1978-1979 Crew Cab build thread
Thread Starter
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 776
Likes: 30
From: Zeeland, MI
Hey man I just finished your thread. This is awesome information, considering I am planning on dropping my extra powerstroke mill into my 76 F250. I will definitely keep this page bookmarked as a reference for when I get my project rolling. Thanks for the pictures and real world experience!
Not a problem. I am literally over 3/4's complete. Glad it can help you out. When it's all said and done, will be way worth the effort. When your time comes to start, let me know. Hopefully I can answer anything you have in regards to this swap.
Thread Starter
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 776
Likes: 30
From: Zeeland, MI
home again...
What a hectic week...
Taxes are done, trucks done, swap meet was full, springs in the air (so more yard work)...
But I digress....
Picked up Eleanor Thursday night from Four On Fabrication. If you need a guy, I know a guy. Gary's a good dude who enjoys this type of work.
The Baja rack is secured in place know, properly thanks to Gary.
The big bumper wouldn't sit right on Eleanor, so Gary fixed that too. And then trying to use the 1978-1979 column shift mechanism, while hosting a 1996 Powerstroke drive train that was also column shifted, well Gary made that a possibility too by making the bracket to secure the shifter cable properly.
We were however, unable to devise a way to make those King Ranch seats fits without modifying the floor pan. I am not a tall guy, nor am I short. but mocking those seats in, I was literally an inch, maybe 2 from the roof. So....I don't know yet. Current plan is to get it drivable and use stock seating until I figure out another plan...
Taxes are done, trucks done, swap meet was full, springs in the air (so more yard work)...
But I digress....
Picked up Eleanor Thursday night from Four On Fabrication. If you need a guy, I know a guy. Gary's a good dude who enjoys this type of work.
The Baja rack is secured in place know, properly thanks to Gary.
The big bumper wouldn't sit right on Eleanor, so Gary fixed that too. And then trying to use the 1978-1979 column shift mechanism, while hosting a 1996 Powerstroke drive train that was also column shifted, well Gary made that a possibility too by making the bracket to secure the shifter cable properly.
We were however, unable to devise a way to make those King Ranch seats fits without modifying the floor pan. I am not a tall guy, nor am I short. but mocking those seats in, I was literally an inch, maybe 2 from the roof. So....I don't know yet. Current plan is to get it drivable and use stock seating until I figure out another plan...
Thread Starter
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 776
Likes: 30
From: Zeeland, MI
It's going. Been working on the new to me crew cab, trying to figure out the seating situation since King Ranch seats are too tall, and laying out some wiring for Eleanor. Chasing down a few parts this weekend for Eleanor, such as a NOS auxiliary battery tray.
My better half finished up detailing my D60 front, so hoping to install this weekend once I clear coat her art work.
Pictures to come of the progress....or lack thereof.
My better half finished up detailing my D60 front, so hoping to install this weekend once I clear coat her art work.
Pictures to come of the progress....or lack thereof.
Thread Starter
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 776
Likes: 30
From: Zeeland, MI
front axle is in!
So, that was fun. Finally had some decent weather. Decided to put in my Dana 60 and new springs.
You know, you make plans and the Big Guy upstairs laughs...
What should have been a 4 hour job (tops) started off bad...my floor jack decided to die on me. Today.
Got the jack situation rectified.
Getting the old axle out is fun! So much crust and grime. Ya me!
Without further adieu , I present: pictures!
You know, you make plans and the Big Guy upstairs laughs...
What should have been a 4 hour job (tops) started off bad...my floor jack decided to die on me. Today.
Got the jack situation rectified.
Getting the old axle out is fun! So much crust and grime. Ya me!
Without further adieu , I present: pictures!
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Thread Starter
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 776
Likes: 30
From: Zeeland, MI
Here we see the D44 in its natural environment...
So step 1, remove 37 inch MTR's.
****, step 1, borrow a floor jack as mine is now dead
Step 2,Disconnect brake line, lower shock nut
Step 3, support frame.
Thread Starter
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 776
Likes: 30
From: Zeeland, MI
Support the axle with your arm. Ok, not really. If i need to explain how to swap an axle out to you, maybe you should go read a shop manual instead of reading this build.<br/>See how taxed that rear shackle is? Thus the spring upgrade.
Love these little dollies.
More funky colors.
What, wait. Where'd it go?
Thread Starter
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 776
Likes: 30
From: Zeeland, MI
I seriously heard the 4 inchlift , 3/4 ton springs collectively breath out a sigh of relief. Or was it that mexican food i had last night? Either way, there was something in the air...
Freedom!!!
Thread Starter
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 776
Likes: 30
From: Zeeland, MI
For those that are curious, these are the springs i used based on skyjackers technical support.<br/>5-6 inch lift spring, to accomodate for my new found girth (thats what she said) from the powerstroke drive train and tree killer front bumper.
Ready to put this big pig in
Its in!!! Springs are at home.
I had to reuse the u-bolts that came with the axle. Will be shortening these in the near future.
Bear skull's love eating track bars. Delicious.
Thread Starter
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 776
Likes: 30
From: Zeeland, MI
I need to put the 37"' 's back on, so I can re-measure my front height to determine how much add a leaf I will need in the rear to level the ride out.
Once that's done, and add a leafs are situated in the rear, off to the driveline shop for some custom drive shafts.
Once that's done, and add a leafs are situated in the rear, off to the driveline shop for some custom drive shafts.
Thread Starter
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 776
Likes: 30
From: Zeeland, MI
Thanks. That makes two of us honestly.
I am hoping to put the 37's back on Saturday, and add pictures (naturally), get my measurements, then do the add a leaf in a few weeks. While I am at it, will be cleaning and painting the rear axle.