Two Crews Are Better Than One
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 104
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From: Southern IN.
Two Crews Are Better Than One
Well I bought Rons Crewcab to go with the Crown I have. I now own both of the crews that Art used to own. This one is the factory Ford and it is in relly nice shape. We drove her from Maryland to Indiana without a hitch.
Now I need some ideas. I am not one to leave well enough alone so, I am planning some updates.
Thinking about swapping the chassis over to one of those late 70 trailer special frames, that everyone seems to like so much. If I can find one of the 139" wheelbase ones, I could probably get away with shortening the bed about 6" and everthing may just line up.
Need some drivetrain suggestions. The 240 six and the granny tranny is pretty anemic. The truck will be used for a daily driver and to pull some trailers under 8000 #. (needs decent MPG and torque) Here are some parameters I am thinking about.
Engine- 351w maybe. 302 not enough, 460 to much. Probably efi, I never learned how to tune a carb.
Tranny- Auto, I do have an AOD in the garage I may use.
Gears- to match the engine and tranny
Wheels- 17x8 with 30 or 31" tires
Budget- $2,000 using basic rebuilt or late model salvage parts.
Thanks for the input, Matt
Now I need some ideas. I am not one to leave well enough alone so, I am planning some updates.
Thinking about swapping the chassis over to one of those late 70 trailer special frames, that everyone seems to like so much. If I can find one of the 139" wheelbase ones, I could probably get away with shortening the bed about 6" and everthing may just line up.
Need some drivetrain suggestions. The 240 six and the granny tranny is pretty anemic. The truck will be used for a daily driver and to pull some trailers under 8000 #. (needs decent MPG and torque) Here are some parameters I am thinking about.
Engine- 351w maybe. 302 not enough, 460 to much. Probably efi, I never learned how to tune a carb.
Tranny- Auto, I do have an AOD in the garage I may use.
Gears- to match the engine and tranny
Wheels- 17x8 with 30 or 31" tires
Budget- $2,000 using basic rebuilt or late model salvage parts.
Thanks for the input, Matt
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 24,552
Likes: 74
From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
Matt, If you want to go EFI, why don't you look at a late 80s to 96 F150 parts or wrecked truck, and put your sheet metal on it. It isn't gonna bolt up, but could be made to work. I see trucks like that in your area on Ebay Parts car often. If you want to go modular you could go 97 up. Insurance companies are totaling out vehicles with blown air bags, and you might find one with low milage for a good price with some hunting.
That ol truck has been back & forth across the country. I have seen pictures of it several years back. It does need a new suspention under it, since it wouldn't haul an FE engine out of NC last winter.
Happy hunting & project working
John
That ol truck has been back & forth across the country. I have seen pictures of it several years back. It does need a new suspention under it, since it wouldn't haul an FE engine out of NC last winter.
Happy hunting & project working
John
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 104
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From: Southern IN.
I was thinking of that, but wasn't sure what might be involved in that. Aren't the frames significantly wider? I know it has been discussed here in the past and most people tended to discourage it. I may look into it though. Where there is a will there is a way.
Thanks, Matt
Thanks, Matt
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 6,060
Likes: 7
From: Glendale Arizona
Matt
Congrats on the crew...glad to see it went to someone who will appreciate it as much as cappy. the frame mounts you have will need new front frame mounts and new outboard ones. the bottom of your cab will be very similar to your crown. just done a lot better LOL.
I used a 79 Heavy 150 trailer special chassis on the suicide crew. made some new front mounts and added a rear mounts outboard to pick up the back. They run close as the 79 frame widens out but that should not be a problem for you. with the added legenth it,may end up right on top of the frame rail.
I made a custom legenth bed to fit the wheelbase. so the only thing i could suggest is a little stretch of the wheelbase or modify the bed shorter.
Garbz
Congrats on the crew...glad to see it went to someone who will appreciate it as much as cappy. the frame mounts you have will need new front frame mounts and new outboard ones. the bottom of your cab will be very similar to your crown. just done a lot better LOL.
I used a 79 Heavy 150 trailer special chassis on the suicide crew. made some new front mounts and added a rear mounts outboard to pick up the back. They run close as the 79 frame widens out but that should not be a problem for you. with the added legenth it,may end up right on top of the frame rail.
I made a custom legenth bed to fit the wheelbase. so the only thing i could suggest is a little stretch of the wheelbase or modify the bed shorter.
Garbz
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 104
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From: Southern IN.
Garbz,
What size wheelbase are you using on your crew and what length is your bed now? I was wanting to make it a 139" wheelbase, like the newer crews have with the 5 1/2 foot beds, using a regular cab, long bed frame with the 139' wheelbase. The Supercab frame I have for the Crown is 154" and I really dont want to cut the frame, so I am looking for something shorter.
An interesting note, the Ford Cab is 2 1/2" longer than the Crown.
Matt
What size wheelbase are you using on your crew and what length is your bed now? I was wanting to make it a 139" wheelbase, like the newer crews have with the 5 1/2 foot beds, using a regular cab, long bed frame with the 139' wheelbase. The Supercab frame I have for the Crown is 154" and I really dont want to cut the frame, so I am looking for something shorter.
An interesting note, the Ford Cab is 2 1/2" longer than the Crown.
Matt
