That would definately make me look twice... 
Long Bed to Short Bed Conversion
Fleet Owner
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 21,437
Likes: 76
From: Gilbert, PA
If you dont know how to weld, the making a 2wd into a 4wd is A LOT easier.
It is a matter of unbolting the 2wd front end and bolting in a 4wd. Then swap the 2wd trans for a 4wd one and bolting on a t-case. It can be done in a weekend
It is a matter of unbolting the 2wd front end and bolting in a 4wd. Then swap the 2wd trans for a 4wd one and bolting on a t-case. It can be done in a weekend
Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 11,697
Likes: 3
From: Marengo, Iowa
Can't argue the hassle of getting it right and proper reinforcement, but if again done correctly, the weight capability does not change. Semis and straight trucks get frame modifications done all the time, but the key is doing it right. Just cut and splice is not getting it right. You have to fishplate at a minimum. The biggest and most important factor is keeping it straight. If you don't get it back together right, you will make a permanent dogtracker.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 8,786
Likes: 28
From: Northern California
Off Topic: This thread makes me want to build a Longbed flareside in this year model.
Would have to find a 8' flareside Bed from a 1973-1979, and put 1980-1987 tailgate, and 1980-1986 fenders on it. Or fabricate the bedsides to length. Would make people look twice at the vehicle, and have a cool factor of +10 to me.
If you wanted a Flareside and that's the reason why you want a short bed, AKA, the Red F-350 that the frame was shortened above, that would solve that problem without as much hassle.
Would have to find a 8' flareside Bed from a 1973-1979, and put 1980-1987 tailgate, and 1980-1986 fenders on it. Or fabricate the bedsides to length. Would make people look twice at the vehicle, and have a cool factor of +10 to me.
If you wanted a Flareside and that's the reason why you want a short bed, AKA, the Red F-350 that the frame was shortened above, that would solve that problem without as much hassle.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 8,005
Likes: 7
From: Ottawa, Ontario
You want a head tuner, make something like this.
Saw this for sale a year or so ago, saved all the pics, found it so cool.
1988 F350 4x4 Diesel, reg cab long bed, frame shorten, home made step side bed.
Saw this for sale a year or so ago, saved all the pics, found it so cool.
1988 F350 4x4 Diesel, reg cab long bed, frame shorten, home made step side bed.
Fleet Owner
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 21,437
Likes: 76
From: Gilbert, PA
Junior User
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 88
Likes: 0
From: Caldwell
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New User
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 3
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I have my father's 86 F250 with a 92 7.3 IDI under the hood she's only a 2 wheel drive. I'm trying to fix it up and have some fun in his honor. I would love too drop a flare side bed on this beast, is the only option out there to shorten the frame?
Sorry I know I came into this post long after it was done.
Sorry I know I came into this post long after it was done.
FTE Legend
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 30,906
Likes: 4,122
From: Angier, NC
Back a week or two ago I was thinking they only made short bed flares for our year(s) truck but the earlier one did have a long bed option.
Now my thinking is if you can find the fenders, hardest part to come by as no one makes them. IIRC you can get the sides, front & rear tail gate and all cross braces & wood blocks between frame & braces.
Bed wood you would have to get on your own as it would need to be longer.
Any way you would get 3 side panels cutting 1 to add to the 2 side panels to make it longer and then bolt the fenders to the longer side panels.
You would have some welding to do to make the panels longer, may need fill and drill new fender bolt holes.
I forgot about the metal strips for the wood floor, would also need to get extras to make them longer depending on the square holes.
I don't think its that hard to do and I do have a long bed frame.......man don't get me going on another project as I don't even have this one close to being done and I put another project on hold to do my truck.
Oh BTW I have been known to swap out firewalls just to have AC in the truck so not too hard
Dave ----
Now my thinking is if you can find the fenders, hardest part to come by as no one makes them. IIRC you can get the sides, front & rear tail gate and all cross braces & wood blocks between frame & braces.
Bed wood you would have to get on your own as it would need to be longer.
Any way you would get 3 side panels cutting 1 to add to the 2 side panels to make it longer and then bolt the fenders to the longer side panels.
You would have some welding to do to make the panels longer, may need fill and drill new fender bolt holes.
I forgot about the metal strips for the wood floor, would also need to get extras to make them longer depending on the square holes.
I don't think its that hard to do and I do have a long bed frame.......man don't get me going on another project as I don't even have this one close to being done and I put another project on hold to do my truck.
Oh BTW I have been known to swap out firewalls just to have AC in the truck so not too hard
Dave ----
FTE Legend
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 30,906
Likes: 4,122
From: Angier, NC
Besides who doesn't like to break out the welder and let the sparks fly
Dave ----
New User
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
I have allot to learn about welding but no better time then the present. I'm just flying by the seat of my pants and learning as I go.... I'm not afraid to try and fail but these beds are so hard to find reasonably i don't want to waste anything.