I'm considering having my frame lengthened to increase the wheebase from the present 141" to either 161" or 176", both are stock Ford SD wheelbase options. I really need a flatbed for hauling rather then my present pickup shortbox. The truck is a F250 SD 4x4 in my signature. I would consider trading in if they still sold 6 speed manuals and V10's in a 250/350 package. My present truck only has 41k miles. Is cutting the frame in half and adding in a section a bad idea? I've seen it done on much bigger trucks with no problems.

 

It can be done. The most important thing is that it is done right. Its not unheard of, but unless you are VERY confident in your skills, I would take it to a body shop (or if youre lucky to have one around, a specialized frame/chassis shop). Its not abnormal for a good body shop to do something like that.

 

I have NO intentions of doing this project myself. I intend to find a good shop with the experience to do this project. I want it done correctly the first time.

 

Thats the right attitude. In that case, yes it can be done, and fairly reasonably. You have already decided to use a factory offered wheel base, so that is good. It will make things easier.

 

I figure if I use a factory wheelbase option I can use all stock Ford driveshaft lengths as well as brake lines, possible wiring and fuel line/tank setups if needed. I want this to look totally factory done as much as possible. My goal is to mount a 9-10' flatbed on it.

 

Other possibility's for shops to lengthen the frame include tow truck dealers (they lengthen and shorten all the time) and commercial welding shops.

 

Good point. Any upfitter shop should be able to do it no problem.

 

as far as I know no welding shop is allow to touch vehicle suspension and frame parts unless they have special license to do so.

 

Could you get a Ford frame in the length you're looking for and swap it with your current frame along with the longer parts you need? Cutting and welding just seems to be a lot of work. Plus having to be within Ford's spec. and properly welded with the right extensions, rust proofing, etc.

What is the cost of the frame compared to cutting and welding?

Edit: Thought about what I mentioned above some more and there would be quite some work also to swap the frame. Pulling the engine, trans, cab and all. ???
If you pull everything off, you get to swap out body mount bushings and mounts with new ones.

 

Can it be done? Sure, no doubt. But there's more parts to consider than just splicing in a new piece of steel and fish plating it. Call around and get some quotes, if anyone would even do it, I have to think it would be either cheaper or the same price to just trade your truck and buy what you want. You could get the manual and v10 up until 2010.

No body shops around here would even fathom doing something like that, a truck fab shop might and they're the experts on stretching frames b/c they do it on big trucks all day. There's a lot of differences between a mack and a superduty though. Most important thing - they don't work cheap and this isn't a small project.

 

If you go to the right place its not very expensive. As previously mentioned an upfitter shop can do it no problem. Its what they do.

 

Maverick22:
If you can show me a SuperCab 6 speed V10 F250/350 4x4 with manual transfer case (under 60k miles) for sale someplace with an 8' bed I would be interested in buying it. I've scoured the US with no luck.

 

Not sure what you're looking for in the way of creature comforts but here's a 2006 V10 4WD manual shift Supercab long wheelbase with a utility body and only 29,961 miles on it and it's got the manual transfer case.

2006 FORD F250 for sale in Lima, Ohio - Commercial Truck Trader

If you're not looking at Lariat trim levels and only need a good work truck, this should fit perfectly. Plus, if you wanted to put a flatbed on it, you could sell the utility bed and recoup a little of your investment.

 

2005 F350 V10 4x4

 

In fact, here are a few additional trucks:

Cars for Sale: 2006 Ford F250 4x4 SuperCab Super Duty in Frankfort, KY 40601: Truck Details - 307066556 - AutoTrader.com

Cars for Sale: 2006 Ford F250 4x4 SuperCab Super Duty in Bergen, NY 14416: Truck Details - 307213105 - AutoTrader.com

Cars for Sale: 2006 Ford F250 4x4 SuperCab Super Duty in Moundsville, WV 26041: Truck Details - 299202672 - AutoTrader.com