Hello all! I'm starting a new project, and wanted to share. After toying with the idea of converting my 2x to 4x with the TTB D44HD and everyone suggesting just go to the D60, I decided to go all out. So here's my project!
I recently acquired a 1989 F350 4x4 IDI with a DMF that's about to detonate. Could barely get it into gear just to pull it onto the trailer.

Then there is the 1990 F350, it was a 4x4 and an IDI, but as you can see, frame, cab, and rear axle. Literally nothing else.

And then there's Old Red. an 88 IDI 2x4. Going to take as much as possible from this truck and put it on the crew cab, including engine, driveline after it's been shortened, body panels and bed. Rest in peace good buddy!



I'll update as it progresses, I'm open to any suggested mods along the way.

 

I will be subscribing to this...as I am going to build my 90 F350 crewcab into a 4wd from 2wd!

 

My crew cab was already a 4x4, the guy I bought it from sold the Dana 60 and trans before I picked it up. I do have a spare track bar and mount if you need it.

On another note, does anyone know if the engine bay harness between a 88 and a 90 are the same for the IDI? I noticed the 90 had the RABS diag port in the engine bay instead of under the dash. But the rest looks about the same.

 

Engine out! Now to pressure wash things.

 

New update, trying to juggle working on it and working on busses at work, guess they say "A mechanic's car is never done" for a reason.

Front axle install
Rebuilding the hubs, they had a lot of play in them for some reason. Bearings were good, looks like someone used engine oil for the locking hubs.

Converted to three pedals, clutch, brake, and volume haha

Pressing in new leaf spring bushings. Pretty easy to do, but the spring sure made a lot of racket.


Wish these weren't as overlooked as they usually are. Worn out shackle bushings compared to new.

Doing a bit of jamb work, plan on painting the whole truck the same color as old red. Paint code 2H, Medium Cabernet.



Next week I plan on swapping the engine and front clip over from old red to this one, I'm hoping to have her running in less than 2 weeks. More updates to come!

 

Oh also, I guess the PO had cut holes in the center pillar trim to run speaker wire instead of just removing it, sadly the only crew cab with red interior at the wrecking yard is gone. Any word on where I might find replacements without holes in them?

 

Subscribing to watch this come together.

 

Sit back and relax as it's time for another update! I can't believe how quickly this project has come together. I have to say thanks where it is due, special thanks to @'89F2urd and @ford005 for helping describe the complications of converting a 2x4 frame to 4x4 and the pro's and cons of TTB vs D60, and thanks to @ifrythings for lots of very clean pictures of the process.

So, the new update is it's now running and have been driving it, working out a few wiring kinks like wiring differences for the rear end lights and AC controls, all minor stuff. Still don't have the 4x4 light or cruise working, but it's all good.

Moving the engine over, straight pick up and move on over, no cherry picker pictures, was in a hurry, did it on the July 4th three day weekend.


Engine in, fueled up, first fireup after s
Finally able to move under it's own power after 3 years of sitting... as a front wheel drive truck, had to have the driveline rebuilt from my 2x4 truck to fit in the crew cab... $350 late

It will be going under the knife for paint and a few dent removals this weekend, just need to get some side steps cause my wife hates jumping into the truck. Gotta love

 

Good news! Congratulations on the job and the progress. It's great to see another brick nose brought back to life.

 

You have any pictures of those headlight protectors? I'm curious as to what they connect to.

 

Yep took them when I got home. Someone used steel wellnuts on the fenders then bolted them to the light asssy brackets.