So, I bought a California homed M715 here on the board. It's already had an engine swapped into it, so I don't feel bad about further mods.
The Plan: Make an M715 more reliable, ride better and use off the shelf parts. Want to find all wearables at a VatoZone.
This will be a tow rig and parts getter for the most part. It's in CA still, so a shop I trust does the work or Glenn hauls it back for me and I do the work.
Major stuff, but I do want to spend some time looking it over, I do not want to break down on the way back with my son.
M715 frame and F350 frame are basically the same dimensions where it matters.
Front axle and suspension: Ford SD HP 60 with 4.30 gears, I have the steering and track bar from the truck. Frame will need radius arm, track bar, coil spring and shock mounts.
I already own the front axle - could also just source one out there and use the one I have for something else.
Choice on the radius arms, springs and shocks - could use factory, could use Ruffstuff's kit, it does come unwelded.
Rear axle that matches the front, remount leaf springs with double captured hangers. I'd like to go with a late model 1 ton leaf spring set to get longer springs. As the axle is wider, we can locate it however we want on the frame.
Thinking F350 rear.
Same wheel base. 39 to 42" tires that will take the weight of a 5/4 ton truck.
Divorced Ford NP205. Truck has a divorced NP 200 already, that drops on the other side. All M715 linkages, parking brake, etc to cross to the NP205.
Brake booster, master cylinder, brake lines/hoses and proportioning valve to support the four wheel disk brakes. Might as well use a 2005 Ford F350 set up. Do not have it.
J20 power steering box and SBC power steering pump. Ujoints on the sector shaft... I don't do rag joints. Do not have it.
Suspension seats and 3 point harness' (after seeing the pics of the seats...). Do not have it, thinking PRP with some 3 point harness.
So, stay tuned to Project Pig.
