hey guys i know you guys are probably tired of looking at 4x4 conversion threads but here goes. i have a 76 f-250 2wd. i would like to put a front end and divorced transfer case under it. i know what you're thinking, buy a donor truck, i wish i could, where i live (west central florida) these trucks are NOT cheap, nor will you EVER find a 4x4 donor. they are all mud trucks, or peoples prized possessions that they leave rusting away in their back yards or scrapped when steel price went up. but what i can find are the axles, transfercases etc. so my question is this, is there way to get around needing the gear box out of a 4x4? im not sure if mine will work. here are some pics of it.

 

wow, the pics didnt come out too well but, its close to the firewall if that means anything? i know i cant get a body lift because of that.

 

you might need more info and better picture's to get a solid answer? anything can be done, it all depends on how much money you have to do it, or how much work you can do yourself, I do not have the answers you are looking for, sorry

 

Dont need a pic to answer this.
The simple answer is no.
Heres why:
The two wheel drive truck has the steering components behind the I-beams (axle centerline) and the four wheel drive has to have the steering components in front of the axle. This is because the 4wd has a driveshaft right in the way. You will not be able to get a drag link to connect to anything without mega clearance issues.
Now you can actually take the 2wd box and mount it in front of the axle, but this is ghetto fabrication at its best.
Spend a couple of bucks and purchase a box that can accomodate the appropriate steering.
Think crossover now, and save some money.
You can install a different box and still accomplish your goal without breaking the bank.
This box was dirt cheap, and has been flawless over the years.

 

Thanks 75F350, if anyone would know..it would be you, I think I might be doing something similar to this in the future if I get this 74 F100 4x4 I am going to look to tomorrow, it has that same power assist steering that I had to deal with on the 76, but at least this one has coil springs up front, and not leafs, and you do remember how that worked out don't you?.. just like you said it would, I broke it.. you know I have one of those box's like you posted too, just in case the other won't work, hopefully this power assist will not blow apart like my other did, to the OP, I thought 4x4 trucks like this were relatively cheap done there because everyone beat them in the mud? you should be able to pick something up cheap, anyways thanks and good luck..Rick (Salt-Man)

 

Hey 75F350 is that a Saginaw box, out of a Chevy truck or a Ford van?
Do you have any more pics of how its mounted to the frame?

I've been thinking of doing the same thing, these boxes are all over the place, I think you can even get variable ratio one. . .

Thanks, and sorry, I know its off topic, anyway, I think this might be my first post here. . .

 

I tried to take this to a PM discussion, but this is your first post, so I cant PM you yet. Since it is sort of on topic, we can discuss here.
Sorry if we offend the OP, but this is still an option for this type of conversion, and it is applicable to this topic.

Here is a link to my photobucket, Just click on it, and browse around. There are several pics and discriptions that might help you out.
I am also a So Ca guy, so stop by the shop or meet some of us FTE guys. We will head out wheeling this weekend, and you can see in person.
Visit us in the So Ca chapter at the bottom of your screen.

stand offs for box picture by 75F350 - Photobucket

 

I knew it, I knew someone was going to put one of these boxes on one of these trucks. Never seen it done until now. Good job, its obviously working out good.

My 4x4 conversion, if I ever finish it, is a '79 F-350 4x2 crew cab long bed. The front Dana 60 is in, but I haven't finished the steering yet. My three choices were: First, a 79 F-250 4x4 box, I've seen it done before, just need to work the frame a bit to get the box to fit. The only issue is this 4x4 box is expensive and hard to find now. Second, I was thinking of using a Chevy Saginaw box out of a 2wd truck, similar to what you did on your '75. I assume that the tire doesn't hit the box, when you make a full right turn? Third, I was going to experiment with a Dodge box out of a 70's W200 truck, also a Saginaw box, this one has a bracket that mounts to a flat frame edge, but it is a side steer, and not a crossover. Now that I see how clean and functional your set up is, I think that's the way I'm going to go. Makes me movivated to go out and work on my junk.

BigJake34452 I hope some of this helps you.

Oh and thanks for the info on the So-Cal chapter, I'd love to join and check out your shop and all your toys. I'll be in touch. . .

 

Right on man. Glad to throw out some ides:
While we are on the topic, here is another option. This is a simple factory F150 box (4x4 of course) and it works well too. I installed this style on my other ride when I performed the 4wd conversion on this one:

 

Hey, you stole all my ideas! I was actually going to use that Bronco/F-150 box, but I was told it wasn't as strong as the F-250 box because it used a sleeve to support the shaft, instead of a bearing which the F-250 box uses. But if it can turn those big meats you have, then it definitely is strong enough.

Have you thought about adding a power ram assist to your Saginaw box, I understand it makes a big difference?

Another option, although probably not street legal, and not very cheap is to go full hydraulic steering, no box at all! Just an idea. . .

 

Did you get my e-mail?


I have a complete box sitting on the workbench that is tapped for hydro assist, and yes it helps steering, as well as takes the load off of the sector shaft. These tend to break every now and again.

As far as the three bolt boxes being weak, they are a little. I have busted them, and hydro assist helps these as well.
Full hydro is just a pain without the return to center possibility. Well I guess the possibility is there, it is just that it still becomes a little crazy on the street.

Here is an example of the 3 bolt box.




and

 

Yes, got your email, but I can't reply. Sent you some kind of Visitor's Message (?), not sure if it worked?

I know this is way off topic now (sorry), but is that orange truck a highboy, or an original two-wheeler?

And what did you do for a steering shaft, for the Saginaw box, did you just make your own?