i have a buddy that has a 84 toyota and he wants me to build him a flat bed. the thing is the truck is a long bed truck. i think it would look kindof funny if i cut the frame and put the flat bed on it. has anyone ever moved the axle forward on a long bed pickup and done this? i have done searches but came up with nothing but some pretty cool pics.

Just make it and leave the axle where it is. It's a good wheelbase.

Mines a long bed I just cut the frame behind the hangers and pu it on.

That is a good length WB. Do not move the axle forward. My WB is 122" and I love it.

you can make a longer rig turn better, but you can't make a shorter rig climb better. keep it long!

Here is a pic of Brandons FB

http://www.rcrc4x4.com/TrailReports/Jergins/Jergins_oct01/Mvc-0000/Mvc-003s.jpg

this is kinda what you want i think..... he just moved the axle forward


http://bb.bc4x4.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=9597

Originally posted by toyboy2494
i have a buddy that has a 84 toyota and he wants me to build him a flat bed. the thing is the truck is a long bed truck. i think it would look kindof funny if i cut the frame and put the flat bed on it. has anyone ever moved the axle forward on a long bed pickup and done this? i have done searches but came up with nothing but some pretty cool pics.

ian30 has shortened his extra cab wheelbase to nearly a reg cab wheelbase on his flat bed design...the extra cabs and long beds have the same wheelbase...

I shortened my wheelbase before I made my flatbed (which I'm just finishing up with). My truck had a standard bed but the shortening procedure would be the same for you if you wanted to go this route. The following is from an old post of mine:

My extra-cab '85 truck had a wheelbase of about 114.5" (the front axle had been moved forward). I wanted to get rid of my Mazda srpings and install some of the 63" Chevy springs. I also wanted to little bit shorter wheelbase. I wasn't impressed with the double shackle arangment that many people utilize with the Chevy springs. So what I did was to use the stock Toyota shackle hangers (in the stock location) in the rear and I mounted the spring perches way forward. I moved the new perches about 5" forward of where most people install the spring perch, eliminating the need for the extra shackle. With this arangement I was able to move my rear axle forward about 5" resulting in a wheelbase of 109.5". My main concern was the axle to gas tank clearance. With the axle moved forward as described above the axle was just able to clear the back of the gas tank (skidplate) when the suspension cycles. I also mounted the shocks on top of the axle instead of in front of the axle as they used to be.

Here's the link if you care to read a little more. (http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=83285)