I have a 1993 F250 Super Cab with a 7.3l non turbo. It's 4 wheel drive with IFS. I would like to convert it to a solid front axle. My question is are the front ends the same on the f350 with dual wheel? Can I just change the hubs, brake rotors, etc..? Also are the five speeds that are bolted up to the 460 the same as the 7.3? Has anyone done the solid axle swap / 5 speed conversion? Thanks

 

I have read that D50 hubs & D60 hubs are interchangeable, but don't know that for a fact.
The 460 trans will not bolt up to the 7.3, you need a trans from a diesel.

 

A zf5 for a 460 will bolt up to a 7.3 if you redrill the bell housing. Im running one.

 

Is the width it the front axle housing itself the same on the DRW and SRW?

 

Yes. The different wheel mounting surfaces are done with the hubs.

 

easy peasy... everything swaps right over from your ifs to the straight job. I just executed this changeover on mine this fall. Check your gear ratios!

 

What did you have to redrill on the zf5, Bashby?

 

What if its a kingpin 60?

 

Also, Does anyone know if the driveshafts will interchange going from an auto to a 5 speed? It's my daily driver so I'm trying to collect all the parts before I attempt any conversions to save on down time if possible....lol

 

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...onversion.html

 

No the drive shafts are different lengths for both front and rear axle. (Or so they were for my auto to ZF5 swap) You will also need the ZF5 cross member if memory serves me right. Also I believe the D60 uses a different good on the T-case and axle. It would be best to find a donor truck and get all the parts. You will also need to swap front springs and pitman arm from steering gear box. The D60 will raise the front so most people grab the rear axle blocks off the F350 to level the truck out. I have never done it myself but have read a lot on it. This is just what I have gathered, so don't quote me. I would do lots of research before you tear apart your daily driver. Make sure you have what needs replaced or repaired on the axle before install to save on down time. I would check spring bushings also.

It's a good amount of work. May want to consider just finding the truck you want vs building.

 

I'm pretty sure the 5 spd driveshaft is about 4" longer than the automatic driveshaft.I am certain that the cross member that the trans mounts to will have to be moved foreward in the frame also. It's bolted in and the holes are all pre punched.

 

You want the springs from the F350 with the axle, as well as the spring plates with the shock mount. The IFS springs are a much higher spring rate, and will be way to stiff with a solid axle...

 

the 60 size "king pin" bearing style front end is the one I used in my swap. The "king pins" in that set up are actually cup, cone, & rollers. They are virtually indestructible. I used positive arch springs that came out of the '82 f 350 donor that I harvested the axle from, I don't think they were stock. Make sure you get the stabilizer link and steering linkage (tie rods & ends). The pitman arm on your 250 steering box should work. I was told I would have to cut the cross member but I didn't, probably because the springs lifted it about 3". It should mount to your stock neg. arch springs without much ride height change. I did the work at my bud's shop, I'm not a mechanic, we were all shocked at how simple it was. A little knowhow and the right gear and you should be able to pull it off in a weekend no problem. The tranny change is a different story however. I had my truck completely disassembled and really wanted to put a 5 gear I had on hand in it, but after much deliberation I stuck with the auto to avoid the tremendous amount of work that is required in the cab. Its not impossible but you probably would want to pick up a beater to run around in while your down.

 

83capril,
I was reading your reply and has a question. You wrote " I believe the D60 uses a different (good?) on the t case and axle" I'm assuming that's a typo or auto correct? I don't mean to sound dumb but what did you mean?

Thank you all for the info. I'm gonna do a lot more research before I tear into anything!