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I posted in the super duty section but no comments there so here it is. The 05 axle swap is almost done, waiting on the driveshaft flange to finish it and be able to drive my truck again. It’s got a set of Icon leveling dual rate coils up front and a heavy pack out back for now. Next project is mostly cosmetic, passenger cab corner and inner and outer rockers then new bedliner on the outside. Need to get ahold of the powder coated too to have the front bumper blasted and coated, its looks terrible. I’ve about decided For sure next year ill be installing a Bradford flatbed, itll cost more than all the work for another bed but be more durable. Also working on building a set of electric actuated steps, I like the amp steps but want frame mounted. Hope to hear what y’all think and thoughts on the flatbed route.
Nice work @Eaglescout94 . Whether you go with a flatbed or not depends on your use case methinks. For me, function trumps form so go for it if it suits your needs better. @Dan V just got done with an axle swap too. I got to drive his truck and how much tighter the turn radius got was insane. I'm sure you know this but just when the regular 1999-2003 steering system runs out of lock and stops, his just kept going and going.
Lots of reasons for the 05 swap really, better ride and turning radius was the main goal but also wanted the 4.10 gearing for the new tires. And I put a tru trac in the rear axle, original axle was open so I’d get stuck in wet grass even with 4x4. It all cost a lot but I definitely think it will be worth it.
While I don’t use the truck as a truck a majority of the time I do haul my atv in the bed and haul my 5th wheel. I currently have less than 2” to spare when loading the atv, it hurts when I miss the lineup. With the camper it will be nice to not worry about bedsides puncturing the underside of my camper. I’d really love to build a slide on box for winter use to hold more tools and gear that I usually have for my winter hobbies and possibly a place to sleep if need be. Looking at costs for the bed, minimum of a $1,000 for a bed, then paint and bodywork then bedliner inside and out. I figure I’d be atleast 2500 if not 3,000 and it would be a matter of time till I destroyed another tailgate too
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