05 Flatbed build

[Jacob]

 

[Jacob]

 

[Jacob]

Built the bumper and the bed. Two of my better fabrication projects. The bed went through a lot of changes. Last pic is how it looked when I sold it for almost nothing.

 

[Jacob]

The bumper was made of piece of 2x4 1/4" tube that I split in half to make channel. Various 1/4 flatbar. 14 gauge tread plate. I tried to make it not too heavy. At first the winch went in a reciever tube on front. Later on it was permanently tucked up inside. The license plate is in the reciever hitch. You could remove the plate and install a ball.

 

[Brutal_HO]

I kinda miss my 04.5 HO, it just wasn't enough truck for my towing needs any more.

 

[crippwarrior12]

I kinda miss my 04.5 HO, it just wasn't enough truck for my towing needs any more.

When you say enought for towing what were you towing if I may ask. I tow very heavy all the time with an o4 5.9 Cummins hauling hay on a 35 flatbed 17 large rounds around seven to ten loads a year.

 

[Brutal_HO]

When you say enought for towing what were you towing if I may ask. I tow very heavy all the time with an o4 5.9 Cummins hauling hay on a 35 flatbed 17 large rounds around seven to ten loads a year.

76', 16K double towing my 5th wheel and boat in the mountain west.

Even with air springs, it just wasn't stable compared to the new 3500's. The Banks economind tune sucked, the 48RE needed a rebuild, the banks exhaust brake with the 47RE was marginal, etc. I would have sunk at least 20K+ into it and it still had a small cab. I also didn't really trust the 04.5 piston design.

 

[H3LZSN1P3R]

76', 16K double towing my 5th wheel and boat in the mountain west.

Even with air springs, it just wasn't stable compared to the new 3500's. The Banks economind tune sucked, the 47RE needed a rebuild, the banks exhaust brake with the 47RE was marginal, etc. I would have sunk at least 20K+ into it and it still had a small cab. I also didn't really trust the 04.5 piston design.

Would it not have been the 48RE or was it swapped to a 47RE?

 

[Brutal_HO]

Would it not have been the 48RE or was it swapped to a 47RE?

yes, typo

 

[Jacob]

I miss the 05. Having a longbed and a flatbed was nice. Had plenty of power for me. But damn the steering sucked, even after replacing everything but the steering wheel. I was gonna get the mopar steering gear box and tie rod upgrade kits next but just sold it. And it was hella loud compared to the new truck. No room in the back seat.

 

[Brutal_HO]

I miss the 05. Having a longbed and a flatbed was nice. Had plenty of power for me. But damn the steering sucked, even after replacing everything but the steering wheel. I was gonna get the mopar steering gear box and tie rod upgrade kits next but just sold it. And it was hella loud compared to the new truck. No room in the back seat.

I put the 08.5+ T-steering on mine. Big improvement.

 

[H3LZSN1P3R]

I put the 08.5+ T-steering on mine. Big improvement.

Yes I found that helped my 05 greatly and it makes a massive difference on my 01.