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The L9000 and Its Role in County and Private Hauling
The Ford L9000 tandem-axle dump truck was a staple in municipal fleets and private hauling operations throughout the 1980s and 1990s. Known for its rugged chassis, reliable diesel powerplants, and straightforward mechanical layout, the L9000 was often spec’d with a 13-foot dump box—ideal for snow plow brackets and wing supports but limiting in terms of legal payload. For contractors and haulers needing to move 10+ cubic yards of material, the factory setup often proved insufficient.
One operator took on the challenge of upgrading his L9000 by swapping the original 13-foot box for a 15-foot unit sourced from a scrap yard. The goal was to increase hauling capacity without modifying the frame or compromising stability.
Removing the Original Dump Box and Reconfiguring the Frame
The first step involved removing the worn-out 13-foot box, which had deteriorated over years of county service. The hydraulic cylinder was leaking badly, and the packing was shot. To make room for the longer box, the operator removed the fuel and hydraulic tanks mounted behind the cab—freeing up nearly two feet of frame space.
A saddle-style fuel tank was installed beneath the driver’s side door, salvaged from the same truck that donated the 15-foot box. This relocation allowed the new box to sit closer to the cab without interfering with existing components.
Installing the New Lift Cylinder and Hydraulic System
With the frame cleared, a new lift cylinder and mounting bracket were installed. The operator fabricated a pup house hydraulic tank to support the new setup and routed fresh hydraulic lines to the cylinder. The lift cylinder was aligned with the box and connected using a chain and loader-assisted lift.
A Cat 936E loader was used to set the box onto the frame. The rear of the box was supported by the loader’s cutting edge, while the front was lifted with a chain. Once the cylinder was aligned, the box was lowered into place and secured.
Welding Hinges and Wiring the Electrical System
The rear hinges from the original box matched the mounting points of the new 15-foot box, eliminating the need for frame extension. Hinges were welded in place, and the box was primed before installation. Electrical wiring for tail lights and marker lamps was completed, and a new Aero tarp system was added to comply with load containment regulations.
The entire swap was completed in approximately three days, thanks to careful planning and access to the right equipment.
Gaining Capacity Without Lengthening the Frame
One of the most impressive aspects of this swap was the ability to install a longer box without modifying the truck’s frame. By removing the rear-mounted tanks and repositioning components, the operator gained the necessary clearance. This approach preserved the truck’s wheelbase and turning radius while increasing its legal hauling volume.
For haulers working in aggregate, demolition, or snow removal, this kind of upgrade can significantly improve efficiency without the cost of a new truck.
Scrap Yards as a Source of Value
The 15-foot box was purchased from a local scrap yard for around $500—a fraction of the cost of a new dump body. The operator emphasized the value of exploring salvage yards for usable components, noting that he had previously converted an entire dump truck into a semi tractor using parts found in similar fashion.
This DIY ethos reflects a broader trend among independent operators who prioritize resourcefulness over dealership dependency. As one mechanic put it, “Spending more time in the shop and less at the bank is worth it. Banks are just thieves with a permit.”
Recommendations for Similar Projects
For operators considering a dump box swap:
Conclusion
Upgrading a Ford L9000 with a longer dump box is a practical and cost-effective way to increase hauling capacity. By reconfiguring the frame layout and using salvaged components, operators can extend the life and utility of their trucks without major fabrication. In an industry where margins are tight and downtime is costly, smart retrofits like this one prove that ingenuity still drives the job forward—one load at a time.
The Ford L9000 tandem-axle dump truck was a staple in municipal fleets and private hauling operations throughout the 1980s and 1990s. Known for its rugged chassis, reliable diesel powerplants, and straightforward mechanical layout, the L9000 was often spec’d with a 13-foot dump box—ideal for snow plow brackets and wing supports but limiting in terms of legal payload. For contractors and haulers needing to move 10+ cubic yards of material, the factory setup often proved insufficient.
One operator took on the challenge of upgrading his L9000 by swapping the original 13-foot box for a 15-foot unit sourced from a scrap yard. The goal was to increase hauling capacity without modifying the frame or compromising stability.
Removing the Original Dump Box and Reconfiguring the Frame
The first step involved removing the worn-out 13-foot box, which had deteriorated over years of county service. The hydraulic cylinder was leaking badly, and the packing was shot. To make room for the longer box, the operator removed the fuel and hydraulic tanks mounted behind the cab—freeing up nearly two feet of frame space.
A saddle-style fuel tank was installed beneath the driver’s side door, salvaged from the same truck that donated the 15-foot box. This relocation allowed the new box to sit closer to the cab without interfering with existing components.
Installing the New Lift Cylinder and Hydraulic System
With the frame cleared, a new lift cylinder and mounting bracket were installed. The operator fabricated a pup house hydraulic tank to support the new setup and routed fresh hydraulic lines to the cylinder. The lift cylinder was aligned with the box and connected using a chain and loader-assisted lift.
A Cat 936E loader was used to set the box onto the frame. The rear of the box was supported by the loader’s cutting edge, while the front was lifted with a chain. Once the cylinder was aligned, the box was lowered into place and secured.
Welding Hinges and Wiring the Electrical System
The rear hinges from the original box matched the mounting points of the new 15-foot box, eliminating the need for frame extension. Hinges were welded in place, and the box was primed before installation. Electrical wiring for tail lights and marker lamps was completed, and a new Aero tarp system was added to comply with load containment regulations.
The entire swap was completed in approximately three days, thanks to careful planning and access to the right equipment.
Gaining Capacity Without Lengthening the Frame
One of the most impressive aspects of this swap was the ability to install a longer box without modifying the truck’s frame. By removing the rear-mounted tanks and repositioning components, the operator gained the necessary clearance. This approach preserved the truck’s wheelbase and turning radius while increasing its legal hauling volume.
For haulers working in aggregate, demolition, or snow removal, this kind of upgrade can significantly improve efficiency without the cost of a new truck.
Scrap Yards as a Source of Value
The 15-foot box was purchased from a local scrap yard for around $500—a fraction of the cost of a new dump body. The operator emphasized the value of exploring salvage yards for usable components, noting that he had previously converted an entire dump truck into a semi tractor using parts found in similar fashion.
This DIY ethos reflects a broader trend among independent operators who prioritize resourcefulness over dealership dependency. As one mechanic put it, “Spending more time in the shop and less at the bank is worth it. Banks are just thieves with a permit.”
Recommendations for Similar Projects
For operators considering a dump box swap:
- Measure frame clearance and component placement before sourcing a new box
- Relocate fuel and hydraulic tanks to gain space without cutting the frame
- Use a loader or excavator to assist with box placement and alignment
- Prime and paint the box before installation to prevent corrosion
- Install a tarp system to comply with local hauling regulations
- Check hinge alignment and weld quality to ensure safe dumping operation
Conclusion
Upgrading a Ford L9000 with a longer dump box is a practical and cost-effective way to increase hauling capacity. By reconfiguring the frame layout and using salvaged components, operators can extend the life and utility of their trucks without major fabrication. In an industry where margins are tight and downtime is costly, smart retrofits like this one prove that ingenuity still drives the job forward—one load at a time.