Redthies' '97 F350 Thread

[TheAlmightySam]

Sam- We will be up by the Dalles on the 27-28th, then Champoeg on the 29th. (Just in case you want to trade).I think your Dodge is the nicest 1st gen on here! (No offence meant Pulltil, Istzyph, et al). If they made a crewcab in that era I'd be driving one!

That's terribly flattering!

Sounds like we might be at the coast on the 29th, so I'm afraid your attempt to permanently borrow my Dodge might have to wait for another trip, I'm afraid

[redthies]

I was just reading Blakeapes Dodge thread and the topic of spare tire storage has come up. Anyone got any clever ideas? When my camper is on, it hangs two feet past the bumper and hitch, and I don't think there is any chance of a 35 hanging in the factory location. The only thing I have come up with is a very long hitch mounted flip down that would act as a step when flipped down, (which would be a pita to do every time you want to get in or out of the camper). My other thought which is slightly more appealing, is to make a different version of a hitch mount that would have the tire laying flat like a pancake on a spatula under the camper. This would take up some departure angle, but it's really not as big a concern as not having a spare would be. Any bright ideas??

[Shiryas]

I think you are right, we have no chance of storing a full size spare in the stock location. Might as well keep an eye out for a 44 gallon Excursion tank to swap in place of the stock 16 gallon one, they do not hang any lower than the OEM spare did.

I would like a swing out for my truck to compliment the topper but first things first is the suspensionectomy.

Back to your question:
- My Dad ran our Suburban spare off the front bumper when I was a kid since the kitchen box was mounted in the back. He never had any overheating issues, even with a 454 in the deserts. I know this would be real tough with your bumper and planned winch, so I do not think this is going to work.
- Roof, I think not. Toyo lists the 315 as 71lbs +25 for the rim, no way you are lifting that easily on to the roof.
- Hood, LR style? (See above 'roof')

All I can come up with is inside! Do you really use the rear seat? You could ratchet strap it up against the rear window and build a removable L shaped platform around it, two pieced, about the height of the armrest on the 40/20/40, dogs on top of the platform with storage underneath.

Truck looks great, glad things are coming together on your build.

Cheers, Chris

[Erik N]

I am going to put my oversize (255) spare on the roof, as it doesn't fit in it's interior nacelle.

I am going with "E" rated tires, so hopefully I will never need it.

I hate having a 80lb projectile inside the car, anyway.

[BCHauler]

I would do the spare off the front bumper, or fab a custom mount on the back wall of the camper, like the Earthroamers.

Not sure if I've mentioned this before or not, but I did an extensive number of mods to my 94, one of which was swapping the rear 18 gallon tank for a 32 gallon Bronco. If you're not putting your spare there, might as well increase your fuel capacity, I say.

Or, since you don't have kids, could you pull the backseat and convert the area to custom storage? I think someone on here with a Chev Colorado did that...

[BCHauler]

Just found this on craigslist. http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/pm...141367740.html

[JSTANN]

I did the zf swap ... It was a weekend of work

[redthies]

I did the zf swap ... It was a weekend of work

Want to do another? My immediate concern is the fact that the truck has decided not to turn anymore. Steering shaft bearings going in tomorrow.

I am torn on the spare. I have NEVER in 25 years of offroad travel had a flat. (Now that I have said it, I fully expect to have all four tires flat in the driveway tomorrow morning). I don't want to go without a spare, and I don't plan on stuffing it in the back seat or on the front bumper... A rack on the back of the camper is a possibility, but I will have to look into where I can attach something that heavy without damaging the camper.

[Redline]

snip...
I am torn on the spare. I have NEVER in 25 years of offroad travel had a flat. (Now that I have said it, I fully expect to have all four tires flat in the driveway tomorrow morning). snip...

Now you've gone and done it...
I've only had few as well, maybe only enough for one hand in the same 25 years, but lately I'm on an upswing. Like you, I won't be without at least one proper spare.

[redthies]

Well, the tires still have air in them, but I had to replace my steering shaft bearings. I had my buddies shop do that as work is too busy and I couldn't steer it any more, which could lead to problems I have heard... When I went to pick it up, his mechanic said he thought the driver side hub was stuck on, so I took it apart and took out what I think is an "extra" spring. I went to Warns site and look at the exploded view of a hub and sure enough, it doesn't show this spring. It seems to work now, and I might gain 6-8 mpg

It is still steering kind of stiff, so I will keep digging...