FL80 4x4 service truck build

[simonsrplant]

Got around to doing some frame work today.
Took sixteen inches out of the wheelbase and about a foot off the frame.
New body mounts should be done tomorrow, so then I can do a real test fit.

 

[redneckracin]

I'm assuming the truck is 4x4 already? Always fun watching a build come together!

 

[simonsrplant]

I'm assuming the truck is 4x4 already? Always fun watching a build come together!

Yes, truck was born 4x4. Ex oil field.
Don't really need all wheel drive but I do need clearance and for it to be tough.
Got a good deal on this truck which was the donor for the body after removing the welding deck and front cabinet

 

[simonsrplant]

First test fit
Cashed in a favour with a friend who has a shop and couple ramps...
Lifted like a champ, sure easier than a couple service truck cranes.
Pleased with how it looks
Body is off again for a bunch of repair and touch up work.
Also now booked in for frame blast and paint.
Won't be much to show for some time now, but on track for having the unit ready by November.

 

[92U 3406]

You're in the nice part of Alberta I see.

Truck looks great BTW! Can't wait to see the finished product!

 

[simonsrplant]

I live in the Crowsnest Pass
Most beautiful place on earth
Where in the province are you from?

 

[92U 3406]

BC but escaped to northern Alberta the day after highschool grad lol.

 

[simonsrplant]

Picked the truck up the other day after having the frame blasted and painted.
Looks a lot sharper
More build pictures to follow.

 

[simonsrplant]

Got the reel tree loaded up today and compressor hooked up.
Getting real close to loading up with tools.
Full body paint will be next year.
Winter has shut me down a little earlier than I'd have liked.

 

[CM1995]

Looking good SP!

What's that white stuff all over everything?

 

[simonsrplant]

That good sir is the annual polite reminder that winter is coming
I was forced into the truck a week or two early as the track rod on my F550 snapped ... Strange failure especially considering it's less than two years old and genuine ford...
The truck seems good tho. Discovered the waste gate was jammed open so lacked power. Think I've got it jammed closed now, makes about 21lbs of boost which is adequate tho won't get me anywhere quickly.
Also since running the truck it doesn't have the engine hold back I was hoping for so I've ordered an exhaust brake kit from cat.
Aside that I'm really pleased.
Ride is nice, especially on the mine roads.
I'm thinking it will become quite the truck.

 

[simonsrplant]

Another story...
But here's the failure that got me going

 

[CM1995]

That will put you out of service.

I know you've said it before but what size Cat is in the truck?

 

[simonsrplant]

Just a lowly 3126.
Down the road I foresee it being replaced and repowered.
I with think a C10 with automatic transmission would be nice.

 

[WaterDoc]

Just a lowly 3126.
Down the road I foresee it being replaced and repowered.
I with think a C10 with automatic transmission would be nice.

It might not be much for power, but keep the oil changed and that engine will disappoint you for years to come trouble free.

 

[Birken Vogt]

"Trouble free" and "3126" never went together in this area. Maybe it is our hills. Everybody hated them.

 

[simonsrplant]

ECM shows 18something thousand hours...
Must have been looked after before I got it...

 

[CM1995]

Just a lowly 3126.
Down the road I foresee it being replaced and repowered.
I with think a C10 with automatic transmission would be nice.

C10 with a 6sp Allison 3000 series would be nice in that size truck.

I have a 3126 variant in our 953C. Knock on wood it's been a great engine. 6,000 hours on the clock so far with no major issues.

 

[Tags]

I have a 3126 variant in our 953C. Knock on wood it's been a great engine. 6,000 hours on the clock so far with no major issues.

From what I've heard from some mechanics is the 3126 was much better received in a machine application where it was run at a constant speed and routine maintenance was done. Not sure if that's true or not, but I had one grenade itself in a truck I bought used with only 80,000 miles on it, pretty sure from lack of maintenance. The thing was a gutless wonder though, god did despise hills when the truck was loaded AND the cooling fan would kick on, could hardly down shift fast enough.....

 

[simonsrplant]

Still a little rough around the edges but the platform seems to work well for my application.