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1994.5 - 1997 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel  

Lone Star- 4wd Conversion

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Old Jan 18, 2022 | 04:35 PM
  #16  
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From: Tobyhanma, PA
Originally Posted by Ford Firefighter
Sure was lol
How “never” are we talking??
Should I go yank it off while it’s wet?
Lol that stuff is super good, rated ti hold up to like 40 psi, it's for the plenums and such. Shouldn't have to worry about it leaking gear oil...like ever.
 
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Old Jan 18, 2022 | 04:40 PM
  #17  
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Wonderful well I guess I’ll take a buzz saw and some heat when I need to take it off next time, I’ll hack up the cover as a good excuse to buy one of those fancy ones!
 
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Old Jan 19, 2022 | 08:05 AM
  #18  
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S&B Body Mounts

A little off topic but the old body mounts were trashed so I got me some S&B! I must say I do not like purchasing stuff from Californication but these folks must be one in a million, they called me a week after I received the mounts just to ask me if the install went well! Wow!
Shipped fast and was super easy to install thanks to the included removal cups! I was able to do it all with out dropping the fuel tank, you do have to take the straps off and lower it with a jack but everything can stay connected!
The front ones were so rusted I had to cut the bolts as the heads snapped off on the first zap of the impact! Other than that install was easy!
The truck rides without that terrible metal on metal sound! I used some of the shims to get it as spot on as I could, it looks good to me! I am cursed with level and plumb eye!

I really should have waited to put my 3” DP in when I was doing this, would have been a breeze!







 
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Old Jan 19, 2022 | 08:36 AM
  #19  
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So when you do this swap are you swapping in the correct 4wd frame? It's looking good and keep up the good work. I'll just watch you since I can't work on mine. You are making me tired just watching to be honest.
 
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Old Jan 19, 2022 | 08:52 AM
  #20  
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Sounds good!
No I'm not swapping the frame, in the back of my mind I know I should be but I'm just boxing in the front frame “horns”
If I had a lift and a shop that I could close the doors and be done for the day I would definitely be doing that. But as it is I’ll be doing it in front of the house and have to have all my tools put “away” at the end of each day and I don’t want the truck to be down any longer than it has to be
I’m not going to sell the donor frame for that reason just to have it on hand, once I sell the cab etc. I’ll paint it up and get it ready!

Continue to page #97
 
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Old Jan 19, 2022 | 08:58 AM
  #21  
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I know everyone always says “it’s not that bad” but I’ve been chipping away at it a little each afternoon and it’s been pretty easy so far. I’ve NEVER been this far before lol Pulling axles and all was out of my capabilities a month ago and I would say it still kinda is. It sure helps to have another vehicle to drive while you’re working and not having this urgency to get it put back together asap
 
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Old Jan 19, 2022 | 05:10 PM
  #22  
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There is a lot of difference. I would strongly reconsider. I know it's a big deal but if it were me that's the only way to go with having a frame there to clean,paint,prep then just swap your stuff over..
it's your decision and I don't mean to push but...
 
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Old Jan 19, 2022 | 08:36 PM
  #23  
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There is definitely several differences we just completed a 4x4 swap for a customer. And I knew about the front frame inserts but the 4x4 front right hand frame is boxed from the engine cradle to right around the core support. Where the 2wd doesn’t at all we are planning on cutting the inner section from another frame and weld in place. When truck comes back to get the engine and cab removed for frame paint and a reseal. I’d highly recommend either changing frames or finding this section and adding in.
 
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Old Jan 19, 2022 | 09:30 PM
  #24  
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Yikes! Well as much as I would love to swap the frames out, it’s pretty out of the question without hiring the job out and I can’t afford that.

As far as frame differences, the part you’re describing behind the engine cradle, is that where a spring shackle goes or are you talking just a general strength of the frame?

Ive got the 4x4 frame that I’ll go look at myself but please keep giving me info on obstacles, I’d rather know now!

Continue to page #97
 
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Old Jan 19, 2022 | 11:27 PM
  #25  
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From: evansville in
The frame from engine crossmember forward especially on pass side. Thats fully boxed vs the open C on2wd. If you look up diymechanictv on YouTube Nate shows the difference on project frankenstroke. He is a good dude,friend and member here. He did a 4wd swap on that and its as good as factory. Its easy to hack some junk together but it won't last in the long run.
personally if I didn't do it right I'd leave it 2wd. But I'm weird im over 4wd..my obs is 4wd but if I didn't own it I'd probably just have a 2wd.
 
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Old Jan 20, 2022 | 06:10 AM
  #26  
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Originally Posted by Ford Firefighter

I ordered X Code springs from ATS, Jr was very helpful in choosing the springs, I ended up going with X codes for the little extra lift and being it’s a CC LB DRW with a Diesel engine I figure I could use a little more strength
I am curious how the x codes will work for you. If I remember correctly they were spec’d new for pickups with a snowplow package kit or f450s or 550s. I did v codes with my rsk but I wouldn’t have any idea how they would compare to the x codes.
 
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Old Jan 20, 2022 | 07:18 AM
  #27  
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Originally Posted by fordman67
The frame from engine crossmember forward especially on pass side.
Thanks for the input fordman! I’ll keep it in mind as I go!
 
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Old Jan 20, 2022 | 07:19 AM
  #28  
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Originally Posted by idshred
I am curious how the x codes will work for you. If I remember correctly they were spec’d new for pickups with a snowplow package kit or f450s or 550s. I did v codes with my rsk but I wouldn’t have any idea how they would compare to the x codes.
Sounds good! I was up in the air for a while but I think they’ll work well!
 
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Old Jan 20, 2022 | 06:52 PM
  #29  
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I had v codes, they flattened out under the weight on my jalopy. Swapped them out for custom arched X codes. They ride very well (compared to the F superduty 10 leaf stack on the rear )
 
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Old Jan 20, 2022 | 07:04 PM
  #30  
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As someone who's done this swap. I recommend using the other frame if it's in good shape. Or buy the rsk kit for the front.




 
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