Small chip truck chassis

JLinKY

JLinKY

Location
Indianapolis IN
The engine in my f450 chip truck is done. I have a solid southco body that I want to put on a new to me chassis. Do I have any options other than the ford super duty, any one have luck with the Isuzu NPR or other cab overs? This is the body. Advise on what to avoid.

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That looks like a nice truck, what year and engine is in that truck? If it's a gasser, I would highly consider finding a 7.3L diesel to put into that truck versus buying a whole new cab/chassis to find for your dump body.

jp
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Kind of sounds like doing a lobotomy to fix a headache. Is there something else wrong with the truck that would make replacing the mill the more expensive or wasteful option? Btw, gas to diesel conversion= cost prohibitive. If its the 6.8 v10 that's about 4k for a rebuilt up here.
 
I recently had my engine fail in my 7.3l f450. I decided to go with a short block engine replacement...to the tune of $12 grand till it was all done. If I had to do it over again, and could have found one at the time, I would have changed to a cab over chassis. But I had, and still have, transmission issues to.

I'm still keeping my eyes open for a cab over truck...maybe come spring time i will change trucks.
 
the f450 has the 6.8l gas engine and it needs transmission work soon along with electric issues. When it rains the truck has a mind of its own. It has been worked, I would need to put 6k into it and that isn't going to happen.

I want to go with the cab over for the turn radius but was uncertain if I could safely pull a bandit 150 uphill with a full load of chips.
 
also the truck has no a/c and after this summer I can't go another season without. 5pm traffic when it's 105 outside without a/c after a 10 hours day sucks. I must be getting old or weak but this summer was brutal here.
 
Whoa climbhigh. Last I checked out of curiousity, the Ford Dealer had long blocks for 8-10k.

Jlink, reseal the windshield. Known problem to leak in the bottom corners, letting rain into the computer and electrical system. Couple hundo fix on that issue.

I like the small chassis trucks, Ford especially, and pre 2004.5 to boot. I've got two, they are bomber with the 7.3 and 6 speeds.

I hear the cab overs get stuck on wet grass, up here I couldn't get around without 4x4.

Good luck.
 
We have a Mitsubishi 4x4 and the guys would light it o fire if it ment they'd get another F550. Ford carries/ tows more than the Mitsubishi, both have the same turning radius and the parts cost 1/3. To each his own, but stay domestic for cheap and easy parts. FYI, gmc cab overs are Isuzu's.
 
I would be looking for a 99-2003 f550 diesel with low miles and AC and put your box on the new cab. I bought my 2001 f550 7.3L w/ 73k miles and mason dump bed for 15K almost a year ago, it is a sweet truck and pulls my 15" bandit no problem.

jp
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I would look for up to a 04 f550 4x4 go diesel just make sure you find same cab to axle easy to switch over dump body will be on a subframe if you stay with ford frame will be same if you go cabover you have to alter toolboxes to accommodate fuel tanks battery boxes,also you would have extra parts doors cab parts etc.newer fords are ok just haven't any luck with 6.4 ltr
 
Looking for a F-550 now. I resealed the windshield and can at least keep the battery charged now when it rains. I am hoping to finish the season with this truck, the engine is knocking pretty good.
Thanks for the info on the leaky door jab/windshield may have bought me a couple more weeks.

Any tips for buying a used powerstroke? Are the 6.0l really that costly to own? I would love a 7.3l (had a '95) but am not crazy about buying another 12 year old truck.
 
Well I found a good deal on another Super Duty. It is a 2000 7.3l. It has most of what I need and it was a great deal.

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Now to switch the bodies and get rid of the gasser.
Thanks for the input, I think I can make some money with this setup.
 
Jlinky,

I think you made the right choice!Diesels are costly to fix but worth it in so many ways. Expensive to replace parts and all but they run forever. Generally have more torque and reliability. The 7.3 is way better than the 6.0 too. Lots of blown head gaskets and turbo problems with the 6.0.

Plus if you ever wanted to run a bio diesel or make your own you could go that way as well and save some money and the environment and use it as a marketing tool.

Good luck, I hope it works well for you, should be a sweet truck when you are done.
 
nice truck Jlinky I think you're smart with the 7.3L the 6.0 can be made to be reliable from what I understand, but you have to sink some $ into it (like around 5K) to get it to that point. You're box setup will look sweet on that truck, now for some TLC!

jp
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