“Family Hauler”

Owned by: Mike Erskine

Photos by: Jason Carroll

For the May 2025 issue, we’re excited to spotlight Mike Erskine and his incredible custom 2004 GMC Sierra, better known as “Family Hauler.” Built out of necessity but elevated through passion and creativity, this fully customized truck blends everyday practicality with head-turning style.

The Inspiration Behind “Family Hauler”

When Mike needed a vehicle that could accommodate a car seat for his daughter, Cheyenne, his beloved 2-door Blazer Extreme just wasn’t going to cut it. Enter the solution: a bone-stock, rust-free 2004 GMC Sierra from South Carolina. But Mike wasn’t about to leave it stock for long.

Just two weeks after buying it in December 2019, he started an all-out custom build, turning the Sierra into a showstopper that lays rockers while keeping family comfort in mind.

Build Overview: Practical Meets Wild

Thanks to Mike House at Klockwork.inc, the truck transformed from mild to wild:

• Full Tube Chassis: Custom-built, narrowed 10 inches, and finished in White Line-X

• Body Drop: Full body drop to lay flat on 24-inch wheels, skating low with narrowed fenders and pulled bed sides

• Custom Suspension:

  • Monroe shocks front and rear

  • Michigan Metal Works four-link setup

  • Air Lift Dominator 2500 airbags with Little Shop Manufacturing EDC and Air Lift 3P management

  • Strada Retro 6 wheels painted to match with 275/35/24 tires front and rear

Mike’s Sierra not only tucks massive 24s but does it while keeping full heat and A/C, truly making it a usable family cruiser.

Powertrain: Muscle to Match the Stance

Under the hood, the Sierra packs serious muscle:

• 370ci Texas Speed engine

• Texas Speed BFD 6.0 “Chop Monster” Cam

• Speed Engineering headers

• Circle D 3200 stall converter

• Moser Engineering axle with Yukon 4.10 gears

With this combination, the “Family Hauler” isn’t just about looks — it backs up its aggressive stance with real performance.

Exterior: Retro Graphics, Modern Build

Mike’s vision didn’t stop at the frame or engine. He gave the Sierra a unique 1980s flair:

• Custom 80’s-inspired teal and purple graphics, reminiscent of vintage Taco Bell cups

• Painted by Mike House at Klockwork.inc

• Pulled and smoothed body panels for that ultra-clean finish

The nostalgic graphics perfectly blend old-school vibes with new-age craftsmanship.

Interior: Comfort and Sound to Match

Inside, Mike kept it both stylish and comfortable:

• Katzkin leather seats with a wrapped console by 517Audio

• Alpine head unit paired with Skar amps and speakers for crystal-clear sound

• Cookie Monster-themed center console (because family rides need a little fun too!)

• Tubbed and finished bed showcasing the one-off Lynch Fab custom links, protected by Line-X

Mike’s Sierra isn’t just a looker — it’s designed for real-world cruising with the family, complete with tunes and comfort.

Special Thanks

Mike would like to thank:

• Mike House at Klockwork.inc

• RJ Lynch at Lynch Fab

• Cody Wolgamott from Airlift Performance

• Rob Bell

• And all the homies from Team517Audio for the late nights in the garage

Their support helped make the Family Hauler dream a reality.

2004 GMC Sierra “Family Hauler”: Built for Family, Built for Fun

From car shows to daily drives, Mike Erskine’s 2004 GMC Sierra is proof that you can have it all — style, performance, and practicality. What started as a mission to fit a car seat became a showcase of custom craftsmanship, earning its rightful place among the most unique builds of 2025.

Mike’s future plans? Rolling on 26×14 billet wheels — because the Family Hauler is never really finished.