Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums - my 1977 F150 4x4 build... how we do it down under

G'day folks.

Haven't really been on for a long time unfortunately. Work seems to get in the way of playing trucks.

For those who don't know me, My name is Elliott and i live in Western Australia. About four years ago now i picked up a 1977 F150, 351C 4spd 4x4 running on LPG with a flatbed.

this is it soon after i bought it.

http://i1207.photobucket.com/albums/..._1075778_n.jpg

at the time it had 33x12.5 BFgoodrich ATs on it and 3.55:1 gear ratios.

further down the track, i converted it to a styleside box and added a racerback that i picked up cheap. around the same time i put on some 35x12.5 mickey thompson MTZs on some nice alloy rims.

http://i1207.photobucket.com/albums/...3-07153310.jpg

Now here is when things started getting out of hand...
i bought a 6'' superlift kit off a friend of mine with a view to run 37'' to 39'' rubber.
then another friend of mine found some 42x14x17 Super Swamper IROKs and a set of TrailReady beadlock rims.

http://i1207.photobucket.com/albums/...801_171029.jpg

Not long after that picture was taken, i took the old girl for a blast and mysteriously lost power to the front wheels.
now before anyone says anything, I KNOW i was stupid for putting such massive tyres on without upgrading gear ratios and then planting my right foot in it out in the sticks LOL.
Long story short, the damage was the right hand axleshaft u joint, and destroyed spider gears in the diff centre...
And as they say, if it breaks, build it stronger.

So then i started the online spend-a-thon through Summit racing and Jeffs Bronco Graveyard (both oustanding businesses).
I'd decided that i would go with 4.56:1 ratios front and rear (as i plan to run 38's on a more regular basis) and put diff lockers in front and rear.

http://i1207.photobucket.com/albums/...224_170401.jpg

this was taken at the beginning of this week, when i started the teardown process. I'd decided i was going to do front and rear diffs, a 79 front end facelift and twin stick the transfer case as well as clean up a few odd and ends.

taking the front axle out on thursday night (too hot to work during the day here). i wonder if it knows im unhappy with it? I've been building the new axle for a while now, 4.56:1 gears and an air actuated Yukon Zip locker.

http://i1207.photobucket.com/albums/...226_213744.jpg

completed today was the 79 facelift with H4 bulb conversion headlights from Bronco Graveyard.com.
looks far more aggressive than the 77 front end IMO.
http://i1207.photobucket.com/albums/...230_175631.jpg

as it stands, thats all I've done for the time being.
today i installed the Spartan Locker in the rear diff centre and fitted up the 4.56 ring gear but thats about it. hoping in the next couple days to get the new front axle installed and remove the transfer case so i can modify the internals for the twin stick conversion, as well as gather up the courage to cut my fenders up to fit my Bushwacker cutout flares.

thanks for looking and please feel free to share your thoughts on my truck! I'm always open for constructive criticism :-X22