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Apr 28, 2006 | 10:13 PM

fords_forlife

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From: wisconsin

looking for opinions

i'm trying to figure out a plan for my truck/project as I am looking for a straight axle for it. First off, the truck i'm starting with is a '82 F-150 swb. keeping in mind that no matter which direction I go this will be a frame off redo. What i would like opinions on is what would be a better direction to go. My original thinking was to convert my F-150 frame to leafs and dana 44/60 for the axles (eventually would step up to 60/70 combo) but i have been thinking that as long as I have the body off anyway that is might be easier to use a 78-79 F-250 4x4 frame (shorten and box it) and then create new body mounts for the '82 body.

so i would like your opinions on what you might do and if anyone has done this what were your experiences.

FORDS_FORLIFE

Apr 29, 2006 | 08:42 AM

beaners1

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I looked at putting leafs and solid axle on my 86 but did'nt like the amount of work since I have already had the body off and don't want to do it again. The axle would have been out of 78 3/4 ton. The biggest problem I saw was to be able to put the wheels in the fenders would have required lengthening the frame or moveing the body back. The front shackles would have to had mounted to where there is no frame.

I also thought about putting my truck on the 3/4 ton frame but just didn't want to do all the work, probably be with it in the end though.

Since you are taking the truck off the frame anyway it might be easier to put in on the 250's frame plus it would be a pretty cool looking truck, solid axle F-150 short box, sounds like my kind of truck.

Apr 29, 2006 | 10:19 AM

ramboss429

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From: South Dakota

I did a similar conversion on a '67 F100 2wd shortbox. Coil springs would be the easiest and best riding setup for your truck, but leafs are definately a possibility.

What do you want to do with this truck? What size tires are you running, etc?

Apr 29, 2006 | 11:45 AM

chrono4

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From: Elkhart IN

ive done the coil to leaf swap, wasnt that bad. leafs are mounted at the very end of the frame rails, and the wheels are dead center in the wheelwells on my 88.

Apr 29, 2006 | 11:46 AM

monsterbaby

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From: iowa

I like the idea of the body swap (duh) the earlier F250 frame is going to be stronger to start with, and you already have the mounts setup, but one suggestion to look at if your going to run any lift at all, is get the cab mounted, then look at putting the box on lined up with the cab is needed then instead of cutting and splicing the frame, move the rear axle forward to meet the body, and cut the extra off the back of the frame instead this will be stronger in the end.

Apr 29, 2006 | 11:54 AM

fords_forlife

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From: wisconsin

I did consider converting the axle i want to use to coils but it would require a lot of lift up front to have the earlier axles diff clear the huge crossmember, this is why I have been thinking of using a 70's frame. I want to use 3/4 ton axles for now as I have a rear 60 already set up and can get the front 44 cheaper than a 60. Eventually I would step up to one ton if I get into harder wheeling but this rig will probably end up a tow truck for something that won't matter if the body gets beat to hell. As for tires, i was thinking of running a smaller tire around 35 or 36 inches.

FORDS_FORLIFE

Apr 29, 2006 | 11:58 AM

fords_forlife

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From: wisconsin

monsterbaby, I didn't even think about that. i guess that with a lift the axle kickup wouldn't really matter that much.

Thanks for the ideas guys

FORDS_FORLIFE