Notices
1994.5 - 1997 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel  

Nick's 1996 Project

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Mar 30, 2015 | 05:13 AM
  #16  
dizzyfingers03's Avatar
dizzyfingers03
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 462
Likes: 13
From: Lovettsville, VA
Weekend update

I finished the brakes on the rear axle. Took me two trips to the parts store, but that's my fault (ordered stuff online and somehow got the wrong spring kit).










I started to put the hugs onto the front axle only to discover that one of the pins on the the inner spindle nuts was gone (???!!!). So off to the parts store again, and they don't carry them (or even seem to know what they are). So I ordered them last night.

Since I didn't have anything else to do, I tore into the BW1356. I was suprised to find that the pump retainer (?) on the side of the case had not ripped out after 215K miles. Actually it all looks rather good. I'll still do bearings and seals.




I also drained the transmission. The fluid came out nice and bright red. Looked like it was all there. Didn't find any shavings or bearing noises! I guess that is ready to go.
 
Reply
Old Mar 30, 2015 | 10:51 PM
  #17  
ReBilld's Avatar
ReBilld
Hotshot
10 Year Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 11,132
Likes: 3
From: Southern West Virginia
Looking good bud!
 
Reply
Old Mar 31, 2015 | 04:58 AM
  #18  
dizzyfingers03's Avatar
dizzyfingers03
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 462
Likes: 13
From: Lovettsville, VA
Originally Posted by ReBilld
Looking good bud!
Thanks man. I'm really enjoying this project. But the hard part is yet to come...installation. At least I have a donor frame from the front spring shackles.
 
Reply
Old Mar 31, 2015 | 01:18 PM
  #19  
MOOSE_MACHINE's Avatar
MOOSE_MACHINE
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 3,897
Likes: 9
not much inside that tcase eh? Those axles look like they just rolled off the assemblyline
 
Reply
Old Apr 5, 2015 | 06:21 AM
  #20  
dizzyfingers03's Avatar
dizzyfingers03
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 462
Likes: 13
From: Lovettsville, VA
Originally Posted by MOOSE_MACHINE
not much inside that tcase eh? Those axles look like they just rolled off the assemblyline
Thanks

I finished the brakes on the Dana this week. I put new bearings and seals in the t-case. I got the t-case half way back together when I realized that the pump retaining bracket was worn (as they all really are). So I welded a bolt in. But today, I'm leaving on a business trip for a week; no progress this week I'm afraid








 
Reply
Old Apr 23, 2015 | 05:21 AM
  #21  
dizzyfingers03's Avatar
dizzyfingers03
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 462
Likes: 13
From: Lovettsville, VA
Wow...been over 2 weeks since I posted. Well that's no good.

Anyway, got the transfer case all ready to rock. I also pulled all the traction bar / anti-sway stuff for the Dana out of the pile. I just need to wire wheel and paint. I also pulled the front shackle mounts off the donor frame. I'm not 100% sure how to fit them into the 2WD just yet.




I installed the rear axle. All new shocks, springs, and shackles. I took it for a quick drive, what a difference. Big thanks to Bob at ATS Springs. We spent about 30 minutes on the phone figuring out what I needed. The rear all came together nicely. I wanted to delete those stupid helper springs (which as it turns out had the main springs completely locked stiff when the truck was empty). I am already impressed with the Tru-Trac. No bed on the truck and it went just fine. I could see both wheels fighting for grip.







Before...





The crazy unsafe gooseneck hitch. You can't see it in the picture, but the 4 very small bolts holding it into the bed had completely rusted out.





Ready for the swap.





Test fitting the axle, lift blocks, and looking at the tires. Who knew a transmission jack doubles for axles?





All done. I just need to paint the frame while the bed's off. I also ordered a new turn-over under-bed gooseneck hitch.

Currently, the transmission is out. I need to install the new one and modify the cross member (I think?). More to come...
 
Reply
Old Apr 23, 2015 | 06:05 AM
  #22  
fordman67's Avatar
fordman67
Hotshot
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 14,377
Likes: 609
From: evansville in
So you are going to do a 2-4 WD conversion then?

Looking nice so far!
 
Reply
Old Apr 23, 2015 | 06:53 AM
  #23  
dizzyfingers03's Avatar
dizzyfingers03
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 462
Likes: 13
From: Lovettsville, VA
Originally Posted by fordman67
So you are going to do a 2-4 WD conversion then?

Looking nice so far!
Thanks. Yeah, truck was 2WD to start with. It was about worthless anywhere that wasn't 100% paved.
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-3

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-5

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
Old Apr 24, 2015 | 12:54 PM
  #24  
cowmilker08's Avatar
cowmilker08
Logistics Pro
15 Year Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 4,818
Likes: 1
From: Avilla, IN
Looking really good.
I'd inspect the cross member above the front fuel tank. Crud collects there and causes the cross member to rust way faster than other parts of the frame.
 
Reply
Old Apr 24, 2015 | 04:35 PM
  #25  
fordman67's Avatar
fordman67
Hotshot
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 14,377
Likes: 609
From: evansville in
Originally Posted by dizzyfingers03
Thanks. Yeah, truck was 2WD to start with. It was about worthless anywhere that wasn't 100% paved.
I sure don't blame you.no more than I use 4wd I just won't own a 2wd.

keep up the good work!!
 
Reply
Old Apr 27, 2015 | 05:12 AM
  #26  
dizzyfingers03's Avatar
dizzyfingers03
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 462
Likes: 13
From: Lovettsville, VA
Well after removing the transmission, I discovered that the throw-out bearing had separated. It was still functional, but I thought it best to replace it. Odd thing is it, it was only about 15K miles old from my Valair/SMF swap when I bought the truck. So, getting a new one on the weekend proved impossible. I still need to open the 4WD shifter hole in the floor. That doesn't seem to bad since there's a patch panel just screwed in.

Got the whole frame painted this weekend. I also modified the cross member and adjusted the shifter link courtesy of my new toy.





First coat of primer








After two coats of primer and two of back.








My new toy





The link that came with the transmission was too short for some reason. So, I cut down the automatic one.





Modified cross-member. The drop there is what I measured from the automatic one.
 
Reply
Old May 3, 2015 | 05:46 PM
  #27  
dizzyfingers03's Avatar
dizzyfingers03
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 462
Likes: 13
From: Lovettsville, VA
Transmission and transfer case are back in the truck. The cross member needed further modifications in the end. No pictures of that unless someone needs them. I had some crazy idea that the automatic driveshafts might fit...nope. I'll try to find someone to cut them down/modify them this week.

Anyway, today's progress:




I'm going to have nightmares about drilling/cutting rivets, but they are out.








First coat of paint on the front. Also, I think something is missing???





Painted the crossmember too.





Painted the bottom of the rad support while I was under there.





Redneck lift.





I just welded in the brackets from the F350. You can't see it in this picture, but I welded a plate to the inside of the outer frame rail. The hole from the spring shackle was too close to the big slot for my comfort.
 
Reply
Old May 4, 2015 | 06:10 AM
  #28  
DIYMechanic's Avatar
DIYMechanic
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 10,121
Likes: 3
From: Orrville, Ohio
Looks like you were busy this weekend!
 
Reply
Old May 4, 2015 | 06:39 AM
  #29  
dizzyfingers03's Avatar
dizzyfingers03
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 462
Likes: 13
From: Lovettsville, VA
Originally Posted by DIYMechanic
Looks like you were busy this weekend!
Trying to finish before the last week in May.
 
Reply
Old May 4, 2015 | 08:37 AM
  #30  
fordman67's Avatar
fordman67
Hotshot
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 14,377
Likes: 609
From: evansville in
Get er dun!

Looking like fun and looking nice!
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:14 PM.

story-0
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-2
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-4
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-7
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE