Trader 05 – 1986 Crew Cab Longbed Dually F-350¶
Series: Trader • Status: Active
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Build ID | trader-05 |
| Year | 1986 |
| Make | Ford |
| Model | F-350 Crew Cab Longbed Dually |
| Drivetrain | 4x4 |
| Color | Brown |
| Platform | Bullnose (1980-1986) |
Build Philosophy¶
Goal: Look and feel like a Bullnose inside and out, but drive like a modern Super Duty with all the comfort and capability that implies.
- Period-correct aesthetics
- Modern reliability and drivability
- Confident towing (bumper or gooseneck)
- Highway stable, not a farm truck
Donor Vehicle¶
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Year | 2008 |
| Make | Ford |
| Model | F-450 |
| Odometer | 150,000 mi |
| Condition | Good, clean title |
| Price | $12,000 |
| Location | St Augustine, FL |
| Acquired | 2026-02 |
| VIN | 1FDXW47R28EB01785 |
| GVWR | 16,000 lb |
Donor Status¶
"Fummins" conversion — 85% complete
Already installed: - 12V Cummins (fully built, ~$18k in parts, all new with receipts) - ZF6 manual transmission - Compound turbos
Remaining work needed: - [ ] Exhaust - [ ] Intercooling pipe - [ ] Hydraulic lines - [ ] Drive shaft
Notes¶
Work interior — plan to swap Lariat seats. Includes set of super singles. Originally built as 600hp reliable rig. Engine rebuild and all parts are new.
Engine Build List (from seller)¶
Engine Rebuild (Auto Parts and Machine, Jacksonville FL): - O-ringed head, ports ported lightly, new pistons - Micro polished crank, valves reseated - All new gaskets and freeze plugs
Turbo System: - Instaspool custom HE341 60/67 - T4 475 - Steed Speed manifold - Connectors and tube for compounds - Oil return plumbing for compounds
Fuel System: - PDD Hotrod lift pump - PDD Powerjet Stage 2 injectors - PDD 055 delivery valves - 3k/4k gov springs - Overflow valve
Engine Internals: - Xotic head studs - Xotic machined milled rockers - Powerdriven Diesel conical valve springs - Fluid dampener and harmonic balancer - Billet intake manifold plate - New water pump
Drivetrain: - ZF6 manual transmission - Dual plate 650hp clutch (Kentucky Clutch) - Adapter plate for engine to trans - Hydraulic pump for conversion
Accessories: - Accessory adapters (AC, water, alternator) - Engine mounts - S&B body mounts - New AC stuff (full set) - Evil Energy hoses and connectors
Photos¶
See 03-media/ for donor vehicle photos.
Powertrain¶
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine | 12V Cummins (built, from donor) |
| Transmission | ZF6 Manual (from donor) |
| Transfer Case | From F-450 donor |
| Target HP | 600 hp |
Front Suspension (2008 Super Duty Coil Solid Axle)¶
Axle & Location¶
- 2008 F-450 4x4 front axle (Dana Super 60 wide-track)
- Radius arm suspension (2005–2008 style)
Required Fabrication / Mounts¶
- Coil spring buckets (2005–2008 Super Duty style)
- Radius arm frame crossmember and mounts
- Track bar frame mount (boxed + gusseted, very rigid)
- Axle-side track bar mount (match SD geometry)
- Shock towers or frame mounts (adequate travel)
Springs & Control¶
- Front coil springs matched to truck weight (not F-550 commercial coils)
- Front sway bar (2005–2008 Super Duty or equivalent)
- Adjustable caster correction (bushings or arm geometry)
Steering (must match suspension geometry)¶
- Drag link positioned parallel to track bar
- Tie rod appropriate for wide-track axle
- Steering stabilizer (secondary, not a fix)
- Reinforced steering box mount / frame plate
Shocks¶
- Front shocks tuned for heavy axle + towing (strong rebound control)
Rear Suspension (Leaf Spring)¶
Axle & Mounting¶
- 2008 F-450 rear axle (dually)
- Leaf spring perches correctly positioned & welded
Springs & Load Support¶
- Rear moderate-rate leaf spring pack (not F-550 dump-truck stiff)
- Airbags (air-assist only) for load leveling
- Rear sway bar (highly recommended for towing)
Geometry¶
- Proper rear shackle angle at ride height
- Reinforced shackle and hanger mounts
Shocks¶
- Rear shocks matched to axle weight and spring rate
Non-Negotiable Details¶
Geometry & Alignment¶
- Track bar as long and flat as possible
- Track bar and drag link angles closely matched
- Front caster target: ~5–6.5°
- Slight toe-in
Frame Reinforcement¶
- Plate and gusset track bar mount
- Reinforce radius arm crossmember area
- Box frame where suspension mounts attach
Ride & Control¶
- Front and rear bump stops
- Quality spring bushings (not all hard poly)
- Shocks sized so you are not topping or bottoming out
What NOT To Do¶
| Mistake | Why |
|---|---|
| ❌ F-550 commercial spring rates front or rear | Too stiff, terrible ride |
| ❌ No sway bars "for flex" | Dangerous for towing |
| ❌ Weak track bar mount | Death wobble guaranteed |
| ❌ Mismatched steering/track bar geometry | Death wobble guaranteed |
| ❌ Over-stiff leaf packs to "avoid airbags" | Unloaded ride quality suffers |
Interior & Comfort Features¶
Philosophy: Period-correct appearance with hidden modern features.
Gauges & Electronics¶
- Dakota Digital gauges (period-appropriate styling)
- Dakota Digital cruise control
- Other Dakota Digital modules as needed
HVAC¶
- Vintage Air system
- Vintage Air physical controls (period-correct look)
Audio¶
- Period-correct looking head unit with Bluetooth
- Quality sound system
- Sound deadening throughout
Seating¶
- Heated seats
- Cooled seats (maybe)
Wheels¶
- JKWheels Classic Dually Wheels
Expected Result (If Done Correctly)¶
- ✓ Stable at highway speed
- ✓ Confident towing (bumper or gooseneck)
- ✓ Much better ride than stock '80s leaf-spring truck
- ✓ Drives like a modern Super Duty, not a farm truck
- ✓ Looks like a clean Bullnose inside and out
Overview¶
The largest Trader build — a 1986 Bullnose crew cab dually that looks period-correct but drives like a modern truck. Built 12V Cummins with ZF6 manual, 2008 F-450 axles with Super Duty coil-spring front suspension, and a fully modernized interior hidden behind classic styling.