Top Drive Build

[unomasj]

I've been wanting a top drive for a while now and came across a truck that I couldn't pass up. 1990 F-150 V-8 4X4 and the price was right.



Then, I started looking around our junkyard at the ranch and found a headache rack and ladder rack that would work perfectly. I welded the ladder rack on and started adding sides and the floor.

I finished up the sides and floor today.








I ordered some boat seats from Cabela's and they should be here mid-week. I'm going to get them mounted as soon as they get here then put the rack on the truck. Then, I need to build a ladder and work on getting all of the driving controls hooked up. That's where I run into a little stumbling block. I pretty much have the steering figured out but how do I run gas, brake, and shifting?? Any advise from the TBH braintrust would be much appreciated. Once I get all of that done, it will be a coat of paint and new set of tires and I will call it done. I will update as progress continues.

[Krivoman]

you need to run a boat throtle for up top. Having a gas pedal does not work in Highracks. You need a brake and a throtle control. Keep a steady speed is really hard up top if you are using your foot. Plus it allows you to stand while you drive. You pretty much do not use the brake unless there is an emergency.

[Krivoman]

Also, make sure you can start it from up top. so you will need a shifter up top as well. Having several cigarette lighter outlets are great from Spot light, cell phone etc. Also bunches of baskets for binos spoting scope, jackets bullets, etc. Makes it nice not to have it rolling around up there. Also need padded everything. Every rail needs padding on it. I would also suggest putting in a foot rest for the passenger as well. You get thrown around up there by the littlest bumps so having a place to put your feet and hold yourself still. Roof is key as well.

[Joey~AP]

you need to run a boat throtle for up top. Having a gas pedal does not work in Highracks. You need a brake and a throtle control. Keep a steady speed is really hard up top if you are using your foot. Plus it allows you to stand while you drive. You pretty much do not use the brake unless there is an emergency.

True!

Ride in a Polaris Ranger on rough terrain and you will feel this effect!

[hellbndr23]

Shifting

http://www.lokar.com/product-descriptions/cable-op-shifter.htm

This is the theory for ur shifter. Cable bracket mounts to the trans, then the cable runs to where ever u want the shifter. Just have to make sure theres no tight corners.

In theory u could leave ur factory shifter hooked up and mod the cable to the original bracket.

Also look in jegs or summit. Cable shifters are used constantly in hotrods.

[jackh]

lookin great so far, nice work

[zcole04]

That turned out really well Cant wait to see the final prodct.

[unomasj]

Got all the welding done this weekend and mounted the rack to the truck. Now i have to figure out all of the controls.

[Biggun]

lookin good

[hotdog]

I think you got it by the short hairs !!! Lookin good !!!

[bowhntrmatt]

TTT how's it comin?

[Aggiebowhunter03]

Keep us posted on the progress. I am liking it so far.

[AgHntr10]

looking good so far

[unomasj]

I haven't gotten much done in the last few days. The truck is smoking a little and I hope its a simple fix but not really a mechanic. Tried some Lucas fuel additive and oil additive because some people say that it may be a stuck ring. I've gotta get the mechanical bugs out and then I will start the top drive controls.

[codfish]

Did you ever finish this?