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My first real post folks, been getting info from this site for years as I had a 94 F150 4x4 for about 18 years (wanting a 77 F series all that time) until finally this year I bit the bullet when I found a 77 F250 4x4 (low boy) & this 73 High Boy. Used to play around with these trucks all the time when they were still thick on the ground and love the styling.
This 73 has an interesting aftermarket dually setup and I know there have been a few threads on that so figured someone might be interested in seeing how this thing worked. It's pretty simple, looks like it is mainly just an extension supported by the FF axle hub and centering probably confirmed with the lugs.
Yes you are seeing it correctly, the outer wheel lugs are actually separate and on that extension! Overall, not sure I'd consider this adding much GVW to the rear axle but hey.
I'm ditching this kit - I'm going to use this 73 for snow plow duty and I prefer singles back there for that. The design of this one doesn't seem all that great either, changing an inner tire looks to be a nightmare.
Last edited by NCHighBoy; Sep 2, 2023 at 04:21 PM.
It might not be aftermarket. I knew a few people that made their own with some black iron pipe and steel plate. Is it one piece forged or welded? The better ones I saw made had vertical braces welded in between the bolt holes connecting the pipe and both flanges on the ends. The ones you have look scary, because if it's just welded, that flange the wheel bolts could easily snap off . But I guess it worked for however long it was on there.
Bolt on an old drum or rotor and turn them into stand bases for something like a grinder
It might not be aftermarket. I knew a few people that made their own with some black iron pipe and steel plate. Is it one piece forged or welded? The better ones I saw made had vertical braces welded in between the bolt holes connecting the pipe and both flanges on the ends. The ones you have look scary, because if it's just welded, that flange the wheel bolts could easily snap off . But I guess it worked for however long it was on there.
Bolt on an old drum or rotor and turn them into stand bases for something like a grinder
Good call, I haven't had a chance to look at it closely yet but it's on the list to pull off soon to get this thing ready. I just assumed it was some mail order kit someone found in the depths of time, but it could easily be home brew. It would make a good grinder stand.
Had a chance to remove this "kit" today. Doesn't look like a backyard job, the housings are cast as a unit and the studs and adapters are all consistently machined. Looks like some aftermarket kit. Very interesting setup, but it would put a lot of added leverage on the hub bearings that a purpose designed dually axle works around. Also, it didn't seem to actually bear on the hub but instead the wheel studs and those adapters took the weight. ..... yup.
For the idle curiosity of anyone interested, here are some closeups:
Last photo is just showing that the OEM hub remains, so everything was just a bolt on addition.
I can bolt those to the old split rums that no shop in town will touch anymore, and have a couple of pretty good work bases anyway.
Curious as to whether or not you have a plow ? If not what plow will you use? I’m interested in using my 77 for an occasional plow.
As a matter of fact this 73 was a commercial plow truck and I'm now gonna use it as my dedicated plow truck. Just working on the two point plow mount now, just the same ancient Snow Bear plow I've had for ages. Won't get abused, just well used. The 94 F150 I was using until this year was just too low for the purpose although I used it for over ten years - but it was also a daily driver and the plow was always in the way. We can get over 4 feet of snow in a 24 hour period and that 94 just ended up like a fish hook if a guy wasn't careful. Plus all that EEC-IV wiring that would run fine in the summer but magically give a guy a headache in -10 with the snow coming down.
This 73 is a solid truck and it'll be plated for that purpose. I'll work through a restoration on this one over the next few years (too many other projects on the go).
Thank you. We get a fair amount where I am, 8200’ elevation. I’m only going to use it for my driveway and occasionally help a neighbor.
Never had a plow so still learning.
Thank you. We get a fair amount where I am, 8200’ elevation. I’m only going to use it for my driveway and occasionally help a neighbor.
Never had a plow so still learning.
Yes that's pretty much all mine is for as well. It's fun once it's dialed in and you have an idea where to move the snow.
Look on Craig’s list or FB market place.I picked up a complete Western plow set up for my 77 that was like 4 miles from me that a guy was parting out a 79 F150 shortbox. Picked up everything for a $150. Just had the mount and frame parts powder coated. Got them back this past Sunday.
Look on Craig’s list or FB market place.I picked up a complete Western plow set up for my 77 that was like 4 miles from me that a guy was parting out a 79 F150 shortbox. Picked up everything for a $150. Just had the mount and frame parts powder coated. Got them back this past Sunday.
Yeah they are around - all of mine have been given to me over the years and I've even given a few away. Small town here so just word of mouth and horse trading.
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