Hello, I am interested in purchasing an International 4700 to use as a fifth wheel hauler. Most of the ones in my price range are former box trucks. This isn't a problem, most of them are just cab and chassis with the box already removed. My question is about cost to make one fit my needs. Moving an axle is beyond my mechanical ability. If I bought a cab and chassis and need the rear frame cut a few feet and rear axle moved forward, does anyone know even a ballpark estimate what that would cost? I am asking because I am weighing the options between getting a good deal on a cab and chassis and then add in the cost to move the axle versus buying the truck already short enough that is three to four thousand more in most cases. Thanks for any help.
It could cost 3 to 4 pretty quick to get one shortened up to what you're looking for, just as easy to buy what you're looking for to begin with.
Thanks Rubber Duck, in researching the 4700 models I very quickly found some are extremely sought after, like the 4wd. You can touch a crew cab 4wd from any year for under 25K.
If you had a template for the frame, you could drill it so 1 or 2 sections of driveshaft is eliminated. Adding driveline is the expensive part.I stretched a International S 2300 single axle years ago. Daycab tractor stretched to accept a knuckle boom and 20' flatbed. I borrowed a template from the local International dealer.
Shortening it is waaaaaay cheaper than stretching it, about any shop can handle that and a good one could do it in a day on a single axle rig.
