Where is everyone #5

Until this friggin pandemic, I couldn't care less. Me & my single screw been out making it happen. Doing fairly well for ourselves. The Corona did show quick my lack of versatility & being unable to jump to a different field to continue generating a quality income..

Now what sucks big time, is Last Sept, I put 36" of frame stretch on it.!! I'm about 96" cab to axle, & 210" wheelbase now..

So a tag in theory makes more sense to keep plenty of dip swing clearance. But...... It won't work well with my step. My step is a 13.5" kingpin setting, with an 8' upper. That leaves 57-58" swing clearance from KP to gooseneck transition. I can only run the 5th wheel about 6-8" ahead of the rear axle to maintain enough clearance to turn. Great for a single drive, or at least a tandem drive it will still be above a powered axle..

Ok, so let's try a pusher.. on a 210" wheelbase..

36" stretch was a bad idea. Should have went 42-48".. If I use the existing holes at 36" apart, it's worthless. Minimum 40" spread between axle to be considered a tandem. Maybe drill new holes for 48-50" spread. But at 50" spread, I'll be a 185" wheelbase!! Should work though for my wagon, & others with a shallow KP setting. But a flat or van with 36"KP, I'll have to run 5th pretty far back to maintain dip swing/nose to bunk clearance. Thinking it will hit bunk if 5th is centered between tandems..

Cutoff..
I'm thinking I'd basically have to trash the stretch, ($4k down the crapper) & start a new. Definitely don't want 2 seams in the frame. Then I have to decide. Do I want a practical truck with a 200"-230" wheelbase. Or do I go all out ridiculousness with a 275"-300" long low FLD.. Which will probably be hell to drive around some of the places I've been.. It will also end parking at my house, as I already go curb to curb getting in & out of here with the rear axle dumped on the wagon..

 

Now here's a thought @singlescrewshaker, what if you were to head out to a wrecking yard and find a truck with the rears you want, same frame rail dimensions etc. Have them cut the frame a little longer than normal in front of the diffs. Then you can slice out the section you added in and graft the cutoff onto the truck's original frame.

Cutoffs aren't super expensive. I paid $1,200 Cdn for a single 20k lb Rockwell with locker, 3.73 ratio. Hub pilot hubs and riding on Freightliner Airliner suspension. Even got both the crossmembers needed for the install since @BoxCarKidd said they'd be needed (thanks again for the heads up on that one bud!)

 

Well you have a set back. Mine is set forward. Mine rides good at 235". Most days I wish it was shorter. I bought a 2014 cut off, but the frame was pre cut short. I wish it was longer. I would have cut it, instead of just swapping axles. But I didnt have the choice. It's all "what do you want or need"? I like the long and low look. But my pile ain't showy. It's all bidness. 225" with your small bunk is all that is needed physically. Maybe shorter cause the set back and side exhaust. My cheap fleet truck has its single stack behind the bunk.

 

Needs more Magpul.

not sure on prices...

 

Ok, we are back to were I started this am. Time for a shower it's only 91°. Shops closed, gonna go have some beers with father inlaw. This fat kids got to throw chains Monday. Better get my fill tonight.




Edit, minus the textured paint that looked like my 2 yearold did it.

 

@singlescrewshaker

What if you put a drop in front of the drives that like 17.5 or 19’s? Dose that do anything for you? Like the dump trucks have?


Think I’d do what you are doing. Keep doing what your doing with what you got. Then, keep looking like you are doing for what you want. Then spend the time and money on the new truck while you drive TAZ to pay for it.

 

NY strips on the cast iron for dinner

 

@singlescrewshaker How about an International like Tug Toy has? Its a C15/10spd truck. Needs a head gasket, possibly a head and needs all the interior and tires. But its sitting at a shop in San Antonio for 5k. It was running freight just a few months ago.

 

Just drop it off when its filled out and ill get right on it.

 

I've been wondering the same myself.? Go for about the minimum of legal spread ~40-42". A single tire pusher, with 235/75r a17.5 like my trailer runs can carry 6005lbs per tire, or 12k lbs for the axle. Would DOT frown upon me if I crossed a scale @32k lbs for the drive pusher tandem if they are unequally loaded.? 20k on the drive, & 12k on the pusher..