SRW to DRW conversion question
Thread Starter
|
Cross-Country
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 63
Likes: 1
SRW to DRW conversion question
I have an old junker 2003 5.4 L F350 SRW truck. I wanted to play around with it, and it is geared waaaay too tall with Nitto 35" tires. I use it for hauling project cars, and it will do it, but is often very unhappy up hills. The tires are about spent, and that 5.4 needs some help. I was thinking of putting in a F450 rear axle and wheels and 4.88 gear. My truck right now had a 4.11 gear (I think) Then either re gear the front diff or find a matching 4.88 front axle...
I understand there might be an issue with frame width, I can cut and weld, but is there any reason I can't use a cab and chassis truck rear axle? I cant find a definitive answer. I understand there might be a inner width issue with the fuel tank or frame rail. It seems the F450 rear axles are more common than the F450 trucks with conventional beds...
I am open to any ideas, just forming a plan, thanks.
I understand there might be an issue with frame width, I can cut and weld, but is there any reason I can't use a cab and chassis truck rear axle? I cant find a definitive answer. I understand there might be a inner width issue with the fuel tank or frame rail. It seems the F450 rear axles are more common than the F450 trucks with conventional beds...
I am open to any ideas, just forming a plan, thanks.
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 14,246
Likes: 2,179
why dont you use a pickup f-450.
is an f-350 DRW option out?
on the f-450...the chasis cab does have less frame spacing...and the leaf springs are shorter...some year f-450 use different size rims just as a point of info.
the brakes on an f-450 are larger....not sure if the larger rear f-450 brakes will place nice with smallwer front SRW brakes.
good luck.
is an f-350 DRW option out?
on the f-450...the chasis cab does have less frame spacing...and the leaf springs are shorter...some year f-450 use different size rims just as a point of info.
the brakes on an f-450 are larger....not sure if the larger rear f-450 brakes will place nice with smallwer front SRW brakes.
good luck.
Thread Starter
|
Cross-Country
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 63
Likes: 1
F350 drw rear would be fine, but I can't find one with 4.88. I would use the leaf springs I have now. I'm not so concerned with the hauling capacity on the bed, more just need a quicker gear. So I might need a proportioning valve or maybe use the f450/550 master cylinder?
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 8,449
Likes: 70
From: South Jersey
450 rear uses larger ujoint and flange so the dribeshaft won't work. Brakes are larger and won't work correctly with the baby front rotors. Leaf perches are set differently due to the chassis cab being narrower than the sta dard truck frame. Depending on year wheel size is different and so is shock placement.
for all this unnecessary time/money just re-gear the original axle to 4.88 or 5.13 if your keeping g them large tires.
gears and install kit are what 300 dollars
for all this unnecessary time/money just re-gear the original axle to 4.88 or 5.13 if your keeping g them large tires.
gears and install kit are what 300 dollars
Thread Starter
|
Cross-Country
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 63
Likes: 1
ok,
thanks. I think I am giving up on the DRW rear conversion, because the cost of finding a ford 8L with wheels and tires is just too much. I have been looking at junkyards and part outs, and by the time I am done with wheels, tires, calipers, and whatnot, I would have more in the conversion than the truck, and I just cant justify that cost. BUT. How about just a re gear, to a 4.88? I guess I'd have to do front and back, but I hear shops charge a lot but nothing ridiculous...
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,483
Likes: 273
From: Tulare U.S.A.
Are you running the 35s for a reason or just because?.4:11s are relatively low gear provided you are running a stock-size tire. You mentioned the tires are shot why not drop down to 33s or even smaller? It would be the cheapest solution..
Thread Starter
|
Cross-Country
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 63
Likes: 1
that's true, but 35 to 33 (about 6%) would be a tiny difference, and those tires are 250$ each. the truck has a 6 inch lift and these huge Nitto grapplers that it can barely turn. but if I get new tires, i will definitely go a size down...4.11 to 4.88 would be 16% . I need both, actually...now that I think about it.
Trending Topics
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 4,085
Likes: 1,627
Might I suggest looking into adding power to the 5.4 instead of regearing the truck?
The 5.4 was a pretty decent motor, but not well-matched to the Super Duties they placed it in. It is a high-revving engine since it is either SOHC or DOHC, but most people who drive Super Duties are used to low-end grunt from either a big block gasser or a diesel.
I would suggest looking into an intake, a set of headers/exhaust, and maybe a tune, to see if you can't wake that motor up some. It'll be a LOT cheaper than a re-gear, since it sounds like this is a 4x4 and you'd need to do both axles.
The 5.4 was a pretty decent motor, but not well-matched to the Super Duties they placed it in. It is a high-revving engine since it is either SOHC or DOHC, but most people who drive Super Duties are used to low-end grunt from either a big block gasser or a diesel.
I would suggest looking into an intake, a set of headers/exhaust, and maybe a tune, to see if you can't wake that motor up some. It'll be a LOT cheaper than a re-gear, since it sounds like this is a 4x4 and you'd need to do both axles.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Thread Starter
|
Cross-Country
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 63
Likes: 1
that's the best advice have received. I called a rear end shop and they said 3800$ for both axles. That's not going to happen. im gonna buy some smaller tires and see if I can wake this engine up...
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
redneck_rolemodel
Clutch, Transmission, Differential, Axle & Transfer Case
12
Nov 21, 2014 12:45 PM
beverlylawncare
1999 - 2016 Super Duty
19
Jul 15, 2013 11:07 AM