The only thing I can't make up my mind on is how to do the dually fenders or just flatbed it. I was thinking of cutting the fender at the factory lines on the bed and welding about 6 inches of sheet steel between the bed and what I cut out like a fare as to preserve the factory lines and style. Another idea was to use the front fenders off the RV to do a similar factory lines style flare. The flatbed would be the easiest but it's been done so many times.
At one time, there was a company that offered fiberglass fenders for our duallies, but they were expensive. I like the idea of using factory front fenders. 4x4 fenders already have some flare to them while the 2wd fenders do not. My truck frame is quite a bit longer than a standard cab long bed. The extension was behind the leaf springs so I just cut it off. Still almost 9 feet behind the cab. Was looking at an extended cab to shorten the distance but couldn't agree on a price.
These factory lines are where I'm planning on cutting. I plan to move it out just far enough to clear the tires with full load and air shocks empty. Not really sure how much weight it'll take to bottom out on frame with these one ton springs. They are a full 2 inches thicker going from 3 leafs to 7.
All suspension components are prepped for paint. Now I'm waiting on new u bolts because mine are too short. All other parts front and rear have been delivered. All new brake parts including hoses, calipers and wheel cylinders. All new bushings, seals and bearings. Front brakes are different by the way and the rear springs have a different front spring eye set up. The one ton has a pin and nut while the 1/2 ton has a bolt. The frame brackets have to be drilled from 14 mm to 1 7/16" and two threaded holes drilled to accommodate the pin. I will upload before and after pictures as I complete. It surprised me that the front brakes had different calipers even though they have the same size piston and looks like the rotors are the same as well. The only difference seems to be the size of the slides. The one ton has one long slide and one short compared to the 1/2 ton's two short slides.
That's a great paint booth you got there!! Loads of space. What are you going to use to fill the panels ? I'd cut a bit past those lines to leave the OEM angles untouched.. Plus it gives u extra material to match up! Eager to see how you go about this! Your essentially starting a widebody build!! Hahaha
Thanks. Yeah, the paint booth is a bus my buddy is turning into a tiny home. We have to cut and raise the roof 18 inches next week. In a time crunch to get my stuff painted before.
Oooweee, that feeling once you start putting fresh parts into your rig.. #addicting if you got the full bushing kit then things are about to get tight!!
Yes. I've decided to use the front fenders reversed. It should keep some factory lines while giving two more reverse facing lights via the front corner markers.