1977 Frame
More Turbo
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 682
Likes: 15
From: NB, Canada
Camper Special has nothing to do with it, just the Highboys had narrower frames, divorced T-cases and low-pinion, closed knuckle front axles. The Highboys also had a
ram-assist type power steering system which is next to impossible to get parts for.
It has been done, but dont expect it to be a bolt on affair, body mounts will need to be modified. If you want to run the newer style steering you will have to modify the frame to mount the steering box, which is what most guys do when upgrading the power steering to the post Highboy steering setup.
ram-assist type power steering system which is next to impossible to get parts for.
It has been done, but dont expect it to be a bolt on affair, body mounts will need to be modified. If you want to run the newer style steering you will have to modify the frame to mount the steering box, which is what most guys do when upgrading the power steering to the post Highboy steering setup.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,303
Likes: 46
From: KCMO
I'm guessing you are wanting to make your 2wd a 4wd? If your '78 has 133" wheelbase the swap is fairly direct. The 2wd cabs have the rear cab mounts inboard of the frame on a cross member and the 4wd's are mounted outboard of frame on brackets that are riveted. Your options here are to either re drill the cab for the outboard mounts or modify the highboy transfer case X-member to accept cab mount bushings. If you're NOT using a body lift, and NOT using the truck for extreme offroad adventures, I would drill the cab for the outboard mounts.
The next obstacle is the bed...The highboys have a narrower frame from the cab back (34") much like the cab/chassis and super camper/trailer special trucks. You'll need to re drill the bed holes or modify the frame to mount the bed.
Also, you'll need to address the gas tank issue....your chassis mounted tank will not work in the highboy chassis....The highboys had incab tanks.
As for the steering, there are several threads here covering that topic. The most common approach is to swap the steer system from a 77.5-79 F250/79F350 4x4. This requires metal fabrication and should be done by competent individual.
The next obstacle is the bed...The highboys have a narrower frame from the cab back (34") much like the cab/chassis and super camper/trailer special trucks. You'll need to re drill the bed holes or modify the frame to mount the bed.
Also, you'll need to address the gas tank issue....your chassis mounted tank will not work in the highboy chassis....The highboys had incab tanks.
As for the steering, there are several threads here covering that topic. The most common approach is to swap the steer system from a 77.5-79 F250/79F350 4x4. This requires metal fabrication and should be done by competent individual.
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From: S/W Missouri, Polk county
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1978 3/4 Camper special
I've heard the 1977 highboy has a narrower frame but my 1978 3/4 camper special has a 34" frame what is the width of the 1977 3/4 highboy? This is the frame I want to put my camper special body on….
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