A custom hydraulic bed lift system enables access to the rear traction battery pack.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Under the hood, 8 Trojan T-145 batteries make up the front portion of the traction pack. A Curtis 1231C controller controls speed, a Toyota electric power steering pump replaces the ICE driven pump, an Astrodyne SP480 DC/DC converter maintains the accessory battery, and a vacuum pump and vacuum switch provide boost for the power brakes.  

 

 

 

 

 

Under the front traction pack.  The Advance DC FB1-4001A electric motor connects to the Ford 5 speed manual transmission with a custom machined adapter plate.  The torque compensator is seen connecting the back of the motor to the frame of the truck. The battery rack above the motor supports the front traction pack.  (Disregard the A/C compressor and electric drive motor seen at the bottom of the picture.  These were removed later as they did not operate as expected)

 

 

The custom control board and contactors are mounted against the firewall.  The Astrodyne DC/DC converter is mounted above it.  Just to the right is the POT box.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Under the bed are 16 Trojan T-145 batteries wired in series with the front pack. Both hydraulic lift pistons are shown.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inside, the ammeter, voltmeter, and the Xantrex Link 10 battery monitor are mounted to the A-post.  The 5-speed stick shifter is floor mounted and the clutch is operational for safety reasons and to speed shifting in city driving conditions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Despite the added weight from the batteries, the truck still maintains some of its payload capacity.  Stiffer springs and/or air assisted shocks could add even more payload capacity.