I have a 1974 2WD F250 (460 & C6) and have the opportunity to buy a junk- rough body and bad motor- 1978 4WD F250 (351 & 4 speed). So frame swap or is it possible to chop out the 78 suspension? If frame swap, it seems the body mounting bolt measurements match up, does that screw up my title work? I would also want to move the 460 & C6 over as well; will the transfer case from the manual tranny be compatible as well as the drive shafts? Do I need to find an auto tranny 4WD steering column? Are there any books, instructions, or videos that would help? I live in Colorado and the 74 was bought new by my late Grandfather, so please no comments about why I need to do this or just go buy a good 4WD, thanks.

 

Switching your body to the 4x4 frame would be the easiest. Swapping the 4x4 axles into your truck can be done (I think) but some modification to your front end would be required due to how the front frame cross members are situated in a 2 wheel drive. As for your question about the title I think that all depends on where you live and how stiffly the laws are enforced there. I swapped my 1979 f150 body onto a 1978 f250 frame almost 10 years ago. And have never been questioned about anything. Putting your engine and transmission into the 4x4 is an option. Although you will need different motor mounts, exhaust manifold (passenger side), as well as a rear sump 460 oil pan, And a few other small things. The rear sump Pan is not required but is definitely not a bad idea. As far as your c6 transmission. You would have to find a tail shaft from a 4x4 c6 transmission to swap onto your 4x2 trans. The 4x4 tailshaft differs in that it allows for a transfer case to bolt to the back of it, where a 4x2 C6 does not. I believe your driveshaft lengths will differ from auto to manual trans setups. Also your steering column will need to be changed to an auto 4x4 column if you intend to keep the C6. You also have the option of using the 460 with the 4 speed, although that will require additional mods for your clutch and flywheel combo. It all depends on how much work your able to do and how much money your willing to spend. Regardless of the route you decide to take you have a wealth of knowledge here on FTE, always just a keyboard away. Lots of good guys here.

 

Come here and read up, there is a post that covers all the major in's and out's of a 2wd to 4wd swap. Bottom line, its is a PITA https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...then-some.html X2 on just swap the bodies. Easier, quicker and cheaper.