***ford F650 Project***

[79 HUSTLER]

Figured that I would post this in here as well as it will be easier to keep track of and it should be the ultimate tow vehicle.
Finally got time to work on the new tow rig. Gonna be alot of work to get it complete but it is coming along nice.
First pic. is stock straight from the factory to my house and started tearing it apart the first day. (12-24-05)
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/520/555ATT00008.jpg
Started with the rear suspension first, doing a 12" lift all the way around. Also after over a month searching everywhere for a dually bed I finally was able to find one at a dealership that was a brand new take off.
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/500/555IMG_0077.JPG
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/520/555IMG_0078.JPG
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http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/500/555IMG_0081.JPG
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/520/555IMG_0082.JPG
Well its a start for now. As soon as I can find a company that will make the front springs she will be drivable, nobody wants to make the springs now :yuk: . I will take the bed off next week and get that all painted then start shaving everything and have the truck repainted. I have started on making a new 180gal. gas tank so that the ones under the doors can be removed as well as the steps. Once everything is clear under the doors I will be making some steps simular to the Kodiaks but they will have two steps since I do not think that one is going to cut it.
The front differential should be here next month and as soon I a find a transfercase for the Allison I will be doing the 4x4 conversion. I will try to update as it is coming along if anyone is interested.
KELLY

[79 HUSTLER]

Well I finally got time to work on the truck again after 4 months or so of it just sitting. There is alot of work to go still but I am hoping by the end of this month I will be able to start rolling it around town a lil bit. There is alot involved in getting this thing to look right. I have taken off all the steps, taken off both full tanks and replumed the wiring and lines for the new tank. I need to take of the air tanks and mount them under the cab so that they will not be seen. I need to mount the batteries under there as well and rewire everything with longer cables (not liking that part). Got alot more stuff to do but this will keep me busy for a few.
Here are the following updates, I hope there is still some interest:
These first photo's are of the bed frame that I made. The bed sits about 10" off of the frame so I needed to make some type of support to go under the bed. I did not like the way that I had seen most done which is using some 2-3" bar in just a few places, so I made another frame made out of the same channel as the original frame and placed it on top of the original. This will be the home of my new 100 gallon polished stainless fuel cell, and will also house a large compartment for air line, impact, etc. for the dunes.
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/520/555IMG_0353.JPG
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/520/555IMG_0354.JPG
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http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/520/555IMG_0358.JPG
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/520/555IMG_0361.JPG

[79 HUSTLER]

ow the fun really begins, tearing out the front end. I am getting ready to lift the front end, I did not have much luck with getting a set of springs made that I would be happy with so I figured I would try something else. Once everything is done later on down the road I will probably go to a four link setup with airbags but that is going to take some time and lots of work so that will wait. Everything on this truck is so damn big it is a pain to take of anything. Yesterday I spent most of the day cutting off rivets that hold most of the brackets. The front axle weighs about 1200pounds on my scale, so hard to move stuff to mock up all by myself in a little garage...
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/520/555IMG_1350.JPG
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/520/555IMG_1351.JPG
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/520/555IMG_1352.JPG
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/520/555IMG_1355.JPG
***notice the nice steep driveway that I get to work on, definately makes it alot more fun...

[79 HUSTLER]

http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/520/555IMG_1357.JPG
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/520/555IMG_1358.JPG

[Lightning]

This is a really cool project....
What are you going to do to lift the front end? Have you contacted National Spring in San Diego / El Cajon. They will make springs for anything.....and should be able to take care of this project.

[wedge44]

You mean to tell me that Fag(an)git is not being supportive in your endeavors......and if he is be wary or be afraid :D :D :D

[79 HUSTLER]

You mean to tell me that Fag(an)git is not being supportive in your endeavors......and if he is be wary or be afraid :D :D :D
Yeah FAGan has been really supportive and helpful, everytime he leaves for work I raid his garage for tools. That is as close as he will ever get to touching this. :p

[79 HUSTLER]

This is a really cool project....
What are you going to do to lift the front end? Have you contacted National Spring in San Diego / El Cajon. They will make springs for anything.....and should be able to take care of this project.
I did contact them but they were unable to go as large as I wanted so I will be using the stock springs and just dropping the mounts down. Kind of long to explain so I will have some pics of it in the next few days.

[OldYeller]

WOW, what a project. Be great to see it when it is completed.

[cc322]

Simply STELLER I want a ride in that thing when It's done ..Great job so far. Keep us posted.

[79 HUSTLER]

8/21/06
I was able to get some work done this weekend. Got the front subframe all welded up and then powdercoated. Since I was having a hard time getting springs I dropped the front hangers down to create my lift. I wanted to keep the weight cap. the same so this worked out great. Everything is made to just bolt up so incase I change things it is no big deal. The stock springs rode pretty good so they should be fine once I ad the King Kong shocks (it came with no shocks, so this should help even more). Now I just gotta do some measuring for my backspacing all the way around then add the tires...
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/520/555IMG_1446.JPG
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/520/555IMG_1466.JPG
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/520/555IMG_1468.JPG
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/520/555IMG_1471.JPG

[kevnmcd]

Great project! Keep the pics and details coming!

[Hardly Satisfied]

sweet

[IT`SONLYMONEY]

Very nice. What are you towing with this rig?

[djunkie]

Very nice. What are you towing with this rig?
18' Bayliner. :crossx: :crossx:

[HOSS]

This is looking really phucin` cool! :D

[bergen]

being a ford man i like what your doing, with the lift on this rig do you have to have mud flaps? and if so are they going to look correct on your rig?

[Sherpa]

going out on a limb here, just guessing mind you,................... I bet your
neighbors just luuuuuuuuuuuve you........... lol......
as do mine where I live........
neat project.!
--sure is fricken tall though...........
--Sherpa

[BIGRRNU]

Great Project. My husband has built 2 of these and is working on his 3rd. You may have seen if you go to Havasu. One is white and fades to black and the other is all white. Most everyone goes nuts when they see them. It's a riot to see their reaction. I know you will love yours.
People go crazy :rollside: (myself included) over these trucks. He put air ride on both. So, if you have any questions regarding steering shaft, front suspension, transfer case etc. PM me and I'll get you in touch. Perhaps he could save you some time or better yet frustration. Enjoy!

[OldYeller]

Does it come with an elevator to get in???

[79 HUSTLER]

being a ford man i like what your doing, with the lift on this rig do you have to have mud flaps? and if so are they going to look correct on your rig?
Yeah I will have to have mud flaps, not to happy about that but not much I can do. They should not look to bad and will be easily removable.

[79 HUSTLER]

going out on a limb here, just guessing mind you,................... I bet your
neighbors just luuuuuuuuuuuve you........... lol......
as do mine where I live........
neat project.!
--sure is fricken tall though...........
--Sherpa
You are correct.... my neighbors absolutely hate me, and that is putting it nicely..

[79 HUSTLER]

Great Project. My husband has built 2 of these and is working on his 3rd. You may have seen if you go to Havasu. One is white and fades to black and the other is all white. Most everyone goes nuts when they see them. It's a riot to see their reaction. I know you will love yours.
People go crazy :rollside: (myself included) over these trucks. He put air ride on both. So, if you have any questions regarding steering shaft, front suspension, transfer case etc. PM me and I'll get you in touch. Perhaps he could save you some time or better yet frustration. Enjoy!
Yeah I met your husband in Havi back in April at the truck show and saw both of his trucks. Nice setups. Made me want to go home and get to work on mine. I still have his card and number from the show and will give him a call if I need something. I hope to start on my second one in december and change it to a six door setup.

[79 HUSTLER]

Does it come with an elevator to get in???
Sure does.... Penthouse please.

[Tempest38]

I like your truck and can appreciate the work and money you're putting in it. I'm a Ford guy too but building a Cheby cause I stole it from some frineds that have the CarQuest Pro Mod team. Looks Great, keep us posted.
I'm building one myself but not like that and I'm not putting 4x4 in it although I've already needed it once.

[HYPNAUTIC]

You are correct.... my neighbors absolutely hate me, and that is putting it nicely..
F your neighbors. i know if i lived by you i would come over and drink beer while we kick tires. love that truck. keep pics coming.

[deltarat]

Any updates on your project? My wife saw one the other night and she cant stop talking about it. She is trying to use my own word against me to get me to buy one. All I have been hearing is the same thing I told her when I bought my boat, if you are gonna go big go BIG!!

[dumbandyoung]

that is bitchin i cant wait to see it done...keep us up to date.
dude i wish i had the balls and the money to build one. someday.. someday.

[79 HUSTLER]

Any updates on your project? My wife saw one the other night and she cant stop talking about it. She is trying to use my own word against me to get me to buy one. All I have been hearing is the same thing I told her when I bought my boat, if you are gonna go big go BIG!!
Not much more to look at right now, but will be in the next few weeks, I did break a air line for the brakes, and got stuck in the middle of a major road.... Just lots brackets being made, moved and modified so nothing can be seen.

[Zaairman]

That thing is awesome! And tell your neighbors to suck on your balls if they get pissed off.

[79 HUSTLER]

Getting close to putting everything back together. Just finished the last few welds for the 128 gal. fuel tank. :eek: :eek: Here is a lil teaser till I get it rolling again
http://www.hotboatpics.com/pics/data/500/2456IMG_2680-med.JPG

[79 HUSTLER]

Getting close to putting everything back together. Just finished the last few welds for the 128 gal. fuel tank. :eek: :eek: Here is a lil teaser till I get it rolling again
http://www.hotboatpics.com/pics/data/500/2456IMG_2680-med.JPG
Taking tires in for mounting, 18' trailer for reference!!!

[Run_em_Hard]

What motor is that sweet beast running...

[79 HUSTLER]

What motor is that sweet beast running...
C7 cat. (stock form 300hp/860#tq stock) Have done lots of mods to it. Had it dynoed at 440hp/1652#tq. Should be able to tow my seadoo's. :D :D

[plaster dave]

C7 cat. (stock form 300hp/860#tq stock) Have done lots of mods to it. Had it dynoed at 440hp/1652#tq. Should be able to tow my seadoo's. :D :D
Damn. Very nice.

[Ryphraph]

I was expecting to see 6 tires and wheels...
Ryph

[BIGRRNU]

C7 cat. (stock form 300hp/860#tq stock) Have done lots of mods to it. Had it dynoed at 440hp/1652#tq. Should be able to tow my seadoo's. :D :D
So Please do tell ~ ~ How did you get 440 out of that Cat?? :confused:

[Zaairman]

So Please do tell ~ ~ How did you get 440 out of that Cat?? :confused:
My guess: Exhaust, intake, bigger injectors, bigger turbo, a tuner, and maybe some nitrous and/or propane for shits and giggles.

[Hotfish]

I was told that those tranny can only handle so much torque. Are you at its limits?

[79 HUSTLER]

So Please do tell ~ ~ How did you get 440 out of that Cat?? :confused:
When I get to the office I will pull the spec sheet from the builder and list what all was done (so I don't list anything incorrect) but Zaairman listed most of them (minus the propane/nos). :D :D Plus a little bit more than he listed...

[79 HUSTLER]

I was expecting to see 6 tires and wheels...
Ryph
Might do an set of of duals with the stock rims, but cant find a tire I like (big nobbies) around 44"-46" that is thin enough to run the duals.

[79 HUSTLER]

I was told that those tranny can only handle so much torque. Are you at its limits?
Not sure what the spec are on max torque, but have seen others (motorhomes/toters/etc) with 1,200-1,400 pnds with this trans and alot more weight to pull around. The truck will not always run set up with this high of numbers but it is just the push of a button away...

[Uniqueperformancewest]

If you have the 3500 Allison you can handle up to 1200 trq, I took my F650 pickup to Rush Truck Center and thats what they stated. They said that the truck I have which is the 300hp Cat with 860 Ft/lbs could handle up to 330hp and 1200 Ft/Lbs of torque but it would cost between 1500-2000 to upgrade it to that.
John

[Ryphraph]

Might do an set of of duals with the stock rims, but cant find a tire I like (big nobbies) around 44"-46" that is thin enough to run the duals.
I was just pulling your chain... :D
Your truck is sick!
Ryph

[Uniqueperformancewest]

Hey hustler did you get the 425 or 445 GS178 tires, also if you don't mind me asking how much did you pay for them. Were you able to get a deal, I have them on my show truck and paid like 700 or so each for the damn things. They wanted almost a grand each for the michelins and I couldn't justify the difference so i went with the goodyears. Trucks gonna look sick when do you expect to have it finished. As soon as I get mine back from georgia Im gonna install the 4" springs I had made up by deaver to level the thing out.
John
Unique Performance West, Inc.

[Beer-30]

Just a heads up, be prepared to be stopped regularly. Any LE could pick any of a number of reasons:
HEADLIGHT HEIGHT:
24400. (a) A motor vehicle, other than a motorcycle, shall be:
(1) ( )1 Equipped with at least two ( )2 headlamps, with at least one on each side of the front of the vehicle, and, except as to vehicles registered prior to January 1, 1930, they shall be located directly above or in advance of the front axle of the vehicle. The headlamps and every light source in any headlamp unit shall be located at a height of not more than 54 inches nor less than 22 inches.
MUDFLAPS:
27600. No person shall operate any motor vehicle having three or more wheels, any trailer, or semitrailer unless equipped with fenders, covers, or devices, including flaps or splash aprons, or unless the body of the vehicle or attachments thereto afford adequate protection to effectively minimize the spray or splash of water or mud to the rear of the vehicle and all such equipment or such body or attachments thereto shall be at least as wide as the tire tread. This section does not apply to those vehicles exempt from registration, trailers and semitrailers having an unladen weight of under 1,500 pounds, or any vehicles manufactured and first registered prior to January 1, 1971, having an unladen weight of under 1,500 pounds.
FRAME HEIGHT:
24008.5. (a) No person shall operate any motor vehicle with a frame height or body floor height greater than specified in subdivisions (b) and (c).
(b) The maximum frame height is as follows:
Vehicle Type Frame Height
7,501 to 10,000 pounds GVWR
31 inches

[Uniqueperformancewest]

Actually Beer the only one he will really have problems with is the lack of mudflaps. He won't get hassled for his headlights because the trucks headlights dont look to be higher than 54". My F250 with a 25" lift and a F650 front end is right around 54 inches, and I think my truck sits a little higher then Hustler's. And his truck is exempt from the frame height law because as you stated its for trucks under 10000lb GVWR and that truck has a 26000 GVWR.
John

[79 HUSTLER]

Just a heads up, be prepared to be stopped regularly. Any LE could pick any of a number of reasons:
HEADLIGHT HEIGHT:
24400. (a) A motor vehicle, other than a motorcycle, shall be:
(1) ( )1 Equipped with at least two ( )2 headlamps, with at least one on each side of the front of the vehicle, and, except as to vehicles registered prior to January 1, 1930, they shall be located directly above or in advance of the front axle of the vehicle. The headlamps and every light source in any headlamp unit shall be located at a height of not more than 54 inches nor less than 22 inches.
MUDFLAPS:
27600. No person shall operate any motor vehicle having three or more wheels, any trailer, or semitrailer unless equipped with fenders, covers, or devices, including flaps or splash aprons, or unless the body of the vehicle or attachments thereto afford adequate protection to effectively minimize the spray or splash of water or mud to the rear of the vehicle and all such equipment or such body or attachments thereto shall be at least as wide as the tire tread. This section does not apply to those vehicles exempt from registration, trailers and semitrailers having an unladen weight of under 1,500 pounds, or any vehicles manufactured and first registered prior to January 1, 1971, having an unladen weight of under 1,500 pounds.
FRAME HEIGHT:
24008.5. (a) No person shall operate any motor vehicle with a frame height or body floor height greater than specified in subdivisions (b) and (c).
(b) The maximum frame height is as follows:
Vehicle Type Frame Height
7,501 to 10,000 pounds GVWR
31 inches
Good on the headlights, mud flaps and frame heights covered. I am good on all 3 of those. :D Point out any others though as I would like to make sure that I am good to go.

[79 HUSTLER]

Actually Beer the only one he will really have problems with is the lack of mudflaps. He won't get hassled for his headlights because the trucks headlights dont look to be higher than 54". My F250 with a 25" lift and a F650 front end is right around 54 inches, and I think my truck sits a little higher then Hustler's. And his truck is exempt from the frame height law because as you stated its for trucks under 10000lb GVWR and that truck has a 26000 GVWR.
John
Saw some pics of your 250 before. That thing is bitchen. The headlights will also be put in the custom bumper, as soon as I finish welding that sumbitch... Where are the pics of your new 650.

[TahitiTiger]

Interesting to say the least. I work for a Ford Heavy Truck dealer ship, and we are an Authorized Marmon Herington dealer, so I see these all the time.
I noticed you dropped the driveline in the rear, did you reinforce the plates with gussets? Also did you correct the pinion angle? The pictures are hard to tell. PS you don't want a straight line from the transmission to the rear axle. As for a TF case, locate a nice MH TC in a wrecking yard :D if you want to go 4x4. Also if you go 4x4 and use a Marmon front axle it will naturaly lift your truck 6"s.
Nice work though :D lemmie know if I can be of any assistance.

[Uniqueperformancewest]

Hey Heres some pics of the red truck,
http://www.sportruck.com/events/sema06/8/9.html (its the red one)
I don't have any of our new one yet except for on myspace. The trucks in Georgia right now and Ill get some up as soon as I get it back lol. Yours is coming along bitchen I can't wait to see it with those tires on there. I love the Super Single look, I want to do it with ours but those tires are so expensive even with the 385 Goodyears.
John

[BIGRRNU]

About a week away from driving #three,are you bringing your truck to havi for truck show in April,I think last weekend in April.same weekend as DESERT STORM poker run.lets meet up?????????????????????

[79 HUSTLER]

Hey hustler did you get the 425 or 445 GS178 tires, also if you don't mind me asking how much did you pay for them. Were you able to get a deal, I have them on my show truck and paid like 700 or so each for the damn things. They wanted almost a grand each for the michelins and I couldn't justify the difference so i went with the goodyears. Trucks gonna look sick when do you expect to have it finished. As soon as I get mine back from georgia Im gonna install the 4" springs I had made up by deaver to level the thing out.
John
Unique Performance West, Inc.
I got the 445's and got them for just under $2,000 total for all four. If you need a deal on these let me know as I can get them all day long for that price. Who knows when it will be done, as I keep saying next month, then next month, and so on for the last year... :D

[79 HUSTLER]

Interesting to say the least. I work for a Ford Heavy Truck dealer ship, and we are an Authorized Marmon Herington dealer, so I see these all the time.
I noticed you dropped the driveline in the rear, did you reinforce the plates with gussets? Also did you correct the pinion angle? The pictures are hard to tell. PS you don't want a straight line from the transmission to the rear axle. As for a TF case, locate a nice MH TC in a wrecking yard :D if you want to go 4x4. Also if you go 4x4 and use a Marmon front axle it will naturaly lift your truck 6"s.
Nice work though :D lemmie know if I can be of any assistance.
Yes the plates have been reinforced and the pinion angle is not set/final yet as I still have to fab up a set of ladder bars, then I will zero in on the pinon angle. For the transfer case I have a new arvinmeritor transfer case and front axle when I get ready to do the job. Should work good :D Thanks for the compliments, cant wait to get it done. :D

[79 HUSTLER]

About a week away from driving #three,are you bringing your truck to havi for truck show in April,I think last weekend in April.same weekend as DESERT STORM poker run.lets meet up?????????????????????
I don't think that I will be ready by then but will be at the show that weekend. Are you gonna have all three at the show???

[79 HUSTLER]

..

[79 HUSTLER]

After about a month of grinding/welding/sanding/smoothing the frame is all painted for now. Just got to wet sand and polish next week then everything will be going back together. Had to fill 86 holes total. Welded and smoothed on both sides :D :D Not fun.....
http://www.hotboatpics.com/pics/data/500/2456IMG_2652-med.JPG
http://www.hotboatpics.com/pics/data/500/2456IMG_2650-med.JPG
http://www.hotboatpics.com/pics/data/500/2456IMG_2751-med.JPG
http://www.hotboatpics.com/pics/data/500/2456IMG_2752-med.JPG
http://www.hotboatpics.com/pics/data/500/2456IMG_2941-med.JPG
http://www.hotboatpics.com/pics/data/500/2456IMG_2943-med.JPG
http://www.hotboatpics.com/pics/data/500/2456IMG_2947-med.JPG
http://www.hotboatpics.com/pics/data/500/2456IMG_2952-med.JPG
Getting closer

[SuperWrench0166]

Looking nicer and nicer with lots of Detail. Still Would love to know what all you done to the motor to get the extra power.

[79 HUSTLER]

Looking nicer and nicer with lots of Detail. Still Would love to know what all you done to the motor to get the extra power.
Sorry, I totally forgot that I posted it in here. I will try to get all the info for you tomorrow as I do not know everything that was done, but I will get the receipts and post all the info...

[79 HUSTLER]

Well it is almost drivable now. Just got to finish welding the hitch and receiver then get the shocks done and ladder bars that that will be it till winter time.... Then the 4x4. Pretty much had to rewire the whole truck so that everything was longer. Put all new air lines on as everything was relocated and hidden. All the air tanks/ batteries/lines/hoses were moved so they were hidden.
Now just time to enjoy it for a few and get any bugs out so I can take it to the river for the summer...
Finished the fuel tank... 128 gallons should give me some range...
http://www.hotboatpics.com/pics/data/500/2456IMG_2991-med.JPG
A little size differnce.. f-250 with 3" and 33"s....
http://www.hotboatpics.com/pics/data/500/2456IMG_3284-med.JPG
The proud new owner.....
http://www.hotboatpics.com/pics/data/500/2456IMG_3290-med.JPG
http://www.hotboatpics.com/pics/data/500/2456IMG_3281-med.JPG

[USCFAN]

That truck is absolutely sick.....

[Buddy]

That truck is absolutely sick.....
Couldnt have said it any better!:D

[phebus]

That truck is a fockin' beast! :D Very nice, and thanks for the build pics and story.

[79 HUSTLER]

Thanks guys, can't wait to start using it. It has been sitting too damn long, should have finished it a long time ago...

[southbayrhino22]

What will you be pulling with that Bad Ass Truck of yours?

[79 HUSTLER]

What will you be pulling with that Bad Ass Truck of yours?
Hopefully the budget will allow a 3 seater seadoo this year... Just gotta make sure the trailer has brakes to slow down :D :D

[Just foreplay]

I appreciate the build pic's and keeping us up to date..
NICE, very nice.. Sweet job!

[707dog]

guess ther wont be any fast food drive thu's for that fokin beast..that thing is sic bro!!

[YeLLowBoaT]

Hopefully the budget will allow a 3 seater seadoo this year... Just gotta make sure the trailer has brakes to slow down :D :D
and a 3 foot drop hitch.

[Daytona100]

Great job!!!!!!!! One killer truck.:D

[dumbandyoung]

Well it is almost drivable now. Just got to finish welding the hitch and receiver then get the shocks done and ladder bars that that will be it till winter time.... Then the 4x4. Pretty much had to rewire the whole truck so that everything was longer. Put all new air lines on as everything was relocated and hidden. All the air tanks/ batteries/lines/hoses were moved so they were hidden.
Now just time to enjoy it for a few and get any bugs out so I can take it to the river for the summer...
Finished the fuel tank... 128 gallons should give me some range...
http://www.hotboatpics.com/pics/data/500/2456IMG_2991-med.JPG
A little size differnce.. f-250 with 3" and 33"s....
http://www.hotboatpics.com/pics/data/500/2456IMG_3284-med.JPG
The proud new owner.....
http://www.hotboatpics.com/pics/data/500/2456IMG_3290-med.JPG
http://www.hotboatpics.com/pics/data/500/2456IMG_3281-med.JPG
That thing is so fockin rad! Congrats! Your gonna turn so many heads.
Hey, was that thing a Caltrans truck before you bought it? Just thought it might be because of the orange cab.
What are you doing for steps so you can climb into that beast? Custom Kodiak steps??