Nick's 1996 Project
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.

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


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...
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
keep up the good work!!
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.
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.








