Longbed to Shortbed conversion

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Mar 6, 2008 | 01:35 PM

#16

dkf

Hotshot

Joined: Mar 2007

Posts: 10,101

Likes: 40

From: Pa

In the latest issue (Latest a couple weeks ago) of Diesel Power mag they had an in depth article on doing the exact opposite to a Dodge Mega cab. They were converting the mega cab short bed to a long bed. You may be able to get some ideas from that article.

With good welds and a backup plate or two you can shorten the frame and have it be stronger than it is from the factory.

Mar 6, 2008 | 01:43 PM

#17

67nukeford

Super Moderator

Joined: Dec 2005

Posts: 208,483

Likes: 408

From: Omaha/Elkhorn, NE

I could see doing the short to long, especially since the mega cab cannot be ordered with the long bed. But in this case, it would probably be alot of expense, when you could just go out and find a shortbed. There are thousands of shortbed ext. cabs out there, so why go through all the trouble.

Mar 6, 2008 | 01:50 PM

#18

BillyBob69

Lead Driver

Joined: Jul 2003

Posts: 7,404

Likes: 52

From: Wheatland, Mo

Quote:

Originally Posted by akford351

I feel nervous just looking at those pictures. I don't have the ***** to do that to my truck.

I'd do it....just not to MY truck. HAHA! I wouldn't do it either. I think the others suggestions are better...trade it in.

Mar 6, 2008 | 01:50 PM

#19

dkf

Hotshot

Joined: Mar 2007

Posts: 10,101

Likes: 40

From: Pa

The company charges $6500 to do the short to long bed conversion on a Mega Cab. That price is reduced some because the company has someone they sell the old bed to which saves the customer money.

Of course converting isn't going to be cheap. I would much rather put money into a truck I've had for years and know what shape its in than sell it and get another truck that you don't know the history of. If hes willing to pony up the dough, more power to him.

I've seen Reg cab SDs with short beds, you may be able to find more info on them doing a search.

Mar 6, 2008 | 02:03 PM

#20

clux

Post Fiend

Joined: Feb 2002

Posts: 10,600

Likes: 3

From: Carhenge

Quote:

Originally Posted by PERFORMANCE RED

I agree with you it is done a lot in the hotrod world but I wouldn't want that done to a truck that is towing my hotrod.

And CC short beds are everywhere around this area. Try to find one with a long bed is 10x harder.

Frames are stretched and shortened a lot on 50,000# gross and up trucks. Ever take a look at the frame under those trucks they deliver beer with? As several others have stated, it is stronger than the stock frame when done right.

That being said, it's really not worth doing just to get an option that is available from the factory anyway, why not just spend the money it's gonna cost you to trade for the pickup you wanted in the first place.

Mar 6, 2008 | 09:21 PM

#21

DM-03_6.0

Senior User

Joined: Feb 2006

Posts: 241

Likes: 0

if your bed is in good shape ill trade you all the parts i want to make my supercab shortbed into a long bed. 04 silver w/ black bed 40k on the truck.

when properly done strenght is not an issue. we added 5ft to one of our macks and load it up with 60,000 of block since 1985

Mar 6, 2008 | 09:40 PM

#22

99f350sd

Lead Driver

Joined: May 2003

Posts: 9,303

Likes: 48

From: Lyndonville, Vermont

I've done quite a bit of welding and never had a failure. I usually over do it but I would do it in a second if it were the only way.

Dick

Mar 6, 2008 | 09:49 PM

#23

superduty4x4

Hotshot

Joined: Jul 2003

Posts: 12,177

Likes: 40

From: Newport, WA

Quote:

Originally Posted by catan70

I have a 2000 f250 crew cab 4x4 single wheel. I am tired of the long bed and want to put a short bed on. Is it possible or am i dreaming? What would i need to do?

Where are you? I may consider a swap for my crew short bed...