Are you seeking advice on replacing a firetruck bed and pump assembly with a dump box? I am contemplating this project and curious about the level of difficulty involved. I have the capability to remove the bed and install a dump bed. One challenge I am encountering is the presence of a driveshaft driven water pump with a transfer case in the middle. This necessitates finding or creating a new driveshaft and carrier bearing. The truck is a low mileage Chevy with a rust-free, clean cab. Would this conversion be worthwhile? Any insights are appreciated.
If you're looking to upgrade your Chevy truck with the proper running gear, you shouldn't have a hard time finding what you need. Start by determining the wheelbase that best fits your needs and then search salvage yards for the parts you require. Keep in mind that you may need to shorten the truck to accommodate a dump body, as a single axle chassis may not have the capacity for a dump body as long as a firetruck bed. Consider the various standard wheelbase options available for your chassis and choose the one that is most suitable for your purposes. While the effort may be considerable, the end result will be a reliable truck that can serve you for many years to come. This could be extremely valuable for a working individual, although you may not see a full return on your investment if your goal is to sell it for a profit.
Is it possible to have a custom driveshaft made? Also, how can we integrate the PTO and plumbing system from either the transmission or front engine?
Willie B recently purchased a Chevy Topkick with the intention of converting it into a dump truck. However, he has encountered some challenges with the power take-off (PTO) system, as well as time constraints. For more information on Willie B's project and to get advice from others, check out the discussion threads on Heavy Equipment Forums: https://www.heavyequipmentforums.co...cs-on-a-gmc-top-kick.71444/page-3#post-910136 and https://www.heavyequipmentforums.com/threads/buying-a-top-kick.69872/#post-726613.
Thank you for the information. The wheelbase of the truck is 179 inches, and the frame length from the back of the cab to the end of the frame rails is 12 feet. This means you can accommodate up to a 12-foot box on it, or a 10-foot box with some space between the cab and the bed. I am considering visiting truck salvage yards to find a GM chassis with a 366 engine and a 5-speed transmission that matches the 179-inch wheelbase of my truck. I plan to take the entire drive shaft, carrier bearing, and brackets from the salvaged chassis and retrofit them onto my truck. I am unsure if the shaft from the center to the rear axle is the same one used with a carrier bearing setup, so I may only need the front shaft and carrier setup. While I have considered having a custom shaft made, I believe it may be more costly, and I am aiming to keep expenses low as this truck is for personal use only.
Answer: 1. How difficult is it to convert a firetruck bed to a dump truck? - The difficulty of converting a firetruck bed to a dump truck can vary depending on the specific design of the firetruck, such as the presence of a driveshaft driven water pump and transfer case. It may require finding or creating a new driveshaft and carrier bearing, which can add complexity to the process.
Answer: - Whether converting a firetruck bed to a dump truck is worthwhile depends on factors such as the condition of the truck, the cost of the conversion, and the intended use of the dump truck. Evaluating these aspects can help determine the value of the conversion project.
Answer: - Challenges that may arise during the conversion process include dealing with components like the driveshaft driven water pump and transfer case, ensuring compatibility with the dump bed, and addressing any modifications needed for a successful conversion.
Answer: - Depending on the specific requirements of the conversion, specialized skills and tools may be necessary. Removing the firetruck bed, installing the dump bed, and addressing any unique components like the driveshaft driven water pump may require mechanical expertise and specialized equipment.
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