Shortening truck frame

[Ford LT-9000]

I have found a 2002 Ford F-550 4x4 with very low kilometers 47,000 or 29,000 miles. The truck has one problem its got a 201wb where as I want a 165wheelbase its a regular cab truck but the wheelbase is 3' too long.

The truck has a 16' van body on it or it did but I don't want that I want the chassis.

My question is it a wise move to try shorten the frame on the newwer Ford trucks. It is a straight frame but I do know you have to modify everything to make it work. It is a rarity you find a truck with such low kilometers its been on the dealers lot for close to a year so it may have lot rot.

The fact its a 4x4 makes it not desireable for a P+D plus it has the lighter gvw 17,500lbs so you have extra costs from the front axle and the tare weight is more also how many times would a city P+D company use 4wheeldrive it never goes off road and rarely have snow issues.

The price has dropped on the truck I forgot the price but its decent. The truck has a automatic which I really don't want but I may make a exception as 4x4s are rarer than a hens tooth.

A brandnew F-550 4x4 with a 165 wheelbase with a oh no 6.0 is 50,000 dollars CND.

Things I know needs changing

exhaust
Driveshaft
Wiring
Fuel Lines
Fuel tank

Like I meantioned its the wheelbase of the truck that is probably keeping people from buying the truck as anybody that wants a F-550 4x4 is for a service truck or a 4x4 flatdeck or dump truck. Usually want the 165 wheelbase. Maybe its not cost prohibitive to chop out the approx 30"s of frame. I don't know if its even possible to section the new frames anymore.

What do you guys think is it worth it or leave it alone ?

 

[Steve Frazier]

The frame rails of the 550 are straight, you should be able to slide the rear axle forward rather than sectioning the frame. You might have to modify the frame a little where the rear spring mounts locate, but that's about it.

 

[Ford LT-9000]

I wish it was that simple :crying

The rear fuel tank would have to be eliminated and I think the frame has so many holes etc there wouldn't be any places to bolt the hangers.

I may have to ask around to see how much it would cost to have a frame shortened.

 

[CT18fireman]

Of course your going to have to move the tank, fuel and brake lines, wiring exhaust but teh main job is still going to be moving the susepension forward and as Steve said it is not that big of a deal. All newer 550s come with one tank behind the rear axle and I think most upfitters leave it alone. I would bet it is the same tank and will also slide forward.

Get the chassis drawings and specifications (for frame repairs) from a body shop or good shop manual for both lengths and you can have all the measurements.

 

[Ford LT-9000]

How it used to be done is chop the frame 6-12" infront of the front spring hanger on the rear suspension and cut out the section you need to shorten the wheelbase and weld it back together. Then you plate the back side of the welded joint.

Shortening frames on light trucks really isn't done anymore because the manufacturers make so many wheelbase sizes. It used to be common you had to stretch a frame to have a truck with a 201wb.

I don't know if its worth the hassel of trying to modify the chassis its a good truck but a 201wb is almost useless for my application way too long.

 

[Steve Frazier]

There is a midship tank available for the Super Dutys though it is of less capacity than the rear tank.

I'm not sure what the existing holes have to do with being able to move the spring mounts. If you don't find them in the location you need, then simply drill new ones. I'd avoid sectioning, it's not necessary with this truck. I'm sure you've seen the rust that develops between the frame and the plate you speak of. You also have less of a chance with misalignment by moving the axle. There's no over axle hump on this truck, so sectioning just does not need to be done.

 

[Ford LT-9000]

I don't like the idea of sectioning frames either it takes of of measuring and carefull fitting to make things fit right. Wish it was simple to mount a aluminum fuel tank on the side of the frame makes filling easier but with a electric fuel pump in the tank makes it tough.

I think I may give up on 02 F-550 its been sitting at that dealer too long a truck that sits isn't good. It definatly will have lot rot the brakes will be all rusted up the wheel seals hard and dry and the transmission would have dry seals.

 

[CT18fireman]

I am by no means an expert but have assisted in some shortening projects. Another contractor in town just finished shortening an International with a 16ft box into a 10ft contracoter dump.

I don't see why you would need to section the frame. Just cut the old suspension off and slide it forward, you should be able to make any length you want. Or, as I said get the specs and match it up perfectly.

The holes in the frame probably reference the shorter wheelbase or other mouning needs. I doubt Ford would retool for a longer frame, they probably just add length when forming the rails.

Without knowing the specifics of the truck, I can't see why I would avoid this relatively simple and low cost budget. You should be able to reuse about 95% of the parts and have a great truck, set just how you want it.

 

[DKinWA]

I can't imagine shortening the frame would be that difficult or time consuming. Check out the link for ford truck information that might be useful when modifying their trucks. https://www.fleet.ford.com/truckbbas/topics/bodybuild.html

 

[Ford LT-9000]

I was looking through the body builders stuff for a 02 F-550 I think I would have to modify the mid ship fuel tank too. I wish I could see what would have to be done but there isn't any trucks close for me to look at. The 550 I meantioned is a all day trip to get there.

I will keep searching that F-550 might suit somebodies needs I guess its so oddball its why the truck is still on the dealers lot.

 

[Steve Frazier]

Something isn't right here....I haven't figured out what yet:beatsme

 

[crash935]

I'm with you steve, somethings not right here!

Shortening can be done (obviously), but you have to deal with the brake lines, fuel lines, fuel tank, drive shaft, pinion angle and makeing sure that it gets welded back together true and square.

Sliding the axle is also possible but your still dealing with many of the same things from above along with the fact that the spring hangers are riveted in so you have to cut, grind and punch them out and there are not always holes already in the frame at the location you want to slide to, in fact many times you end up with half a hole showing in atleast a few locations that were meant to have something else bolted in that place.

Unless it was a class 5 or larger truck, frame chops and slides just arent worth the extra money unless it was some special use type truck.

 

[Ford LT-9000]

The only reason why I considered it is because the truck is a 4x4 F-550 they are very rare unless you buy them brandnew. Also the truck has very low kilometers especially for its year (29,000 miles) the big plus the truck has the tried and true 7.3 PSD.

I priced out a brandnew 06 F-550 4x4 with the 165wb and diesel is going to cost me if I buy one 56,000 dollars just for the cab and chassis. Currently I can find a brandnew 07 F-550 4x4 with a dump box on it for 65,000 dollars.

The 02 F-550 4x4 is selling for 32,000 dollars which is a damn good deal if you wanted a truck with a 201wb.

I'am not going to spend 56,000 or 65,000 for a truck that will never ever pay for itself. Thats cheap compared to a fully loaded lariat F-350 P/U 4x4 diesel seen 07s selling for 62,000 dollars for a P/U truck a King ranch is pushing the 68,000 mark