Hi all,

I'm an experienced restomod builder and know my way around building and restoring cars. For example I've done a 1967 and 1969 Firebird, as well as a street rod 1955 Chevy Apache. However, I really want to build a lifted 4x4 Ford truck, because it's one of my favorite looks. The problem is that I've never done a 4x4 or lifted restoration. I was hoping that I could just buy a ready-to-go full frame chassis for a 1979 Ford that included the lift, axles, lockers, suspension, and transfer case -- but I couldn't find any vendors or builders that provide such a solution. So that's why I wanted to ask the experts here who have more experience in this subject.

Here are my overall goals:

• Start with a 1979 something (not sure if I need F150 or F250)
• I really like the look and stance of the 1979 F250 Crewcab on this build
• I would like to lift it to achieve that look and always run 35" tires - however, when I lift it, I want all the geometry correct so that I don't break parts with over-stressing some parts of the suspension. In other words, I want to spend the time and money to do it correct, but I need to learn how to do it correct.
• I would like to daily this truck and have it reliable in terms of chassis and suspension.
• I want a really strong transfer case that would allow me a manual shifter of 4H, 4L, N, and 2L
• I would ideally love to install manual lockers on both the front and rear diffs, and be able to manually operate them as well. I plan to use this truck in heavy snow and mud.

Given my goals above, where should I start? Are there any full frames that I can buy that have all of the above? If not, where do I want start in trying to put something together? I have no idea what all the 4x4 parts I will need and how they will work together in a system. I know how 4x4 works in general and that Dana is a great brand, but otherwise no idea what parts I need and why.

Hoping that someone can help point me in the right direction.

Thanks!

 

Hold out for a 78-79 4x4 f250 or f350. I’d try to get a Dana 60 up front, your plans might be at the limit for the 44.

 

Thanks for the reply! I need to research the difference between Dana 60 and 44, but why do you say my plans would be at a limit for the 44? Sorry, don't understand you.

 

Smaller axle. 35s+ and hard use, is right at the border for breaking parts.

 

I can't imagine putting that much time and money into something then thrashing on it hard enough to break axles.

A good 73-79 crew cab is going to cost you serious bank. but if you're doing a restomod a jacked up screwed up one would work and they're a little cheaper. keep in mind some crew cab interior and trim parts are unobtainium.

 

Dana 44 front axle, very common front axle can be found under countless 4wd F150/F250's.
Dana 60 front axle cost $1200 to $1500 by themselves, more like 1500 + these days. And if you do find one under a 78/79 (F250 only) you are going to instantly pay more if the owner knows what he has.

F250 4" lift and 35's easy peasy, just have to find one not beat and rusted to hell and back.

Joint the Florida chapter and ask for some instate help locating a truck. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/forum116/

 

Half the 4x4 crew cabs in existence are in the pacific NW. loggers made up 90% of the market almost nobody else bought them. which seems so strange today.

There are wanted ads all over craigslist around here so the competition is pretty steep. but like anything the highest bidder is the winner. .

Looks like a rust bucket to me, but it's the cheapest one I've seen for a while.

1978 F-250 CREW CAB 4X4 - cars & trucks - by owner - vehicle... (craigslist.org)

 

I'm almost in the same boat as you are. I just got a 73 crew cab 2WD, and it came with a 91 dodge 4x4 with a 12 valve. I have the parts, but I'm just not quite sure on how to put them all together. It's gonna be a long hard road.

Best advice in the world is to just wait for the 4x4 to come along....... and when it does just buy it, don't try and let it sit for a while hoping for a better price.

 

D44 can be built to run 40" tires reliably 9" rear to.
if just a daily driver fishing type rig thats not beat on the 44 will do just fine pretty as it is.

Rcv axle shafts and bigger spline locker can be stuffed in to incresse strength above the dana 60.
dirt life on Youtube has some good axle comparison and builds on Youtube.

Steering is a work of art if done correctly itl steer as well as new trucks if done incorrectly you will hate it.
All the information is out there on the internet to do it correctly, billavista, pirate4x4 are a couple good sources to start reading on steering and track bar geometry. This may progress your reading into 4 link geometry

I realy like the hi pinion 1/2 ton dana44s they are a great platform to build on and can grow with you as your needs wants change. They also have lots of room on the axle tube to exept a 4 link suspension. With reed knuckls true crossover steering drag link and track bar will be at good angles with. And the coil springs actually dont ride to bad.

If a 77.5-79 truck with a dana 600 a steering arm can be bolted on the passenger side for crossover steering. Leaf springs locate the axle side to side so less work there.

Deaver can build decent riding leaf packs to get 3-4" of lift
ive never cared much for how lifted leaf packs ride but ive never ran deavers suposebly they work and ride well.

The 205 tcase is a monster and comes in lots of these old fords. I think there are 2low kits for them but dont quote me on that. The granny first gear handles low speed 2wd duties pretty good in the 435 4 speed manual. The t18 may also go really slow but ive never drove one..

A 5.9 cummins with a healthy auto tranny would turn a build like this into a mustang eating machine and easily get 20mpg when your foots not sticking through the turbo.
a mustang motor swapped in would also be pretty badass and not smoke n rattle as much as a cummins.

There are Shops that can do this but youl need a huge open wallet. They may even be able to find a truck for the starting point.
id guess a good build will be about 100k not sure 100k would cover paint n body work.

Fat fender garage
https://youtu.be/T3bcqSvEzJk

 

I know 79 was first year for f350 4x4 SC, and never paid attention that there was no F3 crew 4x4?

 

Woops, yes I am sure you can get a Dana 60 under a 78/79 F350 also. But good luck finding one for sale that is not a million dollars, 2 mil if it is a crewcab.

 

If you want restomod buy a 2wd and make it a 4x4. I would suggest a complete frame swap from a newer truck. Drives better, rides better, tows better. It is a lot of work and money though.

Good luck with whatever path you go down.

 

I built my F350 supercab 4x4 and it’s a great truck but if I had it to do all over again I’d start with a 2wd truck and convert it to 4x4 with modern components.

2005 and up Dana 60 are cheep and serious beef! I’d swap in the compete front suspension from a 2005 or newer f230/350

newer transfer cases have 2high, 4high, 4low and awd…. I’d go with one of these for sure and they are crazy strong plus they can be push button shifting

2wd trucks are way cheeper than 4x4 trucks so for the same $ you get a truck that’s in way better condition to start with.

it’s a LOT of fab work but the end product could be a far better daily driver than a stock 70’s truck.

Another option would be to drop the body onto a newer frame and running gear

 

Interested in selling your truck?

 

Just how serious are you about buying a Ford truck? Are you really looking or are you wishing? There are bunch out there for sale. I did not even get on Ebay.

https://classics.autotrader.com/clas...f150/101705488

https://classics.autotrader.com/clas...f150/101711381

https://classics.autotrader.com/clas...f150/101603690

https://classics.autotrader.com/clas...f150/101722216

https://classics.autotrader.com/clas...f150/101555232

What is your city on the Florida Craigslist?

Choose the site nearest you:

• daytona beach
• florida keys
• ft myers / SW florida
• gainesville
• heartland florida
• jacksonville
• lakeland
• north central FL
• ocala
• okaloosa / walton
• orlando
• panama city
• pensacola
• sarasota-bradenton
• south florida - includes separate sections for miami/dade, broward, and palm beach counties
• space coast
• st augustine
• tallahassee
• tampa bay area
• treasure coast