Hey guys, some of you may have seen my other thread regarding my 4x4 swap. I found that it wasn't getting the input that i was after for some of the questions i had, plus the title may have deterred people from reading: "jumping into a 4x4 swap, thoughts?" Thus I have decided to start this build thread.

***Mods if this is not okay by all means do what you need to.***

I will try to be as detailed as possible and post whenever I can, giving pros and cons, what was easy and what was difficult for if anyone else wants to go this route.

I have decided to swap my truck specifically because of sentimental reasons, and the fact that i cant find any 4x4 CC LB trucks in my area for a reasonable price, plus i like a challenge.

The route that I have decided to go was a coil sprung 05 f350 front end. It has 3.73 gearing so i will be showing the swap over to 4.10 as well. I bought the axle, with hubs in good condition, good calipers, a steering box, brand new sway bars and links, good shocks all for $800. My budget for the swap is $1600 so we will see how it goes. Below are some of the pictures of the progress on my swap so far:

A friend helped me get the axle and frame with his flatdeck:

<a href="http://s246.photobucket.com/user/Ra1N-Rabit_Killer/media/2_zpsqnreth8y.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg109/Ra1N-Rabit_Killer/2_zpsqnreth8y.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 2_zpsqnreth8y.jpg"/></a>

Closer Look:

<a href="http://s246.photobucket.com/user/Ra1N-Rabit_Killer/media/1_zpsw4zv4zjm.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg109/Ra1N-Rabit_Killer/1_zpsw4zv4zjm.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 1_zpsw4zv4zjm.jpg"/></a>

Axle stripped of brakes, steering, frame removed:

<a href="http://s246.photobucket.com/user/Ra1N-Rabit_Killer/media/6_zpsmmpvdvhl.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg109/Ra1N-Rabit_Killer/6_zpsmmpvdvhl.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 6_zpsmmpvdvhl.jpg"/></a>

Parts pile: sway bar, manual t-case, trans cross-member, shocks

<a href="http://s246.photobucket.com/user/Ra1N-Rabit_Killer/media/4_zpskhul9hb2.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg109/Ra1N-Rabit_Killer/4_zpskhul9hb2.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 4_zpskhul9hb2.jpg"/></a>

In the next stage i will have to pick up the grade 8 bolts for the radius arms and coil buckets, buy 17" rims and tires, and purchase new front rotors as the old ones were cracked.

Chime in with thoughts and advice.

 

I'm looking forward reading about your progress.

 

Thank you! The utility of 4wd in our Canadian winters is going to be excellent. Especially considering that i tow everyday, sadly even during storms.

 

Subscribing.

 

Oh yeah, my kind of project 😎
Sucks you gotta do it outside in the dirt tho....😬 It's gonna be the smalls that make it a pain.

Frank

 

The same friend that had the flat deck also has a large fully equipped shop. Should be just fine.

 

It's cheating if you use a 2 or 4 post lift.

 

Looks like a good start.

 

Fantastic. Ive been looking at doing this recently also. I will definitely be subscribed here. Good luck with the project.

 

X2...it just isn't the same fulfilling experience if don't roll around on the ground, get up and down 538.5 times to chase tools, and call yourself a dumba$$ for fixing stuff that isn't broke, while digging dirt out of your right eye with a greasy paw......good times 🤔

Frank

 

The shop doesn't have a lift but it does have a pit which is nice.

As for today's update:

- got the coil buckets sanded down and painted up (will post finished pics when paint is dry)
- Have done a lot of research on re-gearing the axle. Unsure if i need a new carrier or not, perhaps some of you will know (the axle is 3.73, going to 4.10)

Still cant seem to find decent 17" rims to clear the bigger brakes, will post up when i buy them.

An interesting note on the coil buckets from before i stripped and painted them, the paint almost looks bubbled from heat. I suppose because they are close to the manifolds it would make sense. Perhaps ford should look into a heat-shield or better coating? If paint bubbles on our northern trucks the metal below will disappear very quick.

<a href="http://s1380.photobucket.com/user/murraymassey1/media/IMG_20151115_195455857_HDR_zpsccd2q6gd.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1380.photobucket.com/albums/ah172/murraymassey1/IMG_20151115_195455857_HDR_zpsccd2q6gd.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo IMG_20151115_195455857_HDR_zpsccd2q6gd.jpg"/></a>

Coil bucket condition prior to sanding and paint:

<a href="http://s1380.photobucket.com/user/murraymassey1/media/IMG_20151115_184551563_HDR_zpsxfpqrudv.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1380.photobucket.com/albums/ah172/murraymassey1/IMG_20151115_184551563_HDR_zpsxfpqrudv.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo IMG_20151115_184551563_HDR_zpsxfpqrudv.jpg"/></a>

Thanks for reading.

 

Carrier split is 4.10 down, and 4.56 up, so you're in good shape.

Frank

 

For reference to anyone who is looking to do this swap, or simply any re gear, check this video out:
I watched the entire two hours and it was worth every minute. Goes through bearing pre-loads, side bearing pre-load, setting and adjusting backlash etc etc.

 

are you planning on swapping out the rear axle?

or just running 2" spacers on the back axle?

 

More than likely will run spacers until I have the funds for a new rear.