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were the frame widths different on 4 wheel drive versus a 2 wheel drive?
I bought a second rear axle but the leaf spring mounts are 4 inches wider apart
No.
But they're different between 72 & 73 as 73 up has wider CA area than all 67-72s, 4X4 or otherwise. Thus a 73 & up rear axle assy will be wider than a 72 or earlier one.
So are the front of the 71' F-250 frames on 2x4 vs 4x4 so different I'll need ten pounds of welding rod, and $200 worth of steel to switch suspensions? (The 4x body looks worse each time I look at it!)
the frames are very different its doable and has been done but to get it right requires a degree in steering geometry and to get it safe requires a realy good welder you would need to remove the front crossmember from the 2wd frame and fabricate a new crossmember and new spring mounts since the 2wd uses coils and the 4wd uses leafs and then also I think the shock mounts would be different but it would be a simple matter to switch bodies as they would be a direct bolt on
Sandblast and if the 4wd frame is ok, paint it and use it. Keep all your steering column and brake system from the 4wd, they will all bolt into the 2wd cab!
That should be a easy swap. Even for a beginner.
With all the help you get here shouldn't be a problem. COOL TRUCK!