria, Texas

ENGINE & DRIVETRAIN

1994 12-valve Cummins inline-six
Engine built by Wamsley Performance, Cuero, TX
Stock Cummins connecting rods, pistons, and rings
17.0:1 compression ratio
Colt Cams camshaft
0.280-inch cam lift
181-degree cam duration
120 valve springs
ARP head studs
DDP intake manifold and fuel injection
Homemade 5-inch exhaust system with rear exit
1994 NV4500 transmission
B&M short-throw shifter
Velair dual-disc clutch
1-3/8-inch input shaft
Transmission by Billy Staples, Brazoria, TX
Dana 60 front and rear axles
4.10 front and rear gears
Limited slip front and rear differentials

CHASSIS & SUSPENSION

Factory 1994 Dodge frame
Custom BBS four-link air ride suspension
Fox 2.0 front and rear shocks
Frame modification by Billy Staples and KM Metal Works
Suspension installation by KM Metal Works, Angleton, TX
Factory steering box

WHEELS, TIRES & BRAKES

26-inch Fittipaldi FDF601 wheels
37×12.50×26 Venom Swampthing tires
Factory disc brakes and master cylinder

BODY & PAINT

Pearl White paint by Billy Staples, Brazoria, TX
Pearl-white vinyl stickers by Victoria Lopez, Bay City, TX
Overkill Fab grille
V21 Customs headlights
Fusion bumpers
(20) watermelon lights on flatbed

INTERIOR

TMI Products bucket seats
Black leather and suede upholstery
Suede headliner
Custom door panels
Factory gauges and steering wheel
Pioneer audio components
Custom stereo system