PlumCrazy's F-1Fiddy Build

[wizkid00104]

It sits about level with a loaded trailer (loaded with my 4x4 Ranger or a tractor of similar mass), still has a touch of rake typically.

I plan to add a few leaves in the rear when I do the axle flip.

I am surprised you wouldn't do air bags.... seems more down your alley

 

[PlumCrazy]

I am surprised you wouldn't do air bags.... seems more down your alley

Bags and bumper pull trailers are a bad combo...they typically end in a cracked frame....especially if I have to notch it.

 

[wizkid00104]

Well now, I did not know that....

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Dad has airbags on his F-250 service truck, I am not that impressed with the ride...

 

[PlumCrazy]

In my opinion bags are a band aide.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

They might be the cats meow for a loaded down truck with a gooseneck or fifth wheel. On just a heavy service truck it feels like what an old stage coach in a western looks like where just has a constant sway to it, especially if the air gets low..

 

[PlumCrazy]

Took care of the plate lights last night. Used these nifty guys.

Started mocking up the new hitch, should able to weld it up in the next few days if I get home at a reasonable time for once.

 

[PlumCrazy]

Removed the spare tire carrier and redesigned my hitch to move the receiver forward 6" so it now sits just below and ahead of the roll pan. After seeing the 3x3 angle was tweaked a little I added some gussets to everything. Hoping this setup reduces and little of the sway I used to experience when loaded heavy. Not sure how everything will handle once the truck is low and I have to use a 6-8" rise on the hitch. I shot it with epoxy primer and some low gloss black.

Body man is supposed to come give it a final buff job and fix a run in the clear I found, then its time to yank the 5 lug junk and get moving on the 8 lug swap and beams.

I finally got the tailgate hinges shimmed correctly make certain the gate wont hit the bed side and chip the paint. I ditched the factory plastic shims and made some aluminum replacements. The original 86 bed had zero shims....apparently they got better at fixturing after year one.

 

[nosferatu49426]

Trucks looking really good. what kind of bed liner do you have?

 

[PlumCrazy]

Trucks looking really good. what kind of bed liner do you have?

Scorpion Liner...It was supposed to be color matched...but ended up looking black with metal flake.lol

I am not really a fan of spray in liner at all, but it covered some of the imperfections and the body man said he would do it cheaper than paint.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I am not really a fan of spray in liner at all, but it covered some of the imperfections and the body man said he would do it cheaper than paint.

Why is that?

I was wanting to do my bed, bed rails and lower rockers (to protect from the MT's throwing gravel at new paint)

 

[nosferatu49426]

I'm curious on how come as well. I want to do the rockers and 6-8in up my doors and box.

 

[PlumCrazy]

I personally like the ability to slide things, I like just a plain rubber mat

 

[nosferatu49426]

Fair enough. I have a 1/2in thick rubber mat as well.

 

[PlumCrazy]

Some progress.

Built some old man sides out of cedar to keep me from scratching up the bed rails.lol

Also pulled the 5x5.5 Alcoas and sold them...so I mounted some crappy old tires on some crappy old rims to get me by until I start the 8 lug swap. I would just put it up on stands, but the body guy needs it mobile so he can get it out of the garage and give it a little more love.

Played a game of musical wheels this weekend too....Took a set of 8 lug steel wheels.tires to my buddy to trade him for his old Alcoas since the truck is headed to the derby this spring...then I traded my 5 lug Alcoas and some old Bronco steelies for a set of mint refinished 8x6.5 Alcoas. I am passing on the fair the condition Alcoas to a buddy (sloth69mustang) along with my old stock 5 lug wheels in exchange for some 8x6.5 steel wheels to use as rollers...he also has a pair of 31s for the new trail turd (see below)....in the middle of all of that swapping and trading I picked up a set of 2014 Super Duty wheels for another member (griz700rocket)

10 fullsize wheels/tires crammed in there..

2014 SD wheels

These things came out beautiful

Even picked up new stickers to seal the deal.

The parts pile for sloth..

Picked up this turd nugget too...95 Mazda B2300 4x4. 2.3, M5OD, 1354M and Warn hubs. Runs like a top, but has some title issues so.....it will be a trails only rig until I part it out. It needs an oil change and front wheel joints. Plan to weld the rear, throw some 31s on stock steelies and wheel it. I want to keep the t-case, wire harness, and wheels..the rest will be up for grabs after memorial weekend most likely.

After some research and some trial and error...I finally converted the 8 lug 8.8 to 9/16 studs.

I originally intended to use 94ish Dodge studs (far right) but the knurls engaged in the drum and the shoulder remained loose in the axle...so I flipped through 1000 Dorman part numbers and descriptions and found the middle stud, It works perfect, but I had to buy them in 10 packs....at 40 bucks a pack. I had to drill the flange/drum to 39/64s...which I figures would end with me cussing and breaking the new bit...but amazingly I was able to drill all 8 holes with my cordless on a single battery..

Plan is too machine the centers of the new Alcoas out to 5.15" and use push through caps. Once the wheels are done and the body man finishes dicking around...The axles are coming out.

Gave the 150 its first bath. Borrowed my brothers foam cannon...not impressed with the garden hose version... I will buy the pressure washer style since I have seen good feedback for it.