short bed on long bed frame

[holmboy]

Any one ever done this? Just wondering for certain if the four inner bolts are located the same with relation to the axle. Seems like they would have to be but haven't tried it yet or measured it. Can't imagine someone wouldn't have done it by now. Seems like it would be a simple matter of drilling four new holes and cutting off the rear portions of the frame rails. Wasn't sure what to even search for so just figured I'd ask. If there is a previous post on this please link.

chris

[Toyz]

Not real sure of the question, but the answer is: long bed box is 14" longer in front of wheel well and around 4" longer behind wheel well. This is referring to the "64/'66 2wd and '66 F100 4x4.That 14" reflects the differences in wheelbase from short bed to long bed. 2wd trucks have a "stepped" frame at rear axle, so it is not a matter of simply moving suspension and axle forward.
Paul

[slick4x4]

I shortened a long frame to fit a short bed

Seems like the front (near cab) were the only ones that lined up...
I might be wrong... Been awhile
Just drilled the frame ... Pretty easy

[holmboy]

I think slick4x4 answered what I was trying to ask. The two very front behind the cab and two very back ones obviously won't line up but if the two second from the front will line up the wheel wells over the axle I can drill the other six based off those two. Thanks!

And thanks for you input as well Toyz. I was wondering what those numbers were as well...

[holmboy]

Actually I am seeing the problem with my question now.

I am not turning a long bed truck into a short bed truck. I am putting a short bed "bed" on a long bed truck. Yes there will be a 14" gap between the cab and bed. For now. Just wondering if the four inner bolts line up the wheel wells of the bed with the wheels/axle.

[foodstick]

Years ago there was a truck running around here that had a short box on a longer frame. But he cut the back of the cab off and extended it back making it a bit bigger behind the seat for storage...

[Toyz]

I have toyed with the idea of building a "Supercab" utilizing that 14" difference and trimming the rear. Locating the bed should not be a problem even if holes don't match. Cliff in Oregon has a beautiful conversion; most others I've seen pics of somehow seemed ungainly IMO. This is my reason for no longer considering the project. Nothing worse than a project of that magnitude which fails to meet expectations!
Paul

[slick4x4]

The truck I did it to was a 4x4....
So the rear frame was flat....
2 wheel drives with the "humped" frame , might be more of a challenge

[Toyz]

If locating the bed at existing axle position, I would think the frame arch would not be a problem.
Paul

[holmboy]

The extended cab idea is what I'm planning on. This is the best one I've seen. Don't think I would put the windows in though.

[longcabjohn]

The 4 center holes will line up, cut 6 inches off rear of frame and drill for the hidden bolt, I don't remember if I drilled the front hole but I think it lined up too. add 14 inches to the cab, and you will have a sister to my truck. If you would like a little more room use a later 133" wheelbase frame and add 18 inches to cab. Hope my been there, done that knowledge has hekped.


Johnny

[foodstick]

[Truckrat]

I like that idea a lot. Having some extra room in the cab would be great,
especially on trips out of town so you have a place to put your luggage and other
essentials you wouldn't want out in the weather riding in the bed in case it rained.
Bottom line I want a crewcab, but this is a good alternative and doable thing.
Wish Ford had made them back in the day along with an SUV version. TR

[holmboy]

Six inches off the back and the four holes over the diff lined up exactly. Spot on longcab.

20160803_181451.jpg (4.06 MiB) Viewed 18794 times

Anyone need a bed? Have brand new side moldings.