Long box to short box
Long box to short box
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 294
Likes: 0
From: Calgary Canada
Long box to short box
Has anybody ever heard of someone converting a long box truck to short box? I'm thinking that if a person could get the box then shortening up the frame wouldn't be that hard. Has anybody done this? How about shortening up the box? Where is the difference in length...between the cab and wheelwells or between the wheelwells and back end?
all alone in the world
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,038
Likes: 1
From: oklahoma
Long box to short box
shortening a truck is easy, just measure from the front of the bed to the center of the wheel well on both beds. subtract the difference, and cut the frame. cut the frame at an angle, and the add a plate to the inside for strength. as for shortening a long bed, it takes 2 cuts. one in front of the wheel well. one behind the wheel well. did it once, wont do that again.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 479
Likes: 0
From: Miami U.S.A.
Long box to short box
I would have to agree that it is hard and I wouldn't recommend it. The only reason I would do it is if you wanted a really custom vehicle and you were going to cut it to a completely differnt length. That way you have a TRUE custom. Other wise it would probably be easiert to find a Short Box truck and transfer al of you stuff into the new truck. My opinion of course.
You really need to be an excellent welder and you should use Plasma cutter to cut it with. The welding will be hard enough on the frame. But if you cut it with a torch you will have some serious metal fatigue problems. If yo do it let us know how it comes out. By the way you will need a new drive shaft among a few other things.
Scott
You really need to be an excellent welder and you should use Plasma cutter to cut it with. The welding will be hard enough on the frame. But if you cut it with a torch you will have some serious metal fatigue problems. If yo do it let us know how it comes out. By the way you will need a new drive shaft among a few other things.
Scott
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 13,873
Likes: 3
From: Atlanta GA
Long box to short box
You can easily cut the frame with a sawz-all and metal cutting blade. The thing is cutting a straight line that matches on both sides.
I would not cut the middle of a frame, though I know why it is done. I would chop off from the rear and relocate the axle.
I would not cut the middle of a frame, though I know why it is done. I would chop off from the rear and relocate the axle.
Elder User
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 799
Likes: 0
Long box to short box
I'd vote against the welding option.
In the long run, I'd also like to shorten my truck -- I want to make into a '72 full-size Bronco with 104" WB. If I ever get the project started, I plan on relocating the spring preches, shock mounts, axle bumpers, and a couple of crossmembers. All of that is to avoid having any welding on the frame. I just don't trust myself to get the welding right.
Good luck with the project and please keep us posted.
--Matt
In the long run, I'd also like to shorten my truck -- I want to make into a '72 full-size Bronco with 104" WB. If I ever get the project started, I plan on relocating the spring preches, shock mounts, axle bumpers, and a couple of crossmembers. All of that is to avoid having any welding on the frame. I just don't trust myself to get the welding right.
Good luck with the project and please keep us posted.
--Matt
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 294
Likes: 0
From: Calgary Canada
Long box to short box
Thanks for the responses. I wonder what that would do to the value of the truck. You couldn't honestly ever sell it as an original shortbox. I think I would do it though if I can find a short box in good shape.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
Junior User
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
From: The City With No Pity
Long box to short box
My 69 F250 has been shortened to a short box. I didn't do it myself, but the guy who did it, did a good job. The frame was cut behind the cab and then welded back together, was plated on both sides and then bolted on either side. It looks as though the back was chopped too. The truck has since passed a vehicle inspection, it must be safe. As far as I know there was no 3/4 ton shortbox trucks made in 69, so that's cool. I can probley get a few pics if you want.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
BRay09
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
9
Jan 21, 2011 07:25 AM
wildstang
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
5
Jun 27, 2008 10:46 AM
