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Hey everyone, new to the site. I have been doing research and cant exactly find what I am looking for.
I am going to purchase a 1996 F-250. It is a 2wd and I am wanting to convert to 4wd. I have the mechanical ability, but don't have the knowledge when it comes to the parts. I am also getting a donor truck, but it is F-150 (89 or 90 model).
Am I going to run into any issues when it comes to putting the F-150 TTB front end in the F-250?
I know the gear ratio must match and I should be able to convert the front to an 8-lug, correct?
Also, I know that there is the option of buying a F-250 already 4wd but in my area, they are either in perfect condition and too expensive or completely rusted out and not worth purchasing. This truck in particular is in great shape and a very good price, along with the donor truck.
Thanks in advance.
I am going to purchase a 1996 F-250. It is a 2wd and I am wanting to convert to 4wd. I have the mechanical ability, but don't have the knowledge when it comes to the parts. I am also getting a donor truck, but it is F-150 (89 or 90 model).
Am I going to run into any issues when it comes to putting the F-150 TTB front end in the F-250?
I know the gear ratio must match and I should be able to convert the front to an 8-lug, correct?
Also, I know that there is the option of buying a F-250 already 4wd but in my area, they are either in perfect condition and too expensive or completely rusted out and not worth purchasing. This truck in particular is in great shape and a very good price, along with the donor truck.
Thanks in advance.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 31,930
Likes: 1,499
From: Ottawa, Ontario
My advice, don't make this harder than it needs to be which means get the correct donor vehicle first. The correct donor vehicle in this case is another F250 with the same wheelbase and engine/trans combo, and that is because you not only need the front axle but the t-case, the transmission, and both driveshafts.
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In response to the first reply, both trucks are priced well. The donor vehicle is junk in every aspect besides mechanical. It has a 302 and the F250 is 351W. Transmission and t-case will work fine. I will have to find a rear drive shaft. I'm just curious as to what issues I will encounter with the front end, if any.
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Ok, I guess I was pretty vague in my original post so I will provide more details.
The F-250 is a 1996 Extended Cab Long Bed.
351W
Automatic
2 Wheel Drive
Front Twin I-Beam
Coil Springs in front
The F-150 is between a 89-91, not real sure.
5.0
Automatic
4 Wheel Drive
TTB Front
Coil Spring Front Suspension
I am asking if the front components will bolt directly in to the F-250. I know that I will need to find a rear drive shaft which isn't an issue and I should be able to convert the front to an 8-lug, correct?
I understand that I can just purchase an F-250 as a donor but at the moment, the F-150 is available for a good price. $300 and it runs and drives and the 4-wheel drive works good, but the body is shot. I cannot find an F-250 that runs and drives for that price.
The F-250 is a 1996 Extended Cab Long Bed.
351W
Automatic
2 Wheel Drive
Front Twin I-Beam
Coil Springs in front
The F-150 is between a 89-91, not real sure.
5.0
Automatic
4 Wheel Drive
TTB Front
Coil Spring Front Suspension
I am asking if the front components will bolt directly in to the F-250. I know that I will need to find a rear drive shaft which isn't an issue and I should be able to convert the front to an 8-lug, correct?
I understand that I can just purchase an F-250 as a donor but at the moment, the F-150 is available for a good price. $300 and it runs and drives and the 4-wheel drive works good, but the body is shot. I cannot find an F-250 that runs and drives for that price.
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Thread Starter
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New User
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Ok, I guess I was pretty vague in my original post so I will provide more details.
The F-250 is a 1996 Extended Cab Long Bed.
351W
Automatic
2 Wheel Drive
Front Twin I-Beam
Coil Springs in front
The F-150 is between a 89-91, not real sure. Single Cab Short Bed
5.0
Automatic
4 Wheel Drive
TTB Front
Coil Spring Front Suspension
I am asking if the front components will bolt directly in to the F-250. I know that I will need to find a rear drive shaft which isn't an issue and I should be able to convert the front to an 8-lug, correct?
I understand that I can just purchase an F-250 as a donor but at the moment, the F-150 is available for a good price. $300 and it runs and drives and the 4-wheel drive works good, but the body is shot. I cannot find an F-250 that runs and drives for that price.
The F-250 is a 1996 Extended Cab Long Bed.
351W
Automatic
2 Wheel Drive
Front Twin I-Beam
Coil Springs in front
The F-150 is between a 89-91, not real sure. Single Cab Short Bed
5.0
Automatic
4 Wheel Drive
TTB Front
Coil Spring Front Suspension
I am asking if the front components will bolt directly in to the F-250. I know that I will need to find a rear drive shaft which isn't an issue and I should be able to convert the front to an 8-lug, correct?
I understand that I can just purchase an F-250 as a donor but at the moment, the F-150 is available for a good price. $300 and it runs and drives and the 4-wheel drive works good, but the body is shot. I cannot find an F-250 that runs and drives for that price.
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Brett Foote
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2016
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From: Philly
Can you park them next to each other for a while and inspect? I would think the first hang up is going to be where and how the springs mount on the frame side. As for an 8 lug Dana 44, I think that used to be a factory offering but I'm not certain. Yeah, late 70's I'm pretty sure. So maybe parts exist for that.
I think you're not getting the advice you want because nobody wants to touch this with a ten foot stick. I imagine it similar to how most folks must have looked at the first guy to convert a 2wd to 4wd but starting with the right parts. How about skipping the 250 altogether and fixing up the 150, or converting another nicer 150 2wd to 4wd? Or just finding a nice body for the 150?
Then sell it for a profit, hopefully, and buy a nice 250. Or expand your search area. Mine ran and drove with some issues but cost $1500 and didn't have any rust before I owned it.
I think you're not getting the advice you want because nobody wants to touch this with a ten foot stick. I imagine it similar to how most folks must have looked at the first guy to convert a 2wd to 4wd but starting with the right parts. How about skipping the 250 altogether and fixing up the 150, or converting another nicer 150 2wd to 4wd? Or just finding a nice body for the 150?
Then sell it for a profit, hopefully, and buy a nice 250. Or expand your search area. Mine ran and drove with some issues but cost $1500 and didn't have any rust before I owned it.
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,146
Likes: 17
From: Central Indiana
If you poke around, you'll find threads on eight-lug D44s. What I don't know is whether you will be able to physically bolt the TTB to the F250 frame.
It's one of those swaps that is unproven and uncommon.
It's one of those swaps that is unproven and uncommon.
More Turbo
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 635
Likes: 40
I considered doing this very thing to a 97 CCSB. The 1/2 ton coil TTB stuff SHOULD be pretty much a direct bolt in. Converting to 8 lug requires Chevy parts, from a D60 if I remember correctly. As mentioned, trans/transfer case etc which you apparently have.
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,146
Likes: 17
From: Central Indiana
Some of the F250 ttbs were 8 lug D44's. Might not be too common but they're out there. That way, you don't need no stinkin' Bow-Tie parts.