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Apr 16, 2001 | 07:05 AM

dre

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Joined: Oct 2000

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From: Richmond USA

Swapping Stuff

Apr 17, 2001 | 10:38 AM

aco

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Swapping Stuff

I just bought a 1978 Ford F150 4x4 Ranger Explorer model. 351m, 203 case, locking hub conversion. I already have a 1979 F250 Custom 4x4 300-6, np435, np205

Questions:
1. How much of a pain is it to swap the np203 to the np205?
2. Should I leave in the np203?
3. Should I swap anything else from the F250, like axles, front dual piston brake calipers. (If easy to do)
Any other opinions, ideas, options.

Still not sure IF I should tear apart my F250 or just find a donor F150. Would like to put V8 in F250 (maybe)
Thanks,

Apr 17, 2001 | 11:40 AM

weldman

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Feb 2001

Posts: 1,290

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From: Toronto, Canada

Swapping Stuff

[font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON 17-Apr-01 AT 12:45 PM (EST)[/font][p][font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON 17-Apr-01 AT 12:44 PM (EST)[/font]

The easiest thing to do (assuming both trucks are in similar shape) would be to put the 351M V8 and the "Ranger Explorer" stuff into the F250, it should bolt right up, and then you have a heavy-duty truck. With this engine swap, you have the same truck as mine!

https://www.ford-trucks.com/dcforum/User_files/3adc80dc65d90825.jpg

1978 F250 4x4 - 351M
Don't crush them, restore them!

Apr 17, 2001 | 12:24 PM

aco

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Swapping Stuff

Very Nice!!!!
Thought about that, How'w your truck Ride? The F250 has the 4 speed, I'd like to go with the Auto, What about driveshaft lengths when changing things around? I like the ride of the F150, but the heavy drive train of the F250.
Thanks,

Apr 17, 2001 | 12:41 PM

weldman

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Feb 2001

Posts: 1,290

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From: Toronto, Canada

Swapping Stuff

It rides rough. But we added two new leaves for towing capacity of a gooseneck. One or two of the old leaves should have been taken out to make the ride better while not affecting capacity.

New shocks are in order though! RS 9000's should help out the ride.

Swapping the engine and the springs to lighter units will be much easier than swapping axles and transfer cases.
Just take out a leaf or two!

Matt
1978 F250 4x4 - 351M
Don't crush them, restore them!

Apr 17, 2001 | 01:51 PM

aco

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Swapping Stuff

Sounds good, only problem I see would be if I want the auto tranny from the F150, It would not be easy swapping that with the four speed in the F250.

Andy

Apr 17, 2001 | 01:55 PM

weldman

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Feb 2001

Posts: 1,290

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From: Toronto, Canada

Swapping Stuff

[font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON 17-Apr-01 AT 02:59 PM (EST)[/font][p]Well, the auto tranny should bolt up to the part time case, and you have the driveshaft from the F150 which should bolt up too...Maybe have to be modified at the ends though.

Going from manual to auto is easier than from auto to manual!

What do you think guys, will this work like I think it should?

1978 F250 4x4 - 351M
Don't crush them, restore them!