Well I did it, shortened the wheelbase from 131 to 115 on the truck this weekend. It went well and now I need to get the four link air bag suspension fabracated. I will try to get pics of the after math but was unable to get any during the process.
Robert
72 F100 Ranger XLT many mods to be made.

 

Did you shorten the frame yourself, or take it somewhere? Are you going to shorten your bed, or pick up a short bed somewhere?

 

A friend and I did the cutting and I did the welding. As far as the box is concerned I will be removing 16" from the front of the box, removing the bed tool box. But also to have a true 6' box there is also 4" to cut out of the rear of the frame also, but I have built a gas tank that fits behind the axle so I don't have the room in the frame to cut the 4" out, so I will end up with a bed that is like 6' and some inches. The only problem this is going to cause is that any bed covers or rail caps are going to have to be made or modified. But that part of the project is not for awile, first I have to design and fabracate some brackets for the four link rear suspension with air bags. Then we get into the cab, this will be the most time consuming part of the whole project as I plan on chopping the top and making it removable. Well I will keep the site updated on progress. Thanks.
Robert
72 F100 Ranger XLT- complete frame up restoration/ customization in progress

 

Sounds cool. Please post lots of pictures. Especially of the "aftermath" of the frame shortening and 4-bar installation. Did you use any extra reinforcing plates around the frame surgery? What kind of welder did you use? Stick, MIG, TIG? Amps? How did you work the driveshaft? Will you use a kit for the 4-bar or fabricate it yourself?

 

Make sure you post in the completed projects when you are finished There should be a thread up shortly. I decided to go ahead and make one and see if you guys use it. It has worked well in 73-9.

Sounds like fun. You may really want to consider keeping the bed a std length.

I am putting in an air bag suspension in my 78 also. Two lower links and an A-frame to the top of the differential. Remember to isolate the air bags from each other or you will transfer air in turns.