Dump truck box modification, need advice.

[59 Sons]

Got this old beast a few years ago, primarily to move slash, brush and sometimes dirt arround the homestead.
Previous owner did minor concrete/ excavation jobs, thus the tiny 5 yd box.
Im mostly moving brush and slash, and would really like to have a bigger box.

Is there any reason that I could not rebuild this box and expand it forward? Id like to get rid of the tool box, extend the box to the cab, and make the sides higher. My typical loads are more bulky than heavy.

I can imagine if I filled it with rock, mabe the dump cylinder might not have enough power to lift it? Is that why the current box is positioned further back?

Advice and suggestions would be appreciated. Thanx.

 

[bcp]

Is that why the current box is positioned further back?

The box may be from a smaller, older truck, and was mounted on the rear of the new, longer frame. Then a toolbox was built to fill the extra space.

I've seem similar "misfits" many times.

Bruce

 

[BukitCase]

Can't see why you couldn't do exactly what you said - I just got rid of a 1-1/2 ton chev with a small block and a 12 foot long stakeside dump, electric over hydraulic.

Great for bulky stuff, but I wanted a "real" dump truck so bought a "semi-retired" 6-yard chev with the industrial 366 big block and dual 2-stage cylinders and PTO hydraulics.

Point being, the ton and a half had more room than the deuce and a half, smaller dump mechanism, and worked just fine for the kind of loads you picture. I'd go for it... Steve

 

[59 Sons]

Thanx guys, I may have a fun welding project in store. Mabe I should make it a flat bed with removable sides? The tailgate situation might get complicated. I wonder if there are any creative configuations out there...