f250 crew cab 2wd to 4wd ?s

[Doug Comer]

I am trying to plan a project and was wondering your opinions. I am thinking of getting a 2wd crew cab since I haven't found a 4x4 yet. Heres my options. I have a friend who has a 1978 f250 4x4 super cab long bed, switch bodies? The 78 is set up for a 460 and an automatic. Or find a 4wd 67-72 f250 4x4 frame, cut the frame behind the cab mounts, and the weld it to the crew cab frame. Either way I would, could use my current daily driver as a donor its a 70 f250 4x4. What about using the frame out of my 70 and adding length between the front and rear cab mounts so the crew cab would fit? But the crew cab is short bed an my 70 is a longbed, how would I make that work? I like the thougth of using the 70 stuff as when complete it would sit hgher than if I used the 78 frame. Too many choices!! Thanks for your input.

[460 crew]

IMHO I would strongly consider the 78 supercab as an option first figuring out dimensions. The 78 has PS and prob has A HP axle up front 44 or a 60 with disks. Also it will have fuel tanks in between the frame rails and not in the cab. Most of the upgrades you would probably want on the 67-77.5 4x4 frame the 78 would more than likely have. The 78 should only sit 2in shorter than a highboy which can be easily compensated for with a 4in lift. Last but not least my favorite upgrade you'll have the 460 sitting in your lap along with a married transfer case setup with a 205 that you could easily twin stick.

Any of the options will take some work but this one is the most appealing to me and seems the most practical. Good luck in whatever you decide and keep us posted with pics.

[Doug Comer]

I am leaning more toward putting the 4x4 frame section on the 2wd frame. The 460 in the 78 is junk. my 70 has a rebult 410 rebuilt tansfer case p/s form a 78 and a high pinion dana 60 already. At the moment I am thinking of cutting the 70 4x4 frame and welding to the 2wd frame to use my good components. Thanks for your input.

[Doug Comer]

Just thougth of something else. What about adding to the 70 4x4 frame under where the cab sits. It would be easy to box for strength.

[zakt]

Ive decided to use the 2wd frame of my 67' since I really didnt want to cut and splice the frame.. I also have a 85' F350 donor and a 95' F350 donor for parts for the 67'. Will be putting the 95's 460 EFI in the 67' but havent decided on the C6 or the E40D. Theres a place that has a clock ring for the NV1356 transfer case so thinking about putting that in the 67' also with the E40D. Would like to have the C-6 though with the gear vendors under/over trans but the computer might be a problem. So far just working on the suspension... have the rear 12" leafs on and trying to find time to do the front leafs .

Todd

[Doug Comer]

What did you use to mount the leaves in front. Thanks.

[zakt]

Im still working that out so not sure it will work, have the 85', 12" leafs already so didnt want to buy new ones...

alot of guys find a 4wd and take the parts off them to use on the 2wd. I will do that if my idea doesnt work and get new front springs...

[Doug Comer]

From the info I have gathered the two wheel drive front crossmember hangs too low to use the stock springs up front. But with that lift I would think you will have plenty of room.

[zakt]

Im most likely will yank my crossmember and make a custom one then make custom engine mounts that mount to the frame like the L&L ones...I have the 2wd L&L motor mounts for the 460 but they bolt on the 2wd crossmember and the frame so just want them on the frame after I box that....

[Doug Comer]

Got the truck home last sunday. It is 2wd. From the looks I think I will add to the frame of my 4x4 between the rear cab mouts and the front rear spring hanger and then move the rear cab mounts back to the added section of frame. What do you all think?

[zakt]

How are you welding it back together, are you boxing it there and re-enforcing the inside with plates etc..etc??

Todd

[fordman]

on big trucks they use a fish plate to splice frames. with bolts and weld all the way around the plate.

[Doug Comer]

The two wheel drive crew cab frame has a plate that is on the outside of the frame that runs uder the cab so I thought of doing something like that over the weld in the frame and maybe cut down some old frame rails to make the inner C's.

[zakt]

I have a 95' F350 crewcab I thought about cutting the frame 6" shorter but worried about the frame strength after the cut/splice? Now do you put a plate on both sides of the C-channel? I was just reading the below link...

http://trailer-bodybuilders.com/mag/tru ... index.html

[fordman]

big trucks do it this way.
its just three flat plates on the inside of the frame. the top and bottom are welded in place and the sides are bolted and welded. with a extra plate on the outside also welded and bolted through the frame and other plate on the inside.