The last time we checked in on the nearly-totalled 2001 Ford F-250, it had just rolled off the trailer and into the yard for an assessment of the damage, and there was plenty of it. The rear end had rotated in place hard enough to separate the axle tubes from the pumpkin, there was a good tweak of the passenger frame rail just behind the cab and the bed of the truck was pretty much destroyed. In fact, if it weren’t for the fact that the 7.3L diesel not only woke up, but sounded ready to fight when we brought it home, this truck would have been stripped and sent to the scrapyard. However, the owner decided to press on, and we’re happy to report that in the span of a month, the Ford is straightened out, sitting on all fours and is actually drivable. There is still a ways to go towards getting it finished, including hunting down the fault between the key and the starter (you currently have to take a screwdriver to the solenoid to start the truck) but considering the actual dollar amount of money invested in this truck so far (maybe $2,500 if you count the new wheels and tires) this still looks like it will be a good deal in the end. While spending some time at his shop helping with minor tasks, such as fixing some bashed-up battery connectors and washing out the cab of the truck, we got some photos of how far along the truck has come. Check them out!
CLICK HERE to read Part 1 and to see the scope of the damage!
It’s good to see the beast back on all four and moving on it’s own! A lot of work has been put into getting the Ford back to a useable condition, and most of it has gone on behind the cab. New wheels and tires have been ordered, so the KMC wheels can finally go away.
This framerail section was easily the worst spot on the truck, because it had been torqued at the front leaf spring perch clockwise, with the lower section turned in towards the center of the truck. If this couldn’t be fixed the truck was done, but three days on a frame jig got it back into specification.
Once the framework was done, the entire frame, springs, and the new rear axle was coated for rustproofing and everything was bolted up.
The old axle was absolutely destroyed. Once it was removed from the frame, it became apparent that the passenger axle tube was now moving independently from the rest of the diff, and the entire axle had been bent into a U-shape when viewed from the top down. Not surprising, seeing that the frame had been twisted a bit in the process.
The new axle, driveshaft, brake hardware and brake lines came out of a 2002 F-250. Everything was inspected before it was bolted onto the Super Duty.
Just an idea of how bad things really were…
A new short bed was located and purchased. Unfortunately, this bed had a patch cut out of the floor for a frame-mounted towing ball. The owner hasn’t decided if he is going to patch the bed, or if he’s going to do a proper frame-connected towing system in the truck yet.
The same donor Ford also provided a new driver’s side rear door to replace the creased one the Super Duty already had. This limits bodywork to the rear corner of the cab.
Finally, the interior’s comfortable bits were removed and the carpet and padding came out to assess any hidden damages and to perform some repairs. After a thorough scrubbing, it almost looks like new inside. He’s looking for a tan vinyl floor covering for the truck now, and will be sending the front seats off for work soon.
NICE!! Love these trucks!
Bryan, can you add the link to the first part?