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That is good news... a 3/4T front axle should be easy to find... locate a wrecked 86 to current 1 ton F-350 and you've done even better: a hi pinion Dana 60.
I don't think it is a straight bolt in, but the width will work. The spring pad on the passenger side or the spring perches on the frame may have to be moved due to different spring /mounting pad widths between 78/79 and the 85-97 monobeam axles. I am sure someone on this site (try the axle or 4x4 threads) or on the Ford bulletin board on pirate 4x4 will know the specifics, they do a lot of axle swapping...
Hope this helps..
i think proiliator used one of the later dana 60s in the front of his truck. he would be the one to ask about what needs to be done if he's already done it. the 78-79 is a straight bolt in, i used one under my highboy. all the front leaf springs in these years are the same, i do believe.
Here is an update:
My brother inlaw owes me some money so I proposed they give me the whole truck minus engine.
I can then swap in my 400/4spd combo.
Still waiting to hear back.
Wish me luck.
Fix that crew cab,you won't regret the effort.I have a 79 4x4. Spent 2 years going through her.A fine machine! These trucks just keep getting better with every drive.
In my gallery you will find a 1979 F-250 crew cab in unrestored condition. I have pictuers in my gallery. I intend to paint this truck its original colors and put it in shows.Mybe someday drive it to Fordtoberfest in Kansas or Starbird Shows in OKC.
I'm with the others, I think your brother is cuttting up a really rare truck, what a waste. But i think yhe CC on the reg-cab frame with a really short box would look awesome! Doesn't leave you with much of a box though, but real easy to park at wal-mart. You can also get the whole family out 4-wheelin with you.
If these crew cabs are so rare, how come there are 3 I know of within 30 miles of my house? All are crew cab sb's. One has a 300 6, 4 spd and the dana 60 front end but it is quite rusty. One has no motor, tranny or t case and I think it has the dana 44hd but the body isn't too bad on it. The third one i just spotted the other day and it has a steel work box on it but I havent had a chance to take a better look at it. If anyone is interested I can let you know where they are, I have too many projects already. They are in South East British Columbia Canada.