2025 Ford F-450 Shorty: A Compact Super Duty That Triggers Envy

Fred Bin wanted a formidable surf truck to take down to Baja, and that spark kicked off the creation of this wild 2025 Ford F-450 regular cab shortbox. The truck, called “Shorty,” started as an F-450 XLT chassis cab dually 4×4 powered by the 7.3-liter Godzilla V8. Using the truck as a foundation, it was modified to create the rig you see here. Shorty blends the timeless look of a regular cab shortbox with off-road-ready upgrades and a large-and-in-charge stance.

Here is where it gets even better. Fred is an entrepreneur, and that drive led him to launch Truman Motors, the company that now builds Shorty models for customers. It is one of two trucks the company offers, the other being an F-450 four-door pickup called The Signature.

“The Truman Shorty represents the most badass Baja surf truck we at Truman Motors could conceive of,” Fred says. “We started with a blank slate and wanted to build a ‘Factory +’ build that looks like it could have rolled off the Ford factory floor. Every design element is engineered for utility – front and rear winches, 44-inch military spec tires, short body with stupidly tight turning radius, and so on. It’s supremely drivable on- or off-road and turns heads wherever you go.”

Shortened Frame, Custom Rear Suspension

So how was Shorty carved out of an F-450 chassis cab? First, the frame was shortened 25 inches, with the initial cut made about 12 inches behind the cab. The factory rear leaf springs were tossed in favor of a custom-engineered coil-spring conversion. It runs in-house designed coil buckets, 2-inch spacers manufactured by DBL Design to Truman specifications, and Fox 2.5 Performance Series Elite remote-reservoir shocks. The progressive coils are custom made to Truman Motors specifications. The suspension shifts the axle 2 inches rearward and the result is a tight 120-inch wheelbase. For perspective, a 2026 Toyota Tacoma stretches 131.9 inches, and a 2025 Ford Super Duty short wheelbase crew cab measures 159.7 inches.

Up front, the truck retains its factory coil springs but adds Truman Motors 2-inch spacers and Fox remote-reservoir shocks.

Enlarged Wheel Openings, Big Meats, And More

One of the goals of the build was to keep the truck’s center of gravity low, which explains the modest 2-inch lift. But how do you fit the big 365/80R20 Continental MPT 91 tires while allowing unrestricted movement? The answer was to enlarge the wheel openings. Aside from its functional benefits, this strategy also contributes to the truck’s muscular visual stance. It is worth noting that the wheels are Truman Motors Single Piece wheels, also manufactured to Truman specs by DBL, that measure 10 inches wide and are the result of two years of research and design.

Super Duty Bed, Custom Flares, An Array Of Lighting

Every part of Shorty’s exterior was scrutinized. Fred wanted the truck to look like it could have rolled straight off Ford’s assembly line. The 6-foot, 9-inch OE Ford Super Duty bed rides on custom mounts. Truman Motors designed and fabricated flares that push out about eight inches to cover the tires while still allowing full articulation. The bumpers are modified Bodyguard A2 Series units, and the front is widened to match the flares. That front bumper also carries a cluster of Baja Designs LED lights. The rear bumper packs a pair of Baja Designs LEDs as well. Rounding things out is a Kuat bed rack.

Front And Rear Winches

Shorty carries Warn 16.5ti winches front and rear. Fred notes that integrating the rear winch was massively complex to engineer and fabricate the custom cradle and complete corresponding modifications to the truck’s frame and fuel tank. The effort was worth it. The winch tucks in cleanly, and the controller plug is easily accessible.

Leather Interior Upgrades

The Ford F-450 XLT interior received a set of upgrades to boost comfort. Highlights include bespoke leather seating, a leather-covered center console, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Possibly The Only F-450 Shortbed In Existence

The process to create Shorty was a long one. Fred reports that chassis fabrication alone, not counting paint and finish work, took more than 400 hours. The payoff is clear. The truck is ready for a Baja surf run or an off-road foray, and it is ultra unique. “To our knowledge, it is the only F-450 regular cab shortbed in existence,” he says.

Photos by Ken Brubaker and Truman Motors