Well the time has come that I finally write up a thread of my 1978 F250 snowfighter (Mudfighter) that I bought back in August after I sold my F100. To go over everything again it's just a pretty low key custom truck, 351m/C6, D60 front and rear, nothing fancy for looks but it's perfect for what I want to do with it, which is to make it a tough and reliable mud truck that can still be a daily driver. The first two things that I wanted to get done and out of the way were the lift and tires/rims. Those have both been accomplished. I went with the Skyjacker 6" suspension lift with New leaf springs all the way around, extended brake lines, drop pitman arm, and the adjustable drag link. The tire/rim combo is a set of brand new 38.5x16.16.5" Super Swamper TSL's on white US Wheel wagon rims 16.5x9.75". As of today my Dad and I just completed the installation of the springs, afterwards went on the tires. Here arm some pictures from the time of purchase through today:


























































I can confirm for all HP D60 front axle owners at least, that the front drive shaft WILL need to be lengthened.

Other than posting this just to show off my truck, it is also a benchmark to show everyone that you can fit 38s no problem with the 6" lift. Now because mine are so wide, they will hit the front of the fenders if I go over a bump while turning, but a narrower tire and different wheel offset would correct that. Other than that, there is plenty of room and they fill the fenderwell well. IMO this is the max size before the tires look disproportionate to the body of the truck.

Future plans for the truck are US made chrome moly axle shafts from East Coast Gear Supply for both axles, a 400 with pistons from TMinc., fenderwell headers to dual 2.5" or 3" pipes with super 44 or super 10 mufflers, possibly 1350 series driveshafts/yokes, Traction bars from JBG, paint, factory bed, roll bar, install the cab visor that I took off my F100, and the list will probably never end lol

I will come back to this thread from time to time to give updates on what else I do from here on, hope you enjoy!

 

Very nice. I really like your tire and rim combo. If I had a taller garage entrance I would bump up to the same.

How's your front and rear pinion angle with the lift?

 

That trucks just looks "right" with the flatbed and whitespokes! Nice job

 

Thanks! The rear pinion angle is perfect due to the included shims on the springs. The front may work but currently the driveshaft won't mount cause it's too short so I can't answer that one.

 

Thanks! Once I find a real bed for it the flatbed will be gone lol

 

Heck, I was thinking how good it looked with the flatbed and contemplating swapping my bed to a flatbed.

Nice work!

 

Thanks! The only problem I've run in to is the skyjacker drag link. It doesn't install like the instructions say and I'm left with a steerless truck at the moment.

 

Looks good! I'll definitely be following this build. Any future plans for the drive train?

 

Time for crossover steering

Your truck looks really good! Not trying to sway you, but like others have said, the flatbed looks good on it. I can also understand wanting the correct bed though.

As it sets, it has a very aggressive no nonsense look to it. Nice work!

 

Thanks! And as far as the drivetrain goes, I'll probably swap the intake out on the engine and put a 4barrel carb on it, along with fenderwell headers. For the time being I think that should wake up the 351m enough to at least be able to move the truck through some trails. Eventually, I'm looking at having a 400 built to throw in. The C6 would be gone through and beefed up enough to handle the power, probably 1350 series u-joints/yokes, chrome moly shafts front and rear, and I've thought about a locker but I'd prefer not to break anything.

And I believe crossover steering will be in the mix real soon actually!

 

Here's a vid I took of it today after bringing it home from the trans shop.

 

Nice sound

Just to get you in the mood

 

Nice trucks, guys!

NW- where's the front driveshaft?

 

Thanks! And trust me it will see mud at some point in time. I'm just making sure that everything is done right on this truck and it's prepared.

I've seen that truck on youtube plenty of times!

 

It is currently removed because it is not long enough to reach the pinion. I'm looking in to finding a longer slip-yoke, or having the driveshaft extended.