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I have a 76 1-ton longbed crewcab 2wd. Thinking about making it a 4x4. Is it worth it and what will it do to the value? It's in decent shape. its got the XLT Ranger package with factory air. Dana 70 in the rear, 460, C-6.
if you have the TIME and MONEY it's worth it. it will bring the value of the truck up if the job is done the right way. i have a friend who did this to a 78 crewcab if you want his email address email me. i'm sure he can answer any questions you have.
The frames are about the same on the crewcabs and the highboy f-250's. You could probally take the front end crossmembers and suspension out of the 4x4 and put under the crewcab. I have a similar truck to yours but it's a 78, thought about making it a 4x4, but don't want to risk messing it up. The problem with finding a new chassis is they are like hens teeth, you just can't get them, and if you go post 80's it is hard to put the body on.
Find yourself a F-250 or F-350 Supercab longbox 4x4 frame. You will have to have the frame lengthend a few inches. There is a good spot to do this about 2 foot or so from the rear wheels.
Or, you could cut 4.5 inches of frame and make a crewcab shortbed. That is what I did.
Classyfish is right, I've done many of these swaps and it works great. be glad to answer any ?'s you might have. I think I also have some pic's and maybe some video if your intertested
I did my 75 F350 by using a 78 F250 donor truck. I didnt want to cut the frame so I used the original frame and boxed the front for the steering box etc. You can use your 2wd steering box it just mounts in front of the axle. This way you can have decent power steering versus the highboy setup. I used 4" springs and the original F250 spring hangers/perches.
Yep, Ive got plenty of clearance. Im pretty easy on the old girl the most serious off-roading this truck will do will be logging roads, hunting fishing stuff, no jumps or extreme punishment!!! I couldnt bare to put a dent in her!!!