|
02-24-2011, 01:43 PM
|
#1 |
|
Registered User
 Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Little Rock, AR
Posts: 61
|
stepside bed options
Well... I am really tired of the busted, bent, sideways, rotted step bed in my truck.
I got it and thought, Coool!!! Wood floor!!! Not so much now, the bolts are IMPOSSIBLE to remove without cutting out (round top+rust=disaster). And because everything is mounted to now decimated wood... it shakes, rattles and shifts while driving. I was thinking of doing a 88-98 step. Stop, typing "no dont do it" and hear me out... 1. steel floor- solid mounting and I can haul more than a spare tire 2. total fiberglass sides reduces weight 3. Infinite options for customization (aftermarket for 88-98 is limitless, practically) 4. looked at a lot of photos, and I don't think it looks bad (least important reason I'm working out all the bugs in the driveline and suspension. I am about to get into weight reduction/moving crap around/body. Any USEFUL knowledge on the swap would be GREATLY 'pprecciated... thanks dudes. 
|
|
|
|
02-24-2011, 02:05 PM
|
#2 |
|
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Ontario Canada
Posts: 1,006
|
Re: stepside bed options
If you don't mind the way it looks then that's all that matters. As far as weight savings I don't think it would be that much as a good portion of the box is steel
|
|
|
|
|
02-24-2011, 05:00 PM
|
#3 |
|
Canadian Trucker
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Sarnia, ont canada
Posts: 648
|
Re: stepside bed options
I've seen it done, personally I don't like it, but to each his own.
On the weight issue, over the rear axle is the last place you want to lose weight, thats where trucks need weight. The 88-98 beds are built stronger but, with all the fabbing you'd have to do to mount the newer bed, you could stiffin the older bed and put a steel floor in. To mount the 88-98 step side on your truck you'll need to fab new mounting points, as the 88-98 truck have wider frames then the 73-87. On my old 83 step side, I took a fleet side bed, cut out the floor and welded into the stepside strengthened the bed alot, and got ride of the rotting wood problem. Just another option
__________________
 2020 Silverado Trail Boss - 6.2/10spd |
|
|
|
|
02-24-2011, 06:43 PM
|
#4 |
|
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Little Rock, AR
Posts: 61
|
Re: stepside bed options
^ thanks. I am considering...
|
|
|
|
|
02-24-2011, 09:24 PM
|
#5 |
|
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Sonora California
Posts: 860
|
Re: stepside bed options
I hear ya. But I'm going renew the flooring on mine. I still have all the parts and then some. I figure around $2 to 300 for the wood alone and the some wood work with my wood tools. It's the preservation of the clasic stepside. I plan on a stepper trailer too.
|
|
|
|
 |
| Bookmarks |
|
|
Linear Mode
