Short bed F-350s have never rolled off the assembly line at
Ford. But the idea of one has been discussed by Ford truck enthusiasts for
years. Sure, a 1 ton truck is spring stiff to carry loads and tow big cargo.
They are tough trucks… Ford tough! This toughness means bigger and stronger
axles, thicker frames and bigger brakes. These heavy duty parts make the F-350
a perfect platform for a super tough recreation truck, one that can be used on
street or trail. However, the longer length, added weight, and stiffer springs
of an F-350 offset the advantages of the stronger components for use off
pavement and for sportier use on it. They also make the street ride quite
stiff, when running unloaded.
Orang Crush F-350
On Road
The answer to a super tough truck that rides well and is
also fun to drive, on any surface, in any weather, seemed simple. Just make a
short bed F-350 4x4 with a softer than stock suspension. The shorter length
would mean easier parking in town, and a truck that was more nimble on the
trails. Better still, the right suspension would soften the ride on street and
trail, while not sacrificing all the load carrying and towing capabilities of a
diesel powered 1 ton truck.
A few years back, Ernie Voles began thinking about building
a wild looking truck that was also fun to drive, anywhere. Now this was not
Ernie’s first wild ride project. In fact, Ernie has the building bug and has
been building cool autos and trucks for all his adult life. He’s even turned
his passion into a business and builds cool rigs for a living.
Orang Crush F-350
Front View
Ernie and his crew at Rok Industries partnered with DBS suspension
to build this one of a kind F-350 short-bed 4x4, affectionately named “Stubby.”
To build Stubby, a 2001 F-350 standard cab with a 7.3L diesel was selected as
the base for the build. The frame was shortened 16 inches and reinforced, and a
6 foot bed was installed. Much bodywork was done and a Hannemann wide body
fiberglass kit was installed.
The refreshed 7.3L diesel was reinstalled. Of course, a few
up grades were made to it too. These include a 6-inch Gibson exhaust and
muffler, Airaid intake and Xtreme Diesel compressor wheel. An Air Dog lift pump
and filter setup was also installed.
The otherwise stock interior was upgraded with Corbeau
bucket seats, new custom black carpet and black-painted dash.
Lift and ride quality come from a BDS Suspension. The front
is a 6-inch lift with 2 ½-inch shackles added and the rear received a set of 8-inch
BDS springs. Fox 2.0 mono tube racing shocks were used in pairs at each corner
to smooth out the ride. BDS traction bars were also installed.
All that air is
funneled through a set of Brodix-18 aluminum heads mated to a Brodix HV intake.
The bottom end is equally stout with a Crower Billet crankshaft and Diamond
pistons, making a compression ratio of 10:1 - fairly aggressive for the amount
of boost Mike is throwing at it
The driveline consists of a 4R100 automatic, and an NP271,
two-speed transfer case that sends power from the 7.3L oil burner to the
differentials. The front end is a Dana 50 that’s open and the rear is the Ford
10.5-inch with the EOM limited-slip. Gearing is 3.73:1 and custom diff covers
were also installed and painted to match the orange theme. This truck rolls on
44x19.50R20 and Interco Super Swamper TSL Boggers on 20x12 MHT Hostage wheels.
Ernie and his team have built a unique F-350 that’s one of a
kind. While not as wild as some rigs, it’s practical and can be used for a
multitude of tasks, from hauling hay to wheeling in the dunes. The short bed
may reduce cargo capacity, but it opens up the world of fun that a long-bed
truck just can’t bring to the table.
