Best 4x4 Frame for Conversion Project
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
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Best 4x4 Frame for Conversion Project
Hi all, lots of great info in these forums, but it wont let me search!
Here is what I want to do, I have a 65 F-250 2wd that really wants to be a 4x4. I want to change the whole frame and switch the 65 body onto a 70's 4x4 frame since they are so much more common. Im looking for your opinion on what the best candidate for this swap would be. Here is what I need:
1) Best axle combo, ill swap the gears later
2) Disc brakes in the front would be nice.
3) Compatible F-250 frame.
Is there any particular good year to look for?? Any heavy duty options? I plan on lifting it some as well.
I plan on running a 460 c6 combo but would really like to run a 7.3L or 6.0L power stroke!
Thanx for the help! What other propblems will I run into in this swap, steering? radiator core support? fender mounts? gas tank interferance? Can I keep the tool box?!
I prolly should just buy a new super duty and save myself the time but what fun would that be, everyone around here has a lifted super duty!
Here is what I want to do, I have a 65 F-250 2wd that really wants to be a 4x4. I want to change the whole frame and switch the 65 body onto a 70's 4x4 frame since they are so much more common. Im looking for your opinion on what the best candidate for this swap would be. Here is what I need:
1) Best axle combo, ill swap the gears later
2) Disc brakes in the front would be nice.
3) Compatible F-250 frame.
Is there any particular good year to look for?? Any heavy duty options? I plan on lifting it some as well.
I plan on running a 460 c6 combo but would really like to run a 7.3L or 6.0L power stroke!
Thanx for the help! What other propblems will I run into in this swap, steering? radiator core support? fender mounts? gas tank interferance? Can I keep the tool box?!
I prolly should just buy a new super duty and save myself the time but what fun would that be, everyone around here has a lifted super duty!
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,729
Likes: 2
I'd recommend looking for a 78-79 frame (38"). They are already set up for power steering instead of power assist. That and the chances of finding a good solid 78-79 frame might be better than a 73-77 1/2 highboy frame (34"). That and having disk brakes and a mated transfer case. If you want something to saw aww at watch a divorced case kick under acceleration 
If you even thinking of putting a diesel in the truck look for Dana 60's front and rear, if not a 70 rear. A 44 might carry it but that's a lot of weight to try and carry, espically if you take it off road. Their's quite a few guys that have swapped in diesels, they'd be able to give you better info
If you even thinking of putting a diesel in the truck look for Dana 60's front and rear, if not a 70 rear. A 44 might carry it but that's a lot of weight to try and carry, espically if you take it off road. Their's quite a few guys that have swapped in diesels, they'd be able to give you better info
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 5,844
Likes: 6
From: Albuquerque
Re: Best 4x4 Frame for Conversion Project
1) Best axle combo, ill swap the gears later
2) Disc brakes in the front would be nice.
3) Compatible F-250 frame.
Is there any particular good year to look for?? Any heavy duty options? I plan on lifting it some as well.
I plan on running a 460 c6 combo
2) Disc brakes in the front would be nice.
3) Compatible F-250 frame.
Is there any particular good year to look for?? Any heavy duty options? I plan on lifting it some as well.
I plan on running a 460 c6 combo
Go with D60 (high pinion) front and D60 in rear. With 3.73's or 4.10's. Add a limited slip in rear and an ARB in front.
Build up a 460 and mate it to a 4R70W Transmission - Level 4 from http://www.ford-aod.com/ and put it all together with a NP205 (for it's all gear driven toughness)
Disk brakes are a MUST!
I agree with 79_250RangerLariat on the frame. Go with a 78-79 style.
I couldn't recommend the diesel...sorry. Although...that sure would be a sweet truck with a 6.0. Don't forget, but you will need to pass emissions for a 2003-2004 6.0L too.
Good luck!
