I have a 1996 F350 Crew Cab 4x4 Dually with a 460 and E4OD. It is my understanding that these were all conversions done in the aftermarket. From what I have read it looks like they converted srw trucks to duallys.

I am looking at adding a gooseneck/5th wheel hitch to the truck and have looked at a number of choices. They all require rails placed on the frame (under the bed) and side plates attached to the frame to secure the package.

Upon examining the truck there are large steel plates (as tall as the frame) bolted to the outside of the frame on each side. They run from the front spring hanger bracket almost to the back of the truck. The overload springs are bolted on top of these plates but the factory spring hangers are flush against the frame. It looks like the plates will be right in the way of the 5th wheel supports.

Does anyone know if these plates are part of the conversion process and what purpose they serve? Are they there on a factory dually?

 

Never have seen one myself, but from your description, it sounds like the plates are to distribute the load of the overload springs. My 95 dually did not come with that. Overload hangers mounted right to frame.

 

you meant to say: They run from the front of the rear spring hanger bracket almost to the back of the truck. right?

was the frame extended? did you take some pics?

 

Post some pictures.

 

I don't think I have the capability to load pictures yet. I tried to create an album/gallery but could not get them to load from there either.

The spring hangers are bolted flush to the frame but the overload spring stops are bolted on top of the plates. The plates run from the rear of the front spring hangers past the rear spring hangers (the plates are actually cut out to accommodate the spring hangers). The plates are bolted in pace (I think there are 5 bolts in addition to the overload spring stops).

I will keep working on the picture load.

 

Sounds kinda like some kind of gooseneck or 5th wheel hitch.

 

I did manage to get an album put up with a couple of pictures. Not sure why it won't display here but when I click on the box above it takes me to the album.

You can see the corner in the upper left edge.

 

Hmmmmm, interesting.
I put overloads on my 89 and the spring pad sits where that one would be without that plate which makes it set in a little too much. Maybe that's why the plate was placed there, to correct that problem.

 

If anyone wants details or pics, please email me at transformer2you@yahoo.com It has about 150k miles is all. 4 doors, 3 rows of seats, 1 Ton.

Thanks!

 

Agreed. Sounds like the remnants of a 5th wheel/gooseneck hitch