Cab/chassis vs standard DRW

ShinerBock wrote:
Two of the main differences between the two are frame and engine power.

The difference in the frame is mainly due to ease of up-fitting beds and such. It is a lot harder to up-fit and cut into a fully boxed frame versus a c-channel frame. Not to mention that part of a fully boxed frame's strength comes form it being fully boxed so cutting into it may weaken it significantly. The c-channel frame may be thicker(and heavier), but that does not mean the fully boxed frame is not as strong. It is just easier to modify the c-channel frame which is why many many C&C trucks are fully boxed up front and c-channel in the back.

In regards to the power difference, this is due to emissions certifications. A complete pickup goes through what is called a chassis dyno certification since the truck is complete. This certification is less stringent and more power can be had. For C&C trucks, they go through a engine dyno certification since the truck is not complete when it leaves the factory. A lot of people think it has to do with duty cycles, but it is only due to different emissions requirements and certifications.

There might be a few other differences as well depending on the make and model.

By power difference - is this what they mean by "de-tuned"? I know Ford's 7.3L gasser is "de-tuned" from 430HP to 385HP but I always thought that the engine is actually the same, it is just that the HP is measured across different torque range? From what I understand on the Chevy 3500 Cab/Chassis, there is no such thing as "de-tuned" engine. Did I misunderstand all this? Thanks!

As for frame difference - I can't figure out if you are saying that yes, C/C is heavier that "standard" 8ft dually (all other things equal) because of the frame, or not? ;)