81F250 4wd conversion
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From: Where the Army sends me
81F250 4wd conversion
How hard would it be to switch from a twin I beam front suspension to a solid axle 4wd setup? I would probably drop in a transmission and t-case from an early 90's to get that elusive overdrive. Plenty of junkyards around, but I have yet to scout them out.
Also, would a 4wd conversion aid in towing any?
Also, would a 4wd conversion aid in towing any?
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I don't know about the conversion, but unless you tow on dirt or slick roads you can't/shouldn't run in 4wd. So I can't see the conversion helping towing. Except if you have really steep inclines you could go into 4lo with the hubs unlocked and have the low range of the transfer case. And, that helps with moving things around, either backward or forward, at low speeds. I frequently shift into 4lo to putt putt out of the garage and through the narrow gate in the fence since it slows everything down significantly.
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Thanks. I was simply tossing around ideas. Sounds like swapping in a manual trams with a granny low gear would serve me better. Not that there is anything wrong with the old C6 (that I've seen), but I just prefer manual.
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It's a bolt-in if you convert to the original ttb 4x4 system. I do use 4x4, not while towing but in certain maneuvers. I have a steep gravel driveway, so when my trailer is loaded heavy, I have to put it in 4x4 with the hubs locked in or it will not climb the hill. I also use it when backing up the hill to unload or load something behind my house. The truck will not back my trailer up the hill even if it's empty, without it being in 4x4.
Don't get caught in the straight axle debate. If you do not even have 4x4, why not bolt in the ttb system? It works well, contrary to what you read on some of the 4x4 boards.
Don't get caught in the straight axle debate. If you do not even have 4x4, why not bolt in the ttb system? It works well, contrary to what you read on some of the 4x4 boards.
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I agree - the TTB is a good design for the majority of situations. If you are rock-crawling maybe not. But it works well for me in my limited 4wd needs.
On the other hand, an NP435 will give you a low 1st gear and improve your MPG. I've driven both the C6 and NP435 behind the same engine in the same truck and prefer the manual. (In fact, I'm thinking about replacing the C6 with the NP435 that's in the attic.)
On the other hand, an NP435 will give you a low 1st gear and improve your MPG. I've driven both the C6 and NP435 behind the same engine in the same truck and prefer the manual. (In fact, I'm thinking about replacing the C6 with the NP435 that's in the attic.)
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I agree - the TTB is a good design for the majority of situations. If you are rock-crawling maybe not. But it works well for me in my limited 4wd needs. On the other hand, an NP435 will give you a low 1st gear and improve your MPG. I've driven both the C6 and NP435 behind the same engine in the same truck and prefer the manual. (In fact, I'm thinking about replacing the C6 with the NP435 that's in the attic.)
A NP435 should be an easy drop in. However, are any of the newer 5-spds or 6-spds easy to fit?
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Short answer - No. I'm running a ZF5 and really like it. BUT, you need one from a 460 and then the input shaft is about 1/2" too short. I fixed that with a spacer, a 351W auto starter, and moving the ring gear on the flywheel forward 1/8". And that does everything you said you want - low 1st, overdrive 5th, and the ability to tow.
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