I meant to remove "pistol" in Carlenes post. 
F150 Frame strength
Thread Starter
|
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 4,635
Likes: 0
From: The Wilderness
F150 Frame strength
Ok. First of all, I know this has been discussed many times before. However, on my mobile device, posting a thread is hard enough, let alone trying to find one. FTE has to be the least mobile friendly forum i am on, it is so cluttered with garbage.
Anyway, I have a 95 F150 that could quite possibly get a leaf 1 ton and diesel swap. I know that you cant just throw axles under an F150 and call it an F350, my question is this. If i plate and box the F150 frame, can I approach or surpass the F350 frame in regards to torsional stiffness and rigidity? The diesel is not going to be built to insane levels, either. It will be relatively stock, not over 500 ft lbs.
The first person (and everyone after) that tells me to sell it and buy an F350 is getting pistol whipped.
I'm serious.
Anyway, I have a 95 F150 that could quite possibly get a leaf 1 ton and diesel swap. I know that you cant just throw axles under an F150 and call it an F350, my question is this. If i plate and box the F150 frame, can I approach or surpass the F350 frame in regards to torsional stiffness and rigidity? The diesel is not going to be built to insane levels, either. It will be relatively stock, not over 500 ft lbs.
The first person (and everyone after) that tells me to sell it and buy an F350 is getting pistol whipped.
I'm serious.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 7,669
Likes: 2
Josh,
Plate from the cab forward and from the front leaf spring hanger back with some 3/16" flat steel and fully weld it. It would be a good idea to sleeve and through bolt any removable hanger also.
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 6,949
Likes: 1
From: utica il
^^^what this guy said, and i'm not 100% sure on it, but if you have the crash impact zone crinckle frame horns you may have to chop them off and add box tube to make new frame horns to accomplish the leaf spring front. the crinkle part is weak on purpose and i wouldn't mount suspension to it without at least plating it or something like i suggested.
Thread Starter
|
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 4,635
Likes: 0
From: The Wilderness
Dont make me whip you Carlene! I'm not playing!
Thanks for the tip Kris. Dan, yes it has crumple zones and I already have an idea for those if this project gets the green light.
Since I am not going to inflict the torture of starting a new thread on myself, i will ask more questions here. What is the difference between a SRW and DRW Sterling?
oh and I would add FTE mobile to the things i hate thread if i could get there.
Thanks for the tip Kris. Dan, yes it has crumple zones and I already have an idea for those if this project gets the green light.
Since I am not going to inflict the torture of starting a new thread on myself, i will ask more questions here. What is the difference between a SRW and DRW Sterling?
oh and I would add FTE mobile to the things i hate thread if i could get there.
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 6,949
Likes: 1
From: utica il
fte mobile does bring the suck, at least on my and your phones for sure. i can't even find the log in page half the time and then i can't reply after i do log in. it's like a perfect world for the rest of fte since i am silent
srw=67'' wms to wms drw=72'' wms to wms. thinking about h1's still?
srw=67'' wms to wms drw=72'' wms to wms. thinking about h1's still?
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 4,635
Likes: 0
From: The Wilderness
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 11,273
Likes: 99
From: North Dakota
Is that y you might be interested in my axles?
Idk if I'm going to sell them for sure now.
Wife wants a new rig, my 94 doesn't pull all that well. I'm getting a E250 or 350 with a 460 auto soon, so I might just sell the wifes jeep and the 94 and get her a expedition or sometjing and make the van a 4x4 with parts off my wheeler.
As for. Frame. Strength, boxing. It. Should make it plentu strong. For your needs.
Idk if I'm going to sell them for sure now.
Wife wants a new rig, my 94 doesn't pull all that well. I'm getting a E250 or 350 with a 460 auto soon, so I might just sell the wifes jeep and the 94 and get her a expedition or sometjing and make the van a 4x4 with parts off my wheeler.
As for. Frame. Strength, boxing. It. Should make it plentu strong. For your needs.
i ain't rite
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 65,492
Likes: 5,552
From: Marlboro Mental Hospital.
there are 2 different dual rear wheel 10.5 sterling axles.
you will want the pickup axle, it has wider spring perches and wider tubes to fit the wider pickup frame.
the cab chassis 10.5 axle is smaller due to the narrower frame on the cab chassis trucks.
you will want the pickup axle, it has wider spring perches and wider tubes to fit the wider pickup frame.
the cab chassis 10.5 axle is smaller due to the narrower frame on the cab chassis trucks.
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 6,949
Likes: 1
From: utica il
yep, forgot about that tom 
i doubt he'll run into any cab and chassis in a junkyard or c/l ad, but good call.
also, josh make sure whatever axle you get has a vss port on the pumpkin up top so your speedo and abs work. early sterlings didn't have them. also if possible go for a 93 and newer axle as they have a longer pinion shaft that doesn't have the issues the short pinion axles had.
i doubt he'll run into any cab and chassis in a junkyard or c/l ad, but good call. also, josh make sure whatever axle you get has a vss port on the pumpkin up top so your speedo and abs work. early sterlings didn't have them. also if possible go for a 93 and newer axle as they have a longer pinion shaft that doesn't have the issues the short pinion axles had.
Thread Starter
|
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 4,635
Likes: 0
From: The Wilderness
thanks for the tip on the pinion, Dan. I knew I needed a Sterling with a VSS, but it is also highly likely that when a diesel will go in, all computer stuff will go as well. With a mechanical diesel, why would i keep other electronics?
What is the difference between 10.25 and 10.5 rears?
It is very possible that a 14b may be used, as well.
Dave, that sounds like a good project. I love vans. My Father in law has a nice 95 E with a 351W. He has considered trading it in, I am hoping he will give me first chance if he decides to unload it.
What is the difference between 10.25 and 10.5 rears?
It is very possible that a 14b may be used, as well.
Dave, that sounds like a good project. I love vans. My Father in law has a nice 95 E with a 351W. He has considered trading it in, I am hoping he will give me first chance if he decides to unload it.
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 6,949
Likes: 1
From: utica il
the 10.50 has the dumb metric lug pattern, only found in super duties, the diffs have 3 spider gears instead of 2 like a 10.25, the upside is they are all disk braked but none of that stuff swaps over to the 10.25. unless you found a matching set of super duty axles for cheap avoid the 10.50.
and just so you know, that vss sends signals to the abs crap as well. idk much about the diesels but be sure to get the hydroboost brake stuff with the motor from the donor as well or the vacuum pump thingamajigger if it's non hydro. diesels don't make vacuum on their own.
and just so you know, that vss sends signals to the abs crap as well. idk much about the diesels but be sure to get the hydroboost brake stuff with the motor from the donor as well or the vacuum pump thingamajigger if it's non hydro. diesels don't make vacuum on their own.