Well I found a 1975 Ford F250 'High Boy' for 400 dollars. Its all there the front axle, rear axle, and it has a divorced transfer case. Anyways, I have decided I am going to go by route of putting my powerstroke and transmssion in it (Since the transfer case is divorced and there is a drive shaft) so I am going to do that. I am waiting for it to stop raining (WHich it has) and dry up. I don't know what the front axle is, it looks like a Dana 60, but it may be a Dana 44HD (I was told its same as a D60) anyways the rear is a dana 60 and I was wondering if by chance Dana 60 gears would work in are spicer 10.25? Cause I know I will need to put the Spicer under the truck so I can have the VVS sensor to work with the computer. Also will gas tanks for a gas truck hold diesel or do you need special gas tanks? I assume I should put mine under the truck. Anyways its coming home to me in the next few days, its rough but I like it (And for 400 dollars I couldn't go wrong) I am going to use the 75 body and interior, just make it a modern diesel retrofit. So hope to hear from you guys some input and I hope to make this a fun project for us all.

 

sounds like a good project!

 

Hey Jesse. Sounds like a good time. I can't tell you much but it is my understanding that the tanks for our trucks are the EXACT same tanks that went into the bodies with gassers. This is why we have to modify them with the vents so the diesel won't foam so dang bad. I could be wrong but don't think so. Either way, good luck and somebody will be along shortly to verify or correct what I've said.

 

I appreciate that and I ask cause the truck has the tank behind the seat and I am wanting to keep it but part of me doesnt want to. Thanks for the info Jacob. When i get teh truck i will start a thread and update it when I can.

 

I'd get rid of the tank behind the seat myself and throw in a good sized under bed tank.

 

This is going to be sweet. The 73-79 Fords are my favorite body style. We need pics of this beast!

 

Pictures will be coming soon its been raining and hav to let it dry so can get pulled out of the grass. And I plan on taking out the behind the seat tank, don't feel safe with it there.

 

It is a dana 44hd in the front if stock and they are not near as strong as a d60 and wont hold that diesel motor. I have thought about this a lot and came to the conclusion it would be a whole lot easier to put a 70's body on a 97 chassis with a stroke in it. You're in for a whole lot more work than you think. I've got a 76 highboy and know exactly what you're talking about. I have done a lot of work on it, not a fancy truck but a decent ride. If you go to the 73-79 forum there are a lot of guys on there that are quite helpful. Guys do the same down there, trade the 44 for a 60. Just like everyone up here does, trade a 50 for a 60.

I love my behind the seat tank. Can't get damaged while doing some serious 4 wheeling.

Your gears will not interchange either.

 

Lol hate to bust your bubble fordman but I know the dana will hold, if it will stand up to a cummins it will stand a stroke, cause a cummins weighs more then a power stroke (Thats what I always heard) plus might as well try. Yeah every one wants a dana 60, but dont forget if someone doesnt try something then what will happen? And the guys in the 73-79 are very helpful. yeah the front may sag a bit but that can be fixed. Plus to add some fun if the truck was a sno-fighter or a special order it could have a dana 60 under it. I have faith in my little 44. Its not like this thing is going off roading hard core, just threw some hay fields.

 

The cummins 5.9 weighs 1010lbs dry. while a powerstroke weighs 920. And if there are guys throwing cummins engines in these trucks and keeping the 44HD then I know it will support my PSD, plus a little help added to the springs and some stiff shocks should also help.

 

I understand about the weight but most guys that go with a cummins switch to a 60. It may hold for a while but it is not near as strong and WILL break axles if you do much 4 wheeling fun, even in the snow. Plus with that old of a truck you need to completely go through that front end (bearings, axles, brakes, springs, etc) to make sure it will at least hold up to start with. Also remember that 75 just has drum brakes on the front, didn't come with discs til 76. Definetely not ideal stopping power for your stroke. Because of this and another reason I think it was with the knuckles it is not even the desired 44 to use.

Also FYI I was told this by some smart good guys on the 73-79 forum and the 44 even completely built with new aftermarket axles and all is still not as strong as the 60 is stock. Trust me, that front axle is not going to be happy for long.

Another thing you will need to do for sure is put a different powersteering setup on it. Highboys have a horrible designed power assist for steering.

You will most likely have to clearance the firewall for the turbo too.

Your wiring the stroke into the 75 will be a nightmare too unless you are really good at that.

Don't get me wrong, I think it would be cool, but you really need to sit down and think about how much work it is going to take. I hope you have a decent shop to work in cause it will be a LONG project.

My guess is even though you will have both trucks, it will still cost you a decent amount. I know you want 4wd, I bet by the time you'd get done you could have sold your 2wd stroke and bought a 4wd and probably be money ahead. I've been into quite a few of these projects and the money adds up fast on things you just don't think of. Once you tear into something this major it is not just all you see. There are so many unknown things you will end up buying before its done you will be amazed.

I'm not trying to burst your bubble either but I just want you to know somewhat what you're up against. A lot lot lot more than just switching a few parts. Definiitely inolving some custom fabbing on your part too.

 

I know it will be a long project and I know it will need alot of custom fab work. That dont bother me, as with wiring, lol I passed all my wiring classes for my diesel tech diploma with 100's and 97's and I hate to wire. Its gonna be a long time. Also I am not going to go off and do off roading I want a 4X4 to do a little sled pulling, also sorry to tell you there is a few guys around here who pull with Cummins in there truck, with Dana 44's in them. Guy has had his 44 in his truck for 4 years now, so it must be a decent front end. Plus (Not at you Darin) there are alot of guys who are smart but make something sound bad so they feel good. You find someone who has done what I am doing and they tell me they went threw the axle I will stop and think, but I bet no one has done this. Plus I would be fine with what little power I have =)

 

Any pictures yet??