Longbed to Shortbed conversion
Token Redneck
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 9,339
Likes: 350
From: Breckenridge, TX
Is the extra 15 inches just killing you? That would mean you have to change the wheelbase of the truck. I forsee a nightmare of accetalyne torches, bad welding jobs, a pile of new parts, and eventually a whole new truck to fix what you done messed up.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 26,966
Likes: 50
From: Texas
If you know what you're doing (like in the pictures above) then yes you could use it for towing. Don't forget cutting the drive shaft too.
If you hate the long bed, it would just be easier to sell the truck and get a short bed.
If you hate the long bed, it would just be easier to sell the truck and get a short bed.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 209
Likes: 0
From: Deep South Louisiana
Working at a body shop for some years we did do sevaral frame section repairs. It is very safe if done correctly, in fact that is exactly how the frames are put together from factory. I have never shortened a wheelbase though but have seen it done to a few.
With this job you will need to remove wiring harness, brake line to the rear, all fuel lines and any other line that is run along the frame rail before you cut/weld. These will all need to be shortened before reinstalling. Aside from that, a shorter drive shaft and a bed you will be good LOL
With this job you will need to remove wiring harness, brake line to the rear, all fuel lines and any other line that is run along the frame rail before you cut/weld. These will all need to be shortened before reinstalling. Aside from that, a shorter drive shaft and a bed you will be good LOL
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Super Moderator
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 208,501
Likes: 411
From: Omaha/Elkhorn, NE
If it bothers you that much, I'd just trade it off for a shortbed. Would it really be worth the money to shorten a long bed truck??
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 6,757
Likes: 5
From: Corvallis, OR
I really don't think it should be done. First, a cut and welded beam is NEVER as stong as the original piece. Second, its a lot of work and it will absolutely destroy the resale value if you are honest and tell people about it. Sell the truck and buy a short box if you really want one.
Super Moderator
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 208,501
Likes: 411
From: Omaha/Elkhorn, NE
Originally Posted by PERFORMANCE RED
AAAAAHHHHHH that poor red truck! Pics like that make me want to look under every truck before buying one.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 23,174
Likes: 1,679
From: Stephensville WI
Shortening the frame is not as huge of a process as it looks. Done properly (fish plates on the back side) the welded section of frame is even stronger than the original. It's done often in the hot rod world with great results.
But, I'm with the others here. Why would you want to go to the hassle? Are 2000 F-250 CC short bed trucks that rare?
But, I'm with the others here. Why would you want to go to the hassle? Are 2000 F-250 CC short bed trucks that rare?
Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 759
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by redford
Shortening the frame is not as huge of a process as it looks. Done properly (fish plates on the back side) the welded section of frame is even stronger than the original. It's done often in the hot rod world with great results.
But, I'm with the others here. Why would you want to go to the hassle? Are 2000 F-250 CC short bed trucks that rare?
But, I'm with the others here. Why would you want to go to the hassle? Are 2000 F-250 CC short bed trucks that rare?
And CC short beds are everywhere around this area. Try to find one with a long bed is 10x harder.