F-250/350 Front frame questions.....

[two-bit]

I'll post this here because it deals specifically with 4WD.

Whats a better donor truck for 4WD parts/conversion?
'67-'77? or '78-'79.

I know they are both leaf front ends. I know that "power steering" is not a factory deal. I assume the frames are the same width?
Whats the general consensus? and why?

Thanks all. I'll be getting my popcorn ready very soon.

Two-bit

[mljjones67]

two bit is this for the flat bed you have? If it is why not get a 78 or 79 f-350 4x4 chassis and put the bump cab on it? I am doing that with my f-250 4x4 but putting a bed on it.

[two-bit]

True, it is.
However, if i go that route, i will have to extend the frame and move the rear axle to accommodate my 12 foot flatbed.
Then swap over the engine bay for my 390, np 435, and 205 D. T-case.

I guess It wouldn't be a lot more work, just more costly. ie: having to buy a whole truck that is useable instead of a front end.

Thanks

Two-bit

[averagef250]

The frame under your bump 350 2wd is substantially stronger than a 78-79 250 or 350 4x4 frame. If you load it heavily stay with the 350 frame.

The 79 F350 is a 250. There is not one iota of difference between it and the 250 sans the 60 front axle and a higher GVW on the door tag.

To modify the later frame for a divorced 205 is a very big job.

If it were me, I would cut your frame off at the flat point immediately behind the cab and attach your rear portion to the front portion of a 67-77 highboy frame. They will match up perfectly. You can then run any front axle you want, preferably a 78-79 60 front, bolt on power assist steering or use a 78-79 F250 box with some work.

Also, a mated transfercase would be prefferred to divorced if you work it hard.

One final thought is the 78-79 4x4 chassis absolutely will not work as a dually. All cab-chassis duallys, all of them period, have a 34" rear frame spacing to fit the outer duals under a normal flatbed. The later f250 and 350 4x4's have too wide a frame spacing to clear the inner duals. You could make it work with a rear axle from a dually pickup truck, but your tires will stick way outside your bed.

[FLATBEDFORD]

How about the front frame from a 80-86 F350 4x4 Chassis cab. You would still get the 34" wide frame and a Dana 60 with the correct hubs for your dually wheels. Heck you could even use the Sterling 10.25 rear from the same truck. I took apart an '86 and most of the frame looked about the same as my '70 except for up front. I briefly toyed with the idea of doing this to my F350 when I had the truck, but realized it was way beyond my capabilities.

[adrianspeeder]

One final thought is the 78-79 4x4 chassis absolutely will not work as a dually.

Adrianspeeder

[Wes]

One final thought is the 78-79 4x4 chassis absolutely will not work as a dually.

Adrianspeeder

Is that a 4by ??

[Redcap]

One final thought is the 78-79 4x4 chassis absolutely will not work as a dually.

Adrianspeeder

Is that a 4by ??

Looks like a 5 lug axle in the front and I'm going to say "no" on the 4x4 part. No pumpkin up front.