You have to wonder if it was a special order from a dealer or something along those lines.

 

Even though these trucks were only rated a few hundred pounds more than a highly rated F150, they hauled it nicely for those that didn't need or want a fully fledged F-250. Approximately 2500lbs of pipe rack, piping, fittings, and tools that would squat a highly rated F150 6" would only squat one of these an inch or two.

I only drove two of the trucks onto my hot-shot trailer to move them across town from the dealer to my dads shop. Yes, they were gutless, but they got the job done with no problems. He also all but eliminated the constant problems with front end alignments and brakes that he was having with constantly loaded F-150's. As for transmissions I can't honestly answer that one, all I remember is that they were 5 speeds.

I don't know if he ordered these or not. It wouldn't be like him though.

 

The truck runs and pulls great once it is moving. Flat areas even loaded are not a problem Just a few places with hills that cant help but be stopped on. Hanging back a 1/8 mile to get a run at the light when it changes anoys some people.

 

i used to shift the t-case into 4lo in my '96 f150 with the mazda 5 and 300-6/3.08 (i then swapped in 3.55) when on those few pesky steep hills with stop signs/lights.i had to pull over once up and away to put it back in high again but it did the trick.
it's a bugger driving a stick imho and it's almost just as bad not having a t-case with an auto still too.i find myself really missing low range when i use log truck.iv got to get a t-case in that truck with an e-brake somehow.i sure don't miss standard transmissions though.

 

I agree you'll need to swap the rear end or the transmission if you want more pulling power.

The ZF5 is the heavy-duty 5-Speed Manual transmission. There's a chance you can find one at a junkyard. If you do, it might need rebuilt. The first gear in the ZF5 should compensate for your difficulty in getting the truck moving.

I believe you'd need one from a truck with the 4.9, 5.0, or 5.8 engine. One from a 7.5 gasser or a diesel won't mate up to your engine.

 

i personally don't think the combo is worth the $.
it's just not the platform to improve on.it's already an improved f150 if you will.trying to make it an improved,improved f150 might not work out so well lol.
if however selling this unicorn 95 f250LD (i never thought id ever be typing that! i still can't believe it.) isn't in the cards,then rather than swapping in the full floater with 4.10's (you just don't tow or haul heavy enough for that.the truck isn't build to make use of those imho) then i agree id go with the zf5 swap to keep the economy of the 3.55's (not that 3.55's are an economy gear.they're the bottom end of a performance gearing)
and i'd also find a 4wd version of the small block gas bell housing zf5 and grab the t-case and drive shaft as well to get a whole set of low range gears to make use of too.
again though,i would sell and re-buy the hd platform....unless the parts can be sourced near free.just keep in mind even if you did that and swapped out the rear to make it the full floater im not sure what type of front end and brake system (smaller) and such plus the frame? what about the frame? probably the f150 frame? Hades12,look up under the front bumper.at the very front of the frame,do you see crumple zones? id be surprised if you don't.
i recommend just doing what i did.suffer lmao.work it for all shes worth and save up for the hd diesel platform that you want and need.no point in tossing good money after bad.

 

So my Dad got in this E350 this week that I can get the rear end from if I want. a few questions that I have not been able to clear up. My F250 has a K Spring and this van has an H, I assume the H is a higher load capacity but can not find info to say. The van has a Axle 33 and If i found that correct it is a Dana 61 with a 3.54 gear. is the dana a step up from the ford 10" will the springs change right over? My thought is to find a 4.10 gear for the dana and swap the whole thing over. is the drive shaft the same or would it need cut or lengthend? Your thoughts and concerns please and thanks.

 

No the Dana is not a direct swap, vans have a wider frame so the spring perches have to be cut off and welded back on in the correct spots. The 4.10 ratio was common in E and F series 3/4 ton trucks and most of those will have a semifloat axle same as you have, so keep an eye out for one of those, even of you do stumble on another van axle it wouldn't cost much to have a competent welder move the perches, and '04+ vans also have rear disc brakes.

 

Just a quick report on this one. Found a broken motor mount and the trans crossmember was missing bolts. Really made a difference in the way it pulls. Still not the best but a lot better then it was.

 

Is the frame the same thickness as a HD F250? Since it's so rare I wonder if the frame is same on LD & HD F250?

I'm looking for a 92'-96' F250 bare frame for a build & want to be sure it's the HD version.

Cheers, Allen

 

There is no difference in the frame from a F250(uneven LD) and a F350