I am in the process of purchasing a 74 F-350 SuperCab Longbed 2wd. How involved e.g. what steps does it take to convert to a 4wd? Or should I just find a 4wd frame.

I have read on this site about 2wd to 4wd conversions, but not how difficult and involved they are.

Please help me I'm still learning all about these trucks.

 

off the top of my head I can think of 2 people that would be able to help you in this situation. teds74ford converted his truck into 4wd and 75F350 knows a lot of stuff about suspensions, etc., and I also think he converted his truck into 4wd.

 

hopefully they check this thread

i am trying to convince my dad this truck is a worthy purchase, since they are just asking for salvage price.

 

If they're just asking salvage price & it runs & looks even half-way decent, it's a worthwhile purchase mate

 

The engine was removed years ago. It had a 390, the 4 speed is still in it though. Everything else is still there an intact, AC included! The only big problem is the rust on the bottom of the extended cab and a dent on the extended cab, all can be fixed.

 

It wouldn't hurt to get it for parts and keep an eye out for a 4x frame/chassis. Then you can scrap the bad stuff to get some of your investment back. Alot of times it takes a couple of these things to make one good truck (unless you're from like California with no rust), and you would have a surplus of parts to either sell or keep for later on. But, like the doc said, Teds74ford turned out pretty good and 75F350 is pretty knowledgeable in the fab arena. Either way, good luck. Look's like you've got the I want to build a Ford 4x itch so I say go scratch it.

 

It has a solid axle up front right? If it does, pick up a D60 front, get a married trans and t-case from a newer model (77+), and drop in something like a 351W or a 460, have some drivelines built and away you go. Im pretty sure thats it, but dont quote me.

 

i read in the original post, its a 2 wheel drive supercab f 350.so it has coil springs up front and twin i beam suspension, no solid axle. that will be the most work. its not just swapping in a d60 .it will be a bit more involved than that. the 2wd trucks are different than 4wd in that area. it can be done,but its not a direct swap.there will be some fabrication to do also. remember anything is possible with money, knowledge, and skills. its just a matter of how dedicated you are to seeing a project through to the end. the truck has the 4 speed from a 390 still in it right,so i would try to find a fe engine to bolt in ,find a divorced 205 transfer case then you can use the 4 speed you already have.the truck is set up for an fe block engine so for simplicity i would try staying with that set up.just my opinion.but there are other ways to do it too.im sure other members will offer their prefferences too. no matter how you do it,its not a over night project. enjoy the parts hunting,and gathering.its half the fun when you get the part you have been looking for ,at a good price. have fun .

 

There are two possible 4 speeds: New Process 435 or Warner T-18.

Was it a 390? It could have been a 360.

The 4th digit of the VIN is the engine code: H = 390 2V / M = 390 4V / Y = 360 2V.

 

it was a 390, I'll get the VIN number when I see it next and post it.

 

Check out my build thread in the tech area in the 4x4 forum of this place. Doin this on a 79 F-350. Its not just a simple bolt in swap. As far as Ted he just did a frame swap on his. Ed (75f350) however converted 2 trucks using the 2wd frame. But if you want to do a frame swap i have a 78 f-250 4wd supercab chassis im lookin to sell just PM me

 

what does PM mean?

sorry i'm still new.

 

PM = Private Message, you have to have 25 posts to be able to use it.

We were all newbies here on FTE at one time.

 

PM means to Private Message,You have that opition disabbled to enable just go to your user CP then options ok does this help you I Hope it does good luck with the really nice (I Think) truck ok
76SCS.
Or you dont have enough post,you also need 30 or so post for a signiture.
If you want a 4WD,why dont you just get an ol HiBoy frame and engine and tranny unbolt your cab and bed and bolt em up,course theres more to it than that im shure,what do I know ,Im onlt 13,Ill be 14 in 7 days

 

Ok i just sent you an email about the frame.