I have a 73' LB single cab with the 360 and manual shift. It currently has the coil spring separator to force the springs apart for a lift running Q tires which are around a 36"x15.
I am in the process of building this as a brush truck for use in the fire department. I have looked into doing a disk brake conversion from tomsbroncograveyard which come with the proportioning valve, and will need to change the hubs to manual lockers for this. I also want to see if there's any way to make the driveline and train any stronger, plus be able to handle the weight of adding approx. 250gal <nobr>water tank</nobr>, pump, hose reel, and around 200' of booster line into the bed. I will be hanging a 12K winch off the front also. The truck has enough torque now that it will spit out U joints like crazy, when you dump the clutch at take off, and recently it decided to snap the trans output shaft. Is there any way to beef these up to handle the power this thing will put out since it does get beat on?
I'm not 100% sold on the conversion kit I found as being what's the best and I don't mind paying more if there is a better one out there to stop it properly. I thought of finding some 3/4 or 1 ton springs to help with the added weight in the bed but want to keep it to where if I am in the woods I won't have issues so I don't think air bags would be a good idea. So far the only thing that's not original is the rear axle which was, I'm told, sourced from a late 80 model bronco. As I mentioned it will be a brush truck and has actually been in the woods hauling stuff for loggers since it was almost new. Any advise would be very helpful.
<!-- / message -->

 

F100, F250, or F350?

Sounds like you got a a half-ton if the axle is from a Bronco....

250 gallons will weigh a hair more than 2,000 lbs.

Do the math.,, you need a heavier duty truck I figure.

 

Look at James Duff Tuff . Com
You might get some ideas. But I too think you need a bigger truck.

 

I've thiugh of that too which is why I was curious on swapping to 3/4 ton springs and possibly axles. I've seen the truck carry well over capacity but that was just up the road or through the woods at slow speeds. I can cut back on the water amount since I won't be to far from a truck with around 1,000 gallon but want as much as possible at the get go.