Build a hypothetical 3500HD.

[skylark]

I didn't notice the wheel base mentioned on the 550 anywhere but would adapting body mounts an engine mounts to the Ford frame be an easier task than swapping suspensions? Just a thought, might be easier/faster to strip the body/drivetrain, stretch the Ford frame, then build cab mounts an swap the body over. Plus that frame is probably rated for a higher gvw too.

I've done something similar before and I'd rather adapt the suspension rather than a drivetrain, steering and body.

 

[skylark]

What kind of air ride were you thinking out back? I know with the bags on my dually I don't want to air it up off the overload springs or I'll lose rate and the thing will get tippy. But I also have seen folks with truck campers and commercial cab and chassis convert to air ride and not be in that boat.

I honestly don't have a plan as of yet. That is why I'd like to run the entire Ford suspension and see how it handles.

 

[skylark]

I finally made it to DMV today to get it registered. We plan to put Pearl's cab on this frame and do a legal VIN swap (firewall sectioning) to retain the HD's VIN. Pearl's current custom plate is linked to her VIN and Oregon no longer allows you to re-register old plates to a different vehicle so new custom plates were ordered. Unfortunately "PEARL" isn't available but PE4RL was. The 4 looks close enough to an A to be understood. We like the standard Oregon green tree license plate but I just saw this "watch for wildlife" plate today and felt like it was the right choice.

You must be registered for see images attach

 

[Reluctanse]

I finally made it to DMV today to get it registered. We plan to put Pearl's cab on this frame and do a legal VIN swap (firewall sectioning) to retain the HD's VIN. Pearl's current custom plate is linked to her VIN and Oregon no longer allows you to re-register old plates to a different vehicle so new custom plates were ordered. Unfortunately "PEARL" isn't available but PE4RL was. The 4 looks close enough to an A to be understood. We like the standard Oregon green tree license plate but I just saw this "watch for wildlife" plate today and felt like it was the right choice.

You must be registered for see images attach

Didn’t realize you were in Oregon!

 

[skylark]

There is a story here but I'm too tired to tell it. Cliff notes. Kept the HD running for 1000 miles fighting issues. The F450 loading was super easy with 2 forklifts. The HD tows awesome except for 6.5 life.... We'll be home tomorrow as planned as long as the 6.5 plays along.

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

 

[termite]

There is a story here but I'm too tired to tell it. Cliff notes. Kept the HD running for 1000 miles fighting issues. The F450 loading was super easy with 2 forklifts. The HD tows awesome except for 6.5 life.... We'll be home tomorrow as planned as long as the 6.5 plays along.


I'm enjoying the tag-along here. Safe travels back home.

 

[letitsnow]

Me too ^^^.

This is awesome - thanks for sharing!

 

[Supercharged111]

Hate to say it but. . . that Ferd is a decent looking truck. In for the 6.5 adventure.

 

[jus10inbrla]

Hate to say it but. . . that Ferd is a decent looking truck. In for the 6.5 adventure.

Id definitely cummins swap & eaton fuller 6 speed it

 

[Supercharged111]

It is already a crew cab, maybe forget the HD frame altogether? What's the GVWR of the Ferd? Cab swap/power train swap that puppy and call it a day.