Build/buy offroad rig
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Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 19,402
Likes: 38
From: Bonita Springs FL
Build/buy offroad rig
I'm starting to look into building/buying (probably both) and I want to make sure I'm on the right track.
I'm thinking 80's F-250 with a 460 and either a T-18 or T-19 (comments?) with 4.10's or so. I'd also want a 6" lift (at least) and probably 35" tires. Manual t-case and manual hubs, too, of course.
I'm a little foggy on axles, though. I think Dana 44's would be fine. I gather from other posts that they came as both straight axle and some kind of IFS (TTB? Not exactly sure what TTB is, :-X11) I'm not really concerned about handling, it's a truck, fer Pete's sake.
So what do y'all think? Is this all I need to focus on? This is going to be a budget-oriented project, so I can't drop 20k on it.
I'm thinking 80's F-250 with a 460 and either a T-18 or T-19 (comments?) with 4.10's or so. I'd also want a 6" lift (at least) and probably 35" tires. Manual t-case and manual hubs, too, of course.
I'm a little foggy on axles, though. I think Dana 44's would be fine. I gather from other posts that they came as both straight axle and some kind of IFS (TTB? Not exactly sure what TTB is, :-X11) I'm not really concerned about handling, it's a truck, fer Pete's sake.
So what do y'all think? Is this all I need to focus on? This is going to be a budget-oriented project, so I can't drop 20k on it.
Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
Build/buy offroad rig
I don't know much about the 80s trucks, but I think all 80s F250's had a (Dana 44?) TTB (twin traction beam) front axle, which is a 2-piece deal that I personally wouldn't want in my off-road rig. I'd go with a solid axle.
If I were where you are in the planning stages, I'd probably go with a 73-77 F250 4x4 (High-boy). They sit higher from the factory, and can fit 35's easily. That'll save you a bundle right there not having to lift. Put a 3" body lift on it too if you desire, and even more suspension lift if you want. Then drop a 460 into it (unless you like the FE engines like me), keep the NP435 manual tranny and NP205 t-case (these are pretty much as bullet proof as you can get). These trucks had a Dana 60 in back and 44 up front (all or most, at least). If the $ was available, I'd upgrade the front to a Dana 60 too, but my 44 hasn't given me any problems, and I've given it plenty of beatings.
As far as gearing goes, I run 4.10's and 35" tires, and am pleased with its performance, but would go with lower gears if it was an off-road only beast.
If I were where you are in the planning stages, I'd probably go with a 73-77 F250 4x4 (High-boy). They sit higher from the factory, and can fit 35's easily. That'll save you a bundle right there not having to lift. Put a 3" body lift on it too if you desire, and even more suspension lift if you want. Then drop a 460 into it (unless you like the FE engines like me), keep the NP435 manual tranny and NP205 t-case (these are pretty much as bullet proof as you can get). These trucks had a Dana 60 in back and 44 up front (all or most, at least). If the $ was available, I'd upgrade the front to a Dana 60 too, but my 44 hasn't given me any problems, and I've given it plenty of beatings.
As far as gearing goes, I run 4.10's and 35" tires, and am pleased with its performance, but would go with lower gears if it was an off-road only beast.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 7,698
Likes: 4
From: Neenah, Wisconsin
Build/buy offroad rig
If i were you and planned on using the truck for off roading with a big block i'd go with stronger than dana 44's. changing axle shafts in two feet of mud isn't fun.
Ryan
Ryan
