Interesting F-550 build/TFL video

[NIsaacs]

Daily driver, off highway and tow truck. It is actually a '19, Ford F-450 pickup, he wanted the wider frame and full power. He custom ordered the special wheels and has exclusive rights to them, built by Hutchinson.

I think he would benefit by moving the ball forward some, steer axle seems light. When I saw the loaded picture, my first thought was move the load forward some, but he is right at Max rear axle rating. I would also think with the wider track, the axles should be derated some. However, I think the F-450 pickup is derated some anyway.

 

[AH64ID]

Interesting build for sure. Really the only gain over doing this with a F-450 P/U over a F-350 is the the wide track front axle, but the axle it self is the same. 4.30’s are nice for the bigger tires.

The rear axle is capable of up to 13.6K, but I’m not sure the pickup frame is.

He has 100K miles on it, so I’m curious if the ball joints are still stock or if he has had to replace them.

I bet the gooseneck ball location was dictated by Ford, but maybe he’s not using the OE gooseneck location. The front axle does seem too light for that load.

 

[mwilson]

Not afraid to experiment for darn sure!! I’m impressed with his efforts!!

 

[NIsaacs]

I asked him about the steer axle weight and he said it doesn't vary much empty or loaded, so the ball must be centered. He said 5030-5080. I asked him about the ball joints and if he thinks the wider track derated his axles some. I will post his answer if he responds.

 

[NIsaacs]

110k on original ball joints and wheel bearings. I am not sure how many of those miles are on the build. He did admit they are no doubt slightly compromised. He pointed out the brush trucks and overland camper builds that are singled out. I think for the most part, those trucks are still using pickup type tires in the 36"-38" range with less offset and not towing 43k.

Still a cool truck tho, and I would guess that the coolness factor and most of his use, is more important than the extra maintenance/repair, to axles and steering components.

 

[NIsaacs]

He said his track width is 92" front and rear. That is significant, oem is 75". Trailer is an FMAX312, so 12k axles, nice. The combo is for sale, lol.