"help please" Ford F150 + Homemade Hummer Body = Ford H150 (Build Thread)

[H150]

Hi guys
I’m new to this forum, as you can see,
I need your advise, this might be long. Since I’m a Ford nut but always wanted a Hummer but don’t have lots of money, I decided to fabricate my own base on Ford truck frame (I told you I’m a ford nut) right now I have a 1987 F150 4x4 and a 1991 E250 van. since I know the 8.8 rear won’t last long with 37” tire, I will used the 10.25
out of the van but I’m questioning the front, I’m not sure if I should just do a 8bolt swap to the TTB d44 or just swap the hole thing to a solid hd44
Kept in mind that I will not be rock crawling with it, it will be used as my daily driver and for pulling a car trailer. Fabrication for the SAS is not a problem for me
I found a scrap ward that as a good chose of axle that I can chose from
I know solid axles are better for offroad/rock crawling but what about ride quality?
I’m not worry about high-speed handling (how fast can you go with a brick wall after all!)
I know I don’t have a big bronco (I do have a 90BroncoII) but I ask these question on other
Ford truck forum but never got straight answers
You guy’s seen to know all about SAS vs TTB so your advise will be greatly appreciated


Thanks
Francois

[bigric]

I don't have anything useful to contribute here, but I just wanted to say WOW. That's a lot of work there. That should be an interesting truck when it hits the road.

[FlaMudslinger]

Originally Posted by bigric

That should be an interesting truck when it hits the road.

[bnkrtstk]

I agree with the others. I'm going to get crucified for this, bit for your application a TTB would be fine, if you can/keep it aligned. You already have the parts, except for the 8 lug stuff. Since I drive a 79 now, and had no problem with my 88. I have no preference on the TTB vs SAS debate. If it was me, and I had most of the parts for one and none for the other. I'd go with the TTB. Others will come on and scream SAS from their rooftops, and some will say go with the TTB. this is just my $.02

Again, that is a fine looking piece of fab work you've got there.

Oh,and welcome to FSB

[MyFullSize]

HOLY SHIT! Is that what I think it is? A HMMWV body fabricated from scratch?!?! Jesus, it no only looks straight, but to specs too! Thats from someone that has been around them for 16 years. :)

Damn holms, post more pix pls?

[H150]

more pix?
no problem!



i'm currently working on the interior parts




here my donor F150, pretty sad shape

[muddinmike]

Okay first off that is a BADAZZ machine you are building. OKay now to your question. For your application a ttb front end would be allright but if your going to as much work as you have all ready I would at least put a solid axle in. either coil spring or leaf it wouldn't matter either way. I think a good set of soft leaves on a hd d-44 or a 60 would teat you well.

nice rig man

[FordPerf300]

That is absolutely amazing! I vote for a solid, leafsprung 44HD should be fine and they are cheap. You can always swap to a 60 later on if the 44 ends up too weak.

[Hoxviii]

I'm gonna say stay TTB. If you're keeping it on road you won't have any issues keeping it aligned. I know i didn't have any with mine with 35's until i started using it pretty hard. The TTB will be fine for you. Something to look into might be a leafsprung TTB D50 swap out of a 250 or a 350. You'll already have 8 lugs and a stronger axle and you can probably get the whole axle cheaper from a junkyard than the chevy outers to go 8 lug.

Justin

[H150]

Thank's guy's now i'm getting somewhere
leafs are out of the question they will stick out the front by 8" look kind of funny
i'm leaning toward D60 for the 8 bolts hubs and also I need axles that have at least 69” flange wheels mounting dim’s (other reason I got the van) to make up for the 83” wide body

[Andy351]

don't waste your time with the TTB. you've put way too much work into that thing to put a piece of shit underengineered suspension into it. and don't expect the ball joints or wheel bearings to last forever running 37s on D44 stuff. just get a 60 and do it right the first time.

[TxTaurus74]

Thats some very nice craftsmanship....I have to ask, how many hours have you put into that body already...it looks like you have spent a ton of time on it just from looking at the details of it.

[Bill@setel.com]

For all the work you have done...solid axle it.

[Zach94]

solid axle, and if you plan on some 37's, run a 60. since it appears you don't have a problem with fabrication, and leafs don't fit, take a look at a link suspension with coils. you aren't going to find a 60 with the radius arm c's on it anyways, so you are essentially starting from a blank slate.

[H150]

InkDawg i got about 400hrs, i started late December 2003
it would have been quicker but i had to learn welding first

[Franklin]

If it were me (and we build some crazy shit at Corley Body Works) I would go find a wrecked F250/350 and swap the Hummer body on to that frame. The ONLY things to do would be swap elecs/wiring (easy) and body mounts.

But I have a few questions: Are you using the Hummer engine/tranny? Can you do engine elec swap stuff?

The swap onto a donor rig would be the simplest IMO.

We did a 61 Vette body onto a new frame w/ 2003 C5 suspension. Not cake but easier than starting from scratch.

Good fawking luck man. Keep us posted

[plug ugly]

nice work

leaf sprung 60's front and rear, or a 14 bolt rear. I wouldnt even consider anything else for the amount of work you are putting into that thing.

[Hoxviii]

Well if ya wanna get real fancy (and look even more like a hummer), look at a set of mercedes 404 portal axles. Those'd be hella cool under that, but might be a bit hard to come by for a price you're willing to pay.

Justin

[H150]

Originally Posted by Franklin

But I have a few questions: Are you using the Hummer engine/tranny? Can you do engine elec swap stuff?

no Hummer engine/tranny, i'm using the F150 frame,elecs/wiring, 5.8 E4OD out
of the 91 E250 van
body mount will have to be fabricated since Ford body mount are outside of the frame, the Hummer mounts need to be inside the frame

[H150]

Originally Posted by Hoxviii

Well if ya wanna get real fancy (and look even more like a hummer), look at a set of mercedes 404 portal axles. Those'd be hella cool under that, but might be a bit hard to come by for a price you're willing to pay.

Justin

yep make no sense paying more for axle that it cost me to make the body