How about some pics of '73-'91 Crew Cab Short beds?

[JohnC]

Looking good Joe!

[joe231]

Originally Posted by texasfunk

if you come down here, bring it to the shop and LETS SPRAY IT!!

that would be cool, but i don't think I'm gonna make it.
that and Scott's62 is waiting on me to bring it out to shoot it all one color

Originally Posted by bjcaldwe

Nice Joe. When is the open house out in west Texas?

Originally Posted by CHEESE

Sept. 11th i should have a flyer today!

I'd like to come out, but it isn't looking good

Originally Posted by JohnC

Looking good Joe!

Thanks John!

[West Texas Z]

they have huge turn outs. Your going to miss out.

[joe231]

I know, right....
we will see....

[Jonboy]

I have a few questions about this swap. Are you guys running two piece driveshafts? What about the rear brake lines? Are they just cut and reflared? I am really having truck withdrawals, and find myself looking at crew cabs. I would really like somethng with a backseat, just wondering how much else will be involved. I already have access to a shortbed, and might buy a Sub to scavenge the 1/2 ton running gear out of.........

[b454rat]

If I get a regular tranny/t-case setup I might run the 2 piece shaft. For brake lines, you might be able to take a section out and get another one 14" shorter, not sure how long the pieces come. I'm probly gonna run one piece all the way out back.....

[joe231]

Jon,
There is a joint in the rear brake line that you can take apart and buy a straight and bend it your self or shorten the old line and re-flare it (I'm not sure if a short bed regular cab line will work or not). The drive shafts are still super long on these, if it's a 2wd. Too long IMO to run a one piece. Don't forget you will have to shorten the exhaust and e-brake cables also. I still haven't got my e-brake figured out, it's kinda low on the priority list right now
I say go for it!
I want another one, in a 4x4

[BGRAFX]

Joe when you find or build a 4x4 let me have/buy your 2wd ccsb.

[joe231]

I want both!

[BGRAFX]

Momma aint gonna allow it.

[joe231]

[joe231]

Ttt

[kevinr1970]

Today was supposed to be a good day, finally got my bed on.
But I noticed something wrong.

I guess the foolproof method of using a 1/2ton rear section grafted on to the crew front isn't so "foolproof"?

[Devillusion]

ouch....




So I have to ask as I have wondered this from the start. Why don't you guys just swap out the rear differential instead of chopping the frame from a half ton? Just shorten the bigger/better frame? I must be missing something?

[joe231]

Oh man
That does suck, is it welded already?
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[kevinr1970]

Originally Posted by Devillusion

So I have to ask as I have wondered this from the start. Why don't you guys just swap out the rear differential instead of chopping the frame from a half ton? Just shorten the bigger/better frame? I must be missing something?

It is not as simple as just swapping the rear-end, the spring perches are located differently.
You also have to shorten the bumper end of the frame which may only require drilling new holes to mount a bumper, or may be more involved than that.
Also, the holes for: mounting the bed, fuel tanks (I think), etc, are not in the proper place.

Using the existing half ton frame was supposed to be pretty straight forward.
Cut both frames, remove rivets holding cab-mounts, trim 1/2 ton frame ends, slide inside the crew frame, bolt both frames through cab mount holes, weld.
Simple, right?

Originally Posted by joe231

Oh man
That does suck, is it welded already?
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Yes, already welded.

I have yet to hear back from the guy that did the work, but the only thing I can think is that there was enough "slop" in the holes and that the frame was allowed to sag before it was welded?

Not sure what the solution is, but if everything lines up besides that (the gap between the bad and the cab is the same on both sides), I might be able to just section the bed over each mount to drop it enough to get it even.
Not sure just yet...

[GmtGmt]

i would say do it right not just make the bed fit make the from level

[Jvsapp]

Originally Posted by GmtGmt

i would say do it right not just make the bed fit make the from level

i agree with this. i'm thinking that something was allowed to sag just enough when it was apart and when it was welded up that 1/4" off will equal to that couple inches when the bed is on.

[joe231]

As far as using the heavier frame and just cutting it down, that's how mine is done and how I prefer to do it.

As far as sectioning the bed crossmember to make the gap right, I think that will throw your bodyline off. If you had it done the responsibility lies with the guy who welded it. He should have thrown a straight edge on it before welding, unless you did the swapping and told him it was ready to weld. I think you could do a cut in the frame almost all the way through from the top, then force the rear of the frame down by jacking under the cut to the correct level and weld it all back together
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[joe231]

TTT!
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[RandyP]

I got a machine in my shop that could bend the frame down and get it to line up I bet. Would that be the correct way to fix the issue? No. Might be simpler though.

[bodydropped68]

Here is one of mine

[joe231]

Right on!
Any more progress?
Posted via Mobile Device

[Mello Mel]

^^^^^ What are your plans ???

[bodydropped68]

Originally Posted by joe231

Right on!
Any more progress?
Posted via Mobile Device

Not much the bed is stripped to bare metal it had 7 layers of paint on it filling in the stake pocket holes the gas filler hole I will post more pics when I get that stuff done. later Paul