Steel Soldiers now has a few new forums, read more about it at: New Munitions Forums!
Microsoft MSN, Live, Hotmail, Outlook email users may not be receiving emails. We are working to resolve this issue. Please add support@steelsoldiers.com to your trusted contacts.
Without the normal tire scrub my truck turns a lot sharper. I can do a full 180 in a cul de sec without backing up. That is almost impossible with my crewcab pick-up.
My bed is 11'9" if you look closely I moved the bed forward, put drive axle in front tandem axle position, and kept the stock overhang. I didn't just remove one section of bedside, I split the difference across the center.
I haven't been driving the truck. I currently have it torn apart to put a fuller 13 speed in it. Still not sure of weight or fuel mileage but the standard trans will undoubtedly change that also. I am going to post some more pics when i'm done.
It definitely has a tighter turn radius, and a little more pep but top speed is the same.
I plan on driving it onto a scale soon to see what she weighs in at.
Would bob another one, I love it, and it fits in a single parking stall so anywhere I can go with my crewcab pickup I can take her.
I know I bought an M925 in yesterdays auction. Shipping to neighboring island will cost me more than the truck!
Shipping to mainland California is almost $10,000, I just shipped a truck here that was $13,000 from Oakland California.
Springs with all brackets bolts and shocks cost $450.00.
Also by removing the center of the bed you can leave the higher cross beams over the tire, and the factory rear mudflap in place.
By shortening it this way the hinges for the bed sides look evenly spaced also.
A lot of thought went into this, and I think it turned out better than if I would have...
I purchased my springs off e-bay from A&A Truck Parts Online store.
The bed measures 11ft 9in now, 58inches of frame was removed.
I chose these numbers so rear overhang is exactly the same as stock from center of rear tire to end of the tailgate with the bed 2inches from cab.
Finally got a chance to repair and install the top, I think it looks better with it on.
Here's a couple pics. I just pop riveted the plastic strip to the top with washer backers and painted them to blend in.
No modification to truck, just the top. I couldn't get anyone to sew it on, so this works.
This truck drives great, I have parked it in a single parking stall with no problem. The turn radius is considerably tighter, I would compare to my quad cab pick-up. I can turn around in a cul-de-sac without doing a three point. Not sure about fuel mileage I've only had it done two days now.
I forgot my camera when I shortened the bed sides and jump seats but here's the finished truck.
Done on the fourth of July and had her maiden voyage in the evening parade.
I had a blast building it and think it turned out great.
Ran the exhaust under body, believe it or not there is still almost ten inches of clearance between muffler and tire.
Ran 5" exhaust from cab back and used a stack muffler because it was only 9" diameter. Also I made a turn out through and behind mudflap hanger and painted whole thing with flat...
I located the axle where the front tandem was so I could just bolt the driveshaft on and the air lines would reach.
I also cut the exhaust off and removed the spare tire carrier to move the bed forward.
I bought a set of front springs complete with hangers, shackles, and all bolts from E-Bay (shipping to Hawaii from New Jersey cost as much as the springs).
You can see how much of the frame was cut off here.
Sure, ad-blocking software does a great job at blocking ads, but it also blocks useful features of our website like our supporting vendors. Their ads help keep Steel Soldiers going. Please consider disabling your ad blockers for the site. Thanks!