Hi folks! I am posting for my semi-computer illiterate husband so bear with me. We have a 96 F250 Powerstroke truck that is doing the sinking front end routine and it's now looking quite knock-kneed. My husband is hoping to find parts to change the front end to a F350 front end instead of the marginal 250 front end that is falling apart. I believe this is a common complaint for these trucks? The backend of this truck has already been modified so it is essentially an F350 rear end but now it's time for the front and we're having a hard time finding parts. His question today (the first of thousands, I'm sure! lol) is :

is it possible to take the front axle assemby out of a 99 f350 and put it in ours? What are the differences and what not?

I sure do appreciate any and all advice we can glean from these boards. Ten years ago I sold an truck through these boards to a guy that called himself Redneck, his name was Tony. I sold him a 1970 F100 that I believe he restored, I lost touch with him after a few years and always wonder how the old truck is doing. Our family has had nothing but Fords and love them to death. This truck we're working on now has been just great for us, strong and reliable. It just needs a better support system!

Thanks in advance and hopefully I've started out in the right place!

 

Not out of a 99, the axle is a little different. You can put a straight axle from an older F350 in, 92-97 would be the best years to look for. You'll need the entire front end (hub to hub, including brakes), springs, front driveshaft, track bar and bracket, and front yoke from transfer case. You also need to do a little grinding on the engine crossmember to get the clearance you need, but it's basically a bolt in swap. Complete setups in good shape usually run $2200 or so at a junk yard. If you do a search for "straight axle swap" or "solid axle swap" you'll find tons of info. And welcome to FTE to both you and your husband!

 

So we're not the first ones to think of this? LOL Thank you for the search words, I have them going right now. It's enough to make me dizzy but I'm sure DH will plow through it all tonight! Appreciate it!

 

Be warned, if you don't want hubby spending lots of $ on the truck then keep him off this site! It's addictive and there is no known cure, other than to keep reading. I had a bunch of money spent before I even had my truck!

 

WHILE ON THE SUBJECT !!
I Have a 97 PSD 4X4....And want to switch to the DANA 60 front axle (or what ever else will fit)
My question is---What "mono-beam" axle will just -"FALL IN PLACE"...the easiest of all !! With the FEWEST MODIFICATIONS ? ?

 

Read what I posted above.

 

Look here:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/article/..._19861996.html

NIce write up with picts. Kudos to the author

 

Thanks for the tips..& Info

I am soooo constantly disapointed in the "engineering quality" I encounter --at about every level..

And the cost and hassle that it all requires to "re-engineer"

I'm seriously considering a "custom build-up" of an older truck..

--Just want to retain my "crew-cab" body style..w/windwing windows etc