Build a hypothetical 3500HD.

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letitsnow

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I'm fine with about a 33" tire. That is what I have on there now.

I am guessing that by the time you put this truck together even if you went out of your way to keep it as low as possible, the newly built truck would probably be similar to your current truck on 37's as far as height.

I am not trying to discourage anybody from building this - I think it would be an awesome machine, it just is gonna ride like **** and be tall.
 

b454rat

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4wd HD's are pretty tall. Can go spring under, but wasn't done too often, but it sits alot lower. But still think a touch taller than a normal 1 ton 4wd. Another issue is the funky bolt pattern, and wheels are insanely expensive, and thats BEFORE the current asshat in office pricing. Stock tires are aboot 32", any bigger need a wider rim and more wheel offset. A 265/75/19.5 is almost a 35", and would prolly outlast the truck since it's a medium duty truck tire.
 

skylark

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I am guessing that by the time you put this truck together even if you went out of your way to keep it as low as possible, the newly built truck would probably be similar to your current truck on 37's as far as height.

I am not trying to discourage anybody from building this - I think it would be an awesome machine, it just is gonna ride like **** and be tall.

4wd HD's are pretty tall. Can go spring under, but wasn't done too often, but it sits alot lower. But still think a touch taller than a normal 1 ton 4wd. Another issue is the funky bolt pattern, and wheels are insanely expensive, and thats BEFORE the current asshat in office pricing. Stock tires are aboot 32", any bigger need a wider rim and more wheel offset. A 265/75/19.5 is almost a 35", and would prolly outlast the truck since it's a medium duty truck tire.
This is why I'm considering axle choices, air ride and 4 links front and rear. After seeing the picture that @someotherguy has, I'm wondering if the crossmember under the engine couldn't be modified/replaced with something lower profile.
 

454cid

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This is why I'm considering axle choices, air ride and 4 links front and rear. After seeing the picture that @someotherguy has, I'm wondering if the crossmember under the engine couldn't be modified/replaced with something lower profile.

It's my understanding that Monroe butchered the originals, but now days guys doing the conversions themselves, often do exactly as you suggest. I know I've seen it done (online), unless maybe I'm confusing Cummins conversions.
 

skylark

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It's my understanding that Monroe butchered the originals, but now days guys doing the conversions themselves, often do exactly as you suggest. I know I've seen it done (online), unless maybe I'm confusing Cummins conversions.
I'd love to see some pictures under a Monroe.
 

b454rat

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Monroe didn't really butcher them, they did some stuff that I didn't understand lol, but what do I know. It would be better off to get a 2 wheeler, change the suspension more suited for the builder, then can put whatever axle under it. The only front axles that would work is a GM and 78/79 Ford. The perch with is 33.25" IIRC, and that is close to the 2 I mentioned, they are 32-ish". The newer Fords are 36.5", can't really cut into the center housing to get it narrower. Good luck finding a "factory" Dana 70 front that these used, I've been junkyarding and looking for truck for the past 25 years, I've seen 2 of these trucks, and both where on the road. Seen numerous 2wd's in yards, but they ain't 4wd's now are they lol.

With coils or air or whatever similar suspension used, can go much lower than with the leaves.
 

BNielsen

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There's a picture floating around of an insanely low 3500HD 4x4; I think I have the picture saved somewhere.
Following the thread though; always wanted an HD but I'm content with my K2500 and K3500, they'll do everything I want them to do.

---EDIT----
Found it.
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