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73 79 frame

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Old Mar 25, 2017 | 03:08 PM
  #1  
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Rainbowkid79
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73 79 frame

how much difference is there between a 4x4 and 4x2 frame for 73 to 79 have a chance to buy a beautifull 4x2 frame but mine is 4x4 can I make it work
 
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Old Mar 25, 2017 | 03:22 PM
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lee
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From: Lacey, WA
Hi,

I might be wrong here but I think from the cab back, the frames are 4" narrower on 4x4's.
 
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Old Mar 25, 2017 | 05:10 PM
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On my 74 the frame is 34" outside to outside the entire length of the frame and it's a 4x2 frame that I converted to 4x4.
 
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Old Mar 25, 2017 | 05:40 PM
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how

how much was involed in converting it
 
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Old Mar 25, 2017 | 07:44 PM
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74crew12v
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Well the only reason I converted mine was because it was a crew cab frame and I thought it was worth it. But it's really not as hard as everybody says it is. I started by stripping the I beam suspension, the coil towers and all related brackets. Next I bolted my new leaf Springs to the front axle ('78 Dana 60 hp) and rolled the whole assembly under the front of the truck. I then centered the hub in the wheel opening and marked the front and rear eye of the leaf Springs in relation to the frame, for the hangers. Next I plated the frame over the rear eyes of the springs and used a hole saw to cut to through both layers and welded a pipe in the frame to accept the bushings. For the front I boxed the ends of a piece of 3x5x3/8" box tube and bolted as well as welded it to the underside of the frame. As far as steering I just moved the 2wd box forward and plated the frame there as well. Sorry I'm not super specific, but any more questions just ask.
 
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Old Mar 25, 2017 | 08:08 PM
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From: NorCal
Originally Posted by Rainbowkid79
how much was involed in converting it
There's a big ole crossmember on the 2wd that will occupy the same space as the front differential.

Do you have at least a 180 amp welder?
 
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