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Finally some headway. My truck came w a rebuilt 460 but no tranny, I debated a long time about using a 2WD ZF5, but ended being too worried about economy to keep the 460, and I love diesel. So the drivetrain is now a 7.3 IDI-ZF5 and mated tcase from a 93 F250. Rear axle is from a 94 F350 (bolted right up). Front springs are 79 F250-2 leaves, truck had about 9 leaves at the front when I bought it. Front axle is going to be (tomorrow) a 79 Dana 44 just rebuilt. Radiator is a 77 F250 for 460 which seems to fit perfectly. Hope to be firing it up soon.
Any concern with the added weight of the 7.3 over the 460?
Glad you asked, started me thinking about the fact that these axles were used in F250s, often as plow trucks, I figure that if they can support 7-800 lbs hanging three front in front of the truck they should be able to handle the added weight of the motor. Not sure about the springs tho, may require some rework there. My real concern at this point is that I want to use Budd type wheels, have the adapters and wheels but not sure what effect the various offsets might have.
Radiator is for a 79 f250, inlet and outlet perfect size and location for the IDI, it is a little tall so it extends below the core support and fit easily between the frame rails
Glad you asked, started me thinking about the fact that these axles were used in F250s, often as plow trucks, I figure that if they can support 7-800 lbs hanging three front in front of the truck they should be able to handle the added weight of the motor. Not sure about the springs tho, may require some rework there. My real concern at this point is that I want to use Budd type wheels, have the adapters and wheels but not sure what effect the various offsets might have.
When I swapped in my Dana 60 front I went with 6-leaf packs from skyjacker for a 77-79 F350..I'm runnin a 462 MEL(just a hair lighter than the 460's from what I gather) and I've noticed some settling already without driving the truck...if you're running 2-leaf packs with that weasel, you may be seriously nose down
When I swapped in my Dana 60 front I went with 6-leaf packs from skyjacker for a 77-79 F350..I'm runnin a 462 MEL(just a hair lighter than the 460's from what I gather) and I've noticed some settling already without driving the truck...if you're running 2-leaf packs with that weasel, you may be seriously nose down
I wish now that I'd used a 60 as well, but I'll be satisfied w this axle or it will never get on the road. I used the two leaf springs, because it has a body lift and wouldn't go in a 7' door. As it sits now it still has the nose high look like it did in the farm field, which I like, I'm sure use will cause it to drop, but not sure how much. This was the front spring situation when I got it.
I wish now that I'd used a 60 as well, but I'll be satisfied w this axle or it will never get on the road. I used the two leaf springs, because it has a body lift and wouldn't go in a 7' door. As it sits now it still has the nose high look like it did in the farm field, which I like, I'm sure use will cause it to drop, but not sure how much. This was the front spring situation when I got it.
I know exactly what you mean when it comes to using what you've got to get it on the road, I swapped in an 8 lug 44 that I completely rebuilt, just to take it back out when I finally found a good deal on the 60..and I feel the pain on the garage door height, I ended up building a whole new garage just for my 59...talk about ate up with these trucks!!!
Your original spring packs look thicker than what was on mine? anyone else with a 4x4 think so?
A bit more done, I'm beginning to see the end. Brakes and clutch complete, drive shafts in, front sheet metal KBS coated and installed, gauges in and working and trans cover repaired. Maybe on the road yet this Fall.
07-19-2015, 05:17 PM
