Convert a 79F250 2wd to 4wd w/a 78F150 4wd?

[Blackhawk45]

Hello gentlemen,

I'm new to the website and have been doing research on converting my 1979 F250 Supercab 460/C6 2wd to 4wd using my 1978 LWB 400/4spd 4wd. The research hasn't been fun. If I'm thinking correctly I can use everything I need from the 78 F150. The rest should be mounts and crossmember moved? Any help?

Johnny

 

[1badexplorer]

There's a lot of work to converting that truck to 4x4. The 2wd steering box is behind the axle centerline right at the bottom of the steering column and the 4x4 will have the steering box out by the bumper. You will have to box the frame to mount the steering box. and you will have to remove the large center crossmember under the engine of the 2wd. You will need to fabricate a new crossmember in front of the engine as well as new motor mounts because the 2wd mounts attach to the center crossmember. Coil and shock mounts are also different from 2wd to 4wd and will need changed. the 4x4 radius arms may interfere with the 2wd style trans crossmember too. Typically they bolt onto the 4wd trans crossmember along with the frame.

 

[Blackhawk45]

Based off of '78-'96 F-series long bed super cab frame = 155" would be easier to take the '79 F250 2wd and mount it on a newer, say '85-'96 F250 4wd frame?

Johnny

 

[1badexplorer]

You can do that. But it's not a bolt on deal. The bed is. The cab will require moving and modifying the cab mounts. and the core support is the same way but will require some welding to work. The newer frame is actually about 6" wider up front than a 70s truck. You will have to box the frame and weld on new mounts on the inside. The rest of the mounts can be made to work with some drilling and shims and bolts.