Everyone, I'm having a bit of a wrenching existential crisis (pun intended). I've had a '79 F-150 4x4 for about ten years now (see photo). It's got some basic bolt on upgrades, lift, gears, etc., nothing special. But the plan has always been to do a frame off and do everything - including putting in an e85 460, 35 spline 9-inch with discs, an overdrive, more lift, and so on. I'm now finally in a position where that is feasible to get started on "the build" I've been wanting to do for about a decade. I've also hemmed and hawed for many years over whether I should build an F-250 or stick with the current truck.

Just by chance I found a 79 F-250 4x4 listed for sale that is basically right down the road from me, is in good shape, and is cheap. And now I'm really debating picking it up. So I thought I'd ask for some opinions (always risky on the internet) on the relative merits of building a 150 vs 250 mild off roader with 35s and around 400hp. How much stronger/better would two Dana 60s be than the 44 and 9-inch in my 150? Are the dual piston F-250 front brakes that much better? Is lifting a 250 easier since you're not dealing with radius arms and trac bars? The axles are the main advantage I can see with going with an F-250. Is it worth it? Is there other stuff I'm not thinking of? Just need to talk it through. Thanks.

 

In my 60 plus years I have learned that life is unpredictable to a point. If the need to make anything needs to be rebuilt that isn't broke is a good day. I realize there is that need to make it better but how long are you willing to to not have it to enjoy. Your truck is looking good as is and yes it could look and work alot better. But what would be the end result for the sacrifice. Bottom line this all a personal choice. F250's are always a better choice for an all around truck where the F100/150,s are more of a grocery getter, Look at me I have a truck.

 

Me being I know what I got in the 150 and can drive & enjoy it NOW I would keep it the way it is and go with the 250.

You would need to go thru the 250 any way so why not tear into it?
If you get tired of working on it or run out of money you can let it sit and still have the 150 to drive to get your truck fix.
How do you feel climbing into the 150? With the 250 having more lift do you think you will want to be pulling your self into it a lot?

It took me 4 years to do a body off frame rebuild of my 81 F100 4x2 and it went back kind of a factory stock driver.
I also had my DD SUV and the wifes car to use so was no rush to get it done.

But as you said it is up to you and what you want to do.
Dave ----

 

What do you do with your truck, get groceries...sorry I had to ask since Christmas said F100/F150's are just for that. Lol Meaning how hard to you work your truck now, tow anything often or all the time? Haul loads of firewood, gravel, tow a big steel trailer, with another rig on it or tow a big boat? Is your truck a hard used/worked DD? Then an upgrade to a F250 would be ok. If your truck does what it is asked to do now, then just stick with it.

You have a very nice truck NOW, I would put the time and money into IT. It looks like you have done a lot of both already. You mention (two Dana 60's)....now if that truck down the road HAS TWO dana 60's and it is cheap, go buy it for a financial nest egg. ONE front 79 Dana 60 axle is worth about 1000 to 1500 bucks. Maybe even more depending on where you are located in California.

A front axle Dana 44 can be upgraded for more durability and that 9" rear axle is pretty tough already. There are upgrades also available for it. As far as lift kits yes F150 big lift you need to address the front end suspension/trac bar set up and steering a little bit more. F250 big lift you still have some steering to address. Also remember F250 is 8 lug axle so any and all the 1/2 ton stuff (rims) you have will not fit.

I am sure these guys get the job done with what they have. Can you spot the 1/2 ton in here?

 

IMO the only thing that is desirable on a 150 over a 250 standard cab would be a short bed. I would like to get a short bed 4x4 some day but other than that I would always choose the 3/4 ton over the half.
That being said your truck looks very nice.

 

It has to be that short bed. F250's were long beds.

 

No disrespect for the F100/150 they make great hot rods and all around drivers. Bottom line for me, the F250 is what it is, a truck. My opinion.

 

No difference today than there was when these were new. if you need or want a heavier duty pickup you buy the 3/4 ton. though to call any of them heavy duty compared to today's heavy pickups is laughable.

From a value standpoint unless your 1/2 ton is a short box you're way better of dumping money in a f250. they're just worth more.

 

Thanks for the replies everyone. I think there is a lot of wisdom in the "appreciate what you have" advice. I went and looked at it yesterday and it has had a hard life plowing snow. It would be a great project truck but...I already have a great project truck. I realized that starting over with this F-250 would set me back at least a year. My 150 is in a much better place as a starting point for a complete rebuild. Plus, I really just wanted the axles and buying the whole truck likely was not worth it. My 9-inch has served me well and I know it in and out.

I did pick up an unmolested 400 out of a '77 2wd truck. With all the goodies now available for the 400, maybe I'll build that instead of a 460! How cool would a stroker 400 on alcohol be

Edit: Also updated my profile to reflect that I'm in Minnesota now - one of the reasons I can finally build my '79 the way I want.