How bad is this idea?
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 350
Likes: 44
From: North central TX
How bad is this idea?
Let me start out by explaining my situation.
I have two fully functional dents right now (don't ask how many others I have), a '77 and a '78, both are 2wd F150's.
I daily drive the '78, and use the '77 as a backup of sorts. Both have the same rear axle ratio: 2.75. I don't mind them in my daily driver, but the '77 has a 300 and that engine doesn't seem to care for that tall of a rear end, and I would like to have a truck that could do more in the way of towing/hauling. Nothing super heavy, but a bit more than 2.75's let me do.
Anyhow, I'm looking at a '67 camper special as a parts truck for a few projects I have around, and it has a dana 60 in the rear with 3.73 gears.
Would it be a huge hassle, or just plain stupid to put that axle underneath an F150? I'm sure the 300 would perform much better with a rear axle ratio like that. I would also intend on adding 3/4 ton hardware on the front end so the wheels would match, and doing whatever would need to be done on the brakes.
I know it wouldn't be a true 3/4 ton, and I don't plan on treating it as such.
I guess what I'm asking is whether this is a worthwhile endeavor, or if I should just buy a different truck to fill this role.
Any input will be very much appreciated.
I have two fully functional dents right now (don't ask how many others I have), a '77 and a '78, both are 2wd F150's.
I daily drive the '78, and use the '77 as a backup of sorts. Both have the same rear axle ratio: 2.75. I don't mind them in my daily driver, but the '77 has a 300 and that engine doesn't seem to care for that tall of a rear end, and I would like to have a truck that could do more in the way of towing/hauling. Nothing super heavy, but a bit more than 2.75's let me do.
Anyhow, I'm looking at a '67 camper special as a parts truck for a few projects I have around, and it has a dana 60 in the rear with 3.73 gears.
Would it be a huge hassle, or just plain stupid to put that axle underneath an F150? I'm sure the 300 would perform much better with a rear axle ratio like that. I would also intend on adding 3/4 ton hardware on the front end so the wheels would match, and doing whatever would need to be done on the brakes.
I know it wouldn't be a true 3/4 ton, and I don't plan on treating it as such.
I guess what I'm asking is whether this is a worthwhile endeavor, or if I should just buy a different truck to fill this role.
Any input will be very much appreciated.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
Likes: 83
From: NorCal
I'd just re-gear the '77. Get an extra gear carrier, re-gear it, and swap it in.. I can do it in less than an hour at a leisurely pace. I'm sure you can too.
Swapping to 3/4-ton drivetrain doesn't gain much for most of the hauling and towing and, in the end, it will still powered by a 300. It'll "run out of engine" before it runs out of for all but the heaviest payloads.
Swapping to 3/4-ton drivetrain doesn't gain much for most of the hauling and towing and, in the end, it will still powered by a 300. It'll "run out of engine" before it runs out of for all but the heaviest payloads.
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 350
Likes: 44
From: North central TX
Yeah, I know I could swap the third member out in the 9" very easily..
This stuff happened to fall in my lap, a lower geared 9" did not. Plus, I figured the bigger brakes, stronger rear axle, and heavier springs would give me a bit of an unofficial 'bump' in that truck's gvw.
If that line of thinking is incorrect, I won't do it. I'm not dead set on anything here.
This stuff happened to fall in my lap, a lower geared 9" did not. Plus, I figured the bigger brakes, stronger rear axle, and heavier springs would give me a bit of an unofficial 'bump' in that truck's gvw.
If that line of thinking is incorrect, I won't do it. I'm not dead set on anything here.
Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 5,250
Likes: 11
From: West Virginia
Unless the body and drive train are the same you'll have to have a driveshaft made anyway, so it won't end up being free unless you do that yourself too.
Ford 9's with anything numerically higher than 2.75's are practically growing on trees and should cost well under $200... I just swapped out my 2.75's for 3.55's and it made a world of difference with my 302.
I personally think the swap might be worthwhile, but not for the gearing alone, and it's an awful lot of work. If gearing is the concern just change the axle or 3rd member it will cost you less anyway (nuts bolts brake lines etc add up quick).
Ford 9's with anything numerically higher than 2.75's are practically growing on trees and should cost well under $200... I just swapped out my 2.75's for 3.55's and it made a world of difference with my 302.
I personally think the swap might be worthwhile, but not for the gearing alone, and it's an awful lot of work. If gearing is the concern just change the axle or 3rd member it will cost you less anyway (nuts bolts brake lines etc add up quick).
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
l8000
Pre-Power Stroke Diesel (7.3L IDI & 6.9L)
8
Sep 15, 2013 10:58 PM
xc4jokestomper
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
18
Nov 5, 2010 08:32 PM
