So... I searched FTE for cab removal threads then figured it would all be 6.0L threads anyhow

FYI - my truck is in an empty shop and can be left there for a month or so.

I want to build my F350 up in a significant matter. I've been slowly dialling it in the last year and a half getting all the little things done ( Ujoints, brakes, IP,glow plugs... you name it! . First major mod to do is going to be 08 F350 coil spring axle. I found a rolling chassis from a 08 CC short box for cheap. Planning to grab it this weekend if I can scrounge a trailer.

On a OBS coil swap thread I was reading, I saw he removed the box. It looked a lot easier to work on! My box is dented and I have a replacement that just needs to be painted so it will have to come off some time anyways. How hard is it to remove the box? Not a big issue? I have a big manual over head crane in the shop FYI

Then, I want to start into the engine a little later on, as well as paint the frame. I figure why not pull the cab off, have lots more room and angles to work on the axle swap.I need to do cab mounts too if that makes it more worthwhile

Then, when the axle swap is finished, start pulling the engine out and get it machined, painted and finished, paint the engine bay up, plop it back in and re install the cab. I also have new front fenders to go on the cab. So what are your opinions. How hard is it to pull the cab? I'd really like to make this 08 suspension conversion go as smooth as possible.

So spark notes: I want to remove cab, remove box. Install 08 SD axles front and rear. Paint frame. Build engine while cab is off. install cab and box and paint box and fenders to match cab. (HAVE OVER HEAD CRANE, HAVE LOTS OF TOOLS)
Wrenchin experience is novice/learning. Have an experienced helper when needed.

 

removing the bed cab is the smart way to do it.
if you are replacing the bed anyway, just cut the heads off the bolts with a grinder, because they are most likely rust seized underneath.

 

The bed removal is easy and provided no seriously rusted bolts can be done in about a half of an hour. depending on the year there will be either 6 or 8 bolts and your wiring harness. Very easy job, 2 people can lift off the bed easily and an overhead crane will only simplify it all the more.

The cab is also relatively easy, I pulled the front clip, fenders, steering, brake lines etc... I aso removed the interior to lighten it up as mine was a crewcab and I was lifting with a cherry picker. The cab is held on with 4 bolts that can be accessed through each floorpan (under the carpet under a small cover) and 2 behind the seat. Make sure you have all lines and wires loose and you should be able to lift it by rolling down the windows and running 2 straps through the front and rear windows. (Check to make sure nothing will get damaged for your vehicle, mine lifted fine with no damage). It did put a bit of stress on the doors and frames so you will want to watch closely.

This was done on an 85 crew cab long box.

Good luck

Bill

 

If you take the Bed off, weld nuts on the underside of the frame rail so that you can bolt it through the top, instead of having nuts on the bottom. I did that, and I can have the bed off my truck in 5 minutes anytime I need to do anything under it.

 

Can you do a write up and take plenty of pictures? I really want to do the same swap with that same 08 truck.

 

Thanks a lot! Appreciate the replies everyone. Sounds like a good way to lift the cab off, my rig is also a crew cab long box. I'll get a photo bucket account (or whatever it's called) and get setup. I'll start a new thread when it's underway and take as many pictures as I can. I also plan on lifting the truck afterwards, probably a 4-5" lift.