There is a guy locally here that has been trying to sell a 73 F250 4X4 for the past 6 months. I just saw it again in our local free paper. He wants $1800. I have a pretty cherry 72 F250 2wd ( I wanted a 4X4 ) that I couldn't pass up for the cash considering the only thing it needs is a paint job.

Are the 73's different to the point of making it impractical to put the 4x4 parts on my 72? Is it worth it? I know just enough to give me headaches about the 72 and earlier 4x4's having single speed transfer cases and closed knuckle joints on the front axles and the 73 and newer having better? set ups ie open knuckles and 2 speed transfers but I don't have a clue on how they would differ with relation to the frame and mounting set ups.

Basically, if it requires more than just " bolting on " I don't want to make the investment. I haven't even seen the 73 yet so I don't know what shape it is in. My guess is the body is probably very rough assuming it is a North east truck.

If it is an easy swap I was going to go up there with half of what he is asking in hand. If the chassis looks sound I'll offer him that.

Any knowledge is appreciated. Todd.

 

I wanted to add.... My 72 is auto and I believe the 73 is a standard so I know going in I will likely have that alone to deal with. Again, not sure how the drive train is going from standard to auto. Probably not very easy.

I know the easy thing is to swap sheet metal but my 72 is essentially rust free all over

 

For the record, I believe the 67-72 (and earlier) D24 Dana transfer case is two speed. Contrary to popular belief there is nothing wrong with a closed knuckle front end other than the bigger turning radius. The exception of course, would be extreme 4 wheeling situations.

I believe that your '72 sheet metal would bolt up to the '73 frame relatively easily. Gotcha's might include the steering box and transmission linkage. I believe that the '73 frame is 2 inches longer and is wider in some areas.

That sound like a reasonable price and might be worth it just for the axles.

Good luck.

 

Todd, Doing a body swap to the newer chassis might be a much simpler swap over 4x4 under current.




John

 

Yeah I'm sure you are right. Like I said though, My 72 came from Nevada and the chassis looks better than most 2000 trucks on the road around here so I'm betting the chassis on the 73 is probably not in the best shape. Could be wrong as I haven't physically seen the 73 yet.

Not to mention, I would have to pull the 428 out of my 72. Again not sure but I think the 73 has a 360 in it. If I got it, it wouldn't stay a 360 for long.

What was the point of the 360 anyway? Never did understand Ford having the 360 and 390?

 

I believe the 360 was Ford's attempt to meet government EPA requirements. Since it was created from a 390 block, it is pretty easy to convert it to 390.

 

David you are correct early work with emissions. The lower compression of the 360 generally make a better donor block for rebuild than a 390.




John

 

1968/76 F100/250 4WD: The 360 was the only available V8.

1967/76 F250 4WD's and 1977 F250 4WD's before serial number Y20,001 are called High Boys by enthusiasts.

The 8' Cab & Chassis and pickups wheelbase 1973/79: 133" / 1967/72: 131"

All High Boys have rear frame rails that are 33 1 /2" apart, as do F100/350's prior to 1973.

1973/79 F100 2WD/4WD / 1975/79 F150 2WD/4WD / 1973/79 F250 2WD / 1977 (from serial number Y20,001) & 1978/79 F250 4WD's have rear frame rails 37 1/2" apart, as do 1973/79 F350's...except...on the 140" wheelbase.

Disc brakes were not available with 4WD until 1976, no P/S was available on 4WD's until 1973. 1973/77 4WD's offered Power Assist P/S only.
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There were no federal government EPA emission standards in 1968, because there was no such thing as the EPA. The EPA was Nixon's claim to fame, began in December 1970.

For years, Ford offered multiple engine choices that made very little sense to some people.

1968/76 F100/350 engine choices: 240 I-6 (1968/74) / 300 I-6 / 302 2V (1969/76 F100 & 1975/76 F150) / 360 2V / 390 2V / 390 4V (1974/76) / 460 4V (1973/76).

1977/79 F100/350 engine choices: 300 I-6 / 302 2V (1977/79 F100/150) / 351M 2V / 400 2V / 460 4V.

If you think this is insanity, the Passenger Car engine choices are mindboggling. For example, there were 3 different 351 engines. 351W (1969/79) / 351C (1970/74) / 351M (1975/79).