A Custom F-350 Short Bed

Short-bed F-350s have never rolled off the assembly line at Ford. But the idea of one has been discussed by Ford truck enthusiasts for years. Sure, a 1-ton truck is spring stiff to carry loads and tow big cargo. They are tough trucks… Ford tough! This toughness means bigger and stronger axles, thicker frames and bigger brakes. These heavy-duty parts make the F-350 a perfect platform for a super-tough recreation truck, one that can be used on street or trail. However, the longer length, added weight, and stiffer springs of an F-350 offset the advantages of the stronger components for use off pavement and for sportier use on it. They also make the street ride quite stiff, when running unloaded.

The answer to a super-tough truck that rides well and is also fun to drive, on any surface, in any weather, seemed simple. Just make a short-bed F-350 4×4 with a softer than stock suspension. The shorter length would mean easier parking in town, and a truck that was more nimble on the trails. Better still, the right suspension would soften the ride on street and trail, while not sacrificing all the load-carrying and towing capabilities of a diesel-powered 1-ton truck.

A few years back, Ernie Voles began thinking about building a wild-looking truck that was also fun to drive, anywhere. Now this was not Ernie’s first wild ride project. In fact, Ernie has the building bug and has been building cool autos and trucks for all his adult life. He’s even turned his passion into a business and builds cool rigs for a living.

Ernie and his crew at Rok Industries partnered with DBS suspension to build this one-of-a-kind F-350 short-bed 4×4, affectionately named “Stubby.” To build Stubby, a 2001 F-350 standard cab with a 7.3L diesel was selected as the base for the build. The frame was shortened 16 inches and reinforced, and a 6-foot bed was installed. Much bodywork was done and a Hannemann wide-body fiberglass kit was installed.

The refreshed 7.3L diesel was reinstalled. Of course, a few upgrades were made to it too. These include a 6-inch Gibson exhaust and muffler, Airaid intake and Xtreme Diesel compressor wheel. An AirDog lift pump and filter setup was also installed.

The otherwise stock interior was upgraded with Corbeau bucket seats, new custom black carpet and black-painted dash.

Lift and ride quality come from a BDS Suspension. The front is a 6-inch lift with 2 ½-inch shackles added and the rear received a set of 8-inch BDS springs. Fox 2.0 monotube racing shocks were used in pairs at each corner to smooth out the ride. BDS traction bars were also installed.

The driveline consists of a 4R100 automatic, and an NP271, two-speed transfer case that sends power from the 7.3L oil burner to the differentials. The front end is a Dana 50 that’s open and the rear is the Ford 10.5-inch with the EOM limited-slip. Gearing is 3.73:1 and custom diff covers were also installed and painted to match the orange theme. This truck rolls on 44×19.50R20 and Interco Super Swamper TSL Boggers on 20×12 MHT Hostage wheels.

Ernie and his team have built a unique F-350 that’s one of a kind. While not as wild as some rigs, it’s practical and can be used for a multitude of tasks, from hauling hay to wheeling in the dunes. The short bed may reduce cargo capacity, but it opens up the world of fun that a long-bed truck just can’t bring to the table.

For more info, go to www.rokindustries.com. UDBG

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