replacing rear frame

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Dec 21, 2022 | 11:23 AM

symonds86

Thread Starter

Laughing Gas

Joined: Feb 2007

Posts: 962

Likes: 89

From: upstate ny

replacing rear frame

I am going to shrorten my long bed to s short bed next winter and i got to thinking since I put irs in my truck and plan to got with an aftermarket cell with better baffling it might make sense for me to just buy some rectangle tube and build the back half of the frame. I could make it what ever width the front is after the cut and build bed mounts to use existing bed holes. Also make mounts to bolt irs in and also bumper mounts. anyone don this type of thing

Dec 21, 2022 | 11:31 AM

redroad

Lead Driver

Joined: Nov 2006

Posts: 5,217

Likes: 506

From: Pa.

Quote:

Originally Posted by symonds86

If it's a 2wd, no problem. If it's 4wd then pinion angles and what you have to spend on the project will dictate what you ultimately end up with.

Dec 21, 2022 | 04:10 PM

flowney

Cargo Master

Joined: Jun 2014

Posts: 2,217

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From: Central Florida

I believe that this is called "back halfing" which not only offers wheelbase shortening but also offers radical lowering opportunities. That lowering can also involve making the bed shallower in whole or in part. There are a good number of radical custom truck builds that have gone down this path and some are detailed in build threads that can be discovered with a little digging. There are pro shops out there that provide photo essays of such work as a way of soliciting business.

Dec 21, 2022 | 07:21 PM

symonds86

Thread Starter

Laughing Gas

Joined: Feb 2007

Posts: 962

Likes: 89

From: upstate ny

Quote:

Originally Posted by flowney

you are correct with the back half term knowing the correct verbiage made it a lot easier to look up. I don’t plan to lower it any more then it is now but I have a weld in c notch from when I had it lowered on leaf spring and have it box here and there from the subframe install and I think think this will be a good way to clean it all up back there and start fresh. Plus the rear irs sub dram would fit better if the frame was just a little narrower so I could do that wen I go shortbox because the frame tapers after the cab where you cut it anyway

Dec 22, 2022 | 07:50 PM

73FOMO

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Aug 2005

Posts: 1,462

Likes: 74

From: Hartford, AL

I shortened mine and added a Boyd’s 23 gallon fuel cell. Check my thread out for some pics, etc. Note all 16” is cut in front of the wheels on ‘73-‘79’s. Came out great.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post20629729

Dec 27, 2022 | 07:46 PM

speedfreak78

Cargo Master

Joined: Nov 2007

Posts: 2,238

Likes: 475

After looking over your build thread, I'd say go for it. If you don't want to build full rails, there are companies that sell pre formed, boxed frame sections for building your own rear suspensions. They're usually geared more towards 4 link/ladder bar type suspensions, but they might work in your situation.

Dec 28, 2022 | 11:37 AM

flowney

Cargo Master

Joined: Jun 2014

Posts: 2,217

Likes: 325

From: Central Florida

Indeed you can even buy a complete frame and suspension for dent side trucks:

Only $12K here https://roadstershop.com/product/197...#frame-options but there are several other options available for folks with deep pockets.