Let's say you've been satisfied with your SRW truck but you buy a 5er and you now lust after a dually. What's an FTE'er to do? Why, you make one of course!

Before:



And after:





There are a few more photos in an album I created here:

Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums - Sheldon Plankton's Album: Dually Conversion

I just realized that it was raining cats and dogs the day I actually did the swap and even though I was working indoors I guess I didn't feel like messing with the camera too much. I took very few photos of the actual process, but it ought to be pretty self-explanatory to any FTE wrench and the few various little tasks have all been discussed here at one time or another.

Unbolt the driveshaft, sway bar, shocks, and disconnect the brake lines. Remove the 4 U-bolts that hold the axle to the spring packs and the old rear will drop right out. Slide the donor rear under the truck, reverse the process, bleed the brakes, and you're in business. The trick is to buy the right parts and they will bolt right in (duh!). I got lucky and there was a junkyard just up the road from where I live that was parting out an '03 dually.

I accumulated parts for the swap for about a year, and I still haven't quite tied up all the loose ends. I still need to have a bedliner installed, so that's why there are no good photos of the inside of the bed. It still looks like crap.

Apologies to Robert, who's been expecting me to post these pics for a couple or three weeks.

Any questions, fire away.

 

Damn, nice looking truck, nice change and nice work.
Get yourself some Rhino hide lining, I have it in the bed of my truck (Came that way) and it's some tough stuff. I've gotten gas, diesel, oil, all sorts of stuff on it and it seems almost impervious.

 

Outstanding work. Looks factory all the way.

 

Amazing job! Most people would just trade trucks. I admire your dedication. Looks great!

 

VERY NICE JOB!!!!!! WELL DONE!!!!

 

Kent, the truck looks sweet! very very nice.
Cant wait to see her in person in just 6 days brother.....

 

looks great. did you have to change the front axle?

 

Very nice job Kent. Even down to the cab lights.

 

Very nice work. Looks like you did it right. Like said, did you have to change gears in the front end?

 

Its a 2wd with a leveling kit Rick....just like my baby

 

. I should have seen that.

How is the trans holding up Frank. Do you need help getting to BTS?

 

Absolutely beautiful job! Monty would be proud to ride in that truck!
Jim...& fat Monty

 

So far so good Rick. Its doing funny things every now and then, but it should make the trip. It would never make the trip home pullin the 5'r...this is real good timing on getting it done.

 

Kent... you now have to revise your signature.. to DRW

 

sweet looking truck! Never would guess that wasnt a dually coming out of the ford factory. Kudos to ya!