Getting Ready to Go Big

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Sep 26, 2011 | 03:40 PM

Bronco308

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Mountain Pass

Joined: May 2005

Posts: 101

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From: Iowa Park, TX

Getting Ready to Go Big

I just scored a 1979 4X4 E250 van frame (no body), 460, C6, Dana (?) axle's, runs. Should I just put the 460 in my '83 Bronco (Dana 44 IFS/Ford 9 Rear) or do the whole axle swap, too? The front axle on the van chassis is coil sprung, not leaf, which is what I've seen on most 3/4 ton and up trucks. Does anyone have any experience with the coil sprung E250 Dana front axle swap?

Thanks in advance.

Sep 26, 2011 | 04:47 PM

andym

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Joined: Mar 2002

Posts: 19,402

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From: Bonita Springs FL

It depends on what front axle they used. Do you know what axles the van chassis has?

As for whether you should transplant the engine or the whole drivetrain, we are going to need a ton more information about your bronco to be able to offer an opinion.

Sep 26, 2011 | 07:09 PM

Edgethis

Lead Driver

Joined: May 2009

Posts: 6,807

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From: Tobyhanma, PA

Well most likely you'll need the transmission too as yours should have the small block bellhousing.

But as Andym said, post up your Bronco's info and more info on teh Van.

Sep 26, 2011 | 09:18 PM

Encho

The Southernmost Mod

Joined: Dec 2004

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From: Caracas, Venezuela

Yeah, time to create a signature, to stop the guessing game

Sep 27, 2011 | 09:50 AM

Kemicalburns

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Joined: Jul 2002

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From: Bend,OR

the van will more then likely be a 3/4 ton D44. someone over on FSB had done this very swap using a van front end. it was no more plug and play then doing a regular SAS honestly and i believe he gained less articulation and what not by going this route.

I say throw a cage, seats and some sort of roof and wheel it as is. leave your bronco as is.

Sep 27, 2011 | 10:24 AM

andym

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Joined: Mar 2002

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From: Bonita Springs FL

A van chassis with a roll cage and seats for 15 would make a sweet trail rig.

Oct 1, 2011 | 09:32 PM

Bronco308

Thread Starter

Mountain Pass

Joined: May 2005

Posts: 101

Likes: 2

From: Iowa Park, TX

roll cage on the van chassis sounds pretty intriguing, i'll have to think on it. as for my bronco, it's has a blown 351w, d44 ifs, ford 9 in the rear, 3.50's , limited slips in both, NP 208. the 3/4 ton e250 has a solid d44, and a dana 70 in the back, 3.73's, the back is ls, can't tell on the front as the tag is missing. the 460 itself already has the saggy-gnaw ps pump on it, and of course the tranny will have to be swapped, too. 460 also has a NP 205 transfer case. thanks for the help, guys, i appreciate it.