F250 front 4x4 leaf springs?

[zakt]

I do have the 4x4 crossmember just for that but I think my only concern is where the steer gear box will need to be mounted...so might wait till I get the axle Im actually using put in to see where that will end up having to be. But then of course need the motor mounts for 2wd or 4wd etc..etc...

[basketcase0302]

I don't think I can ever recall NOT seeing a GM 4X4 front cross member that wasn't cracked from light off road use.

Absolutely right! Yet another reason why I'd never own a chebby. And when there's a dozen or so companies that sell a frame "patch panel". I had a buddy (God bless his soul) that had this issue):
http://4wheeloffroad.automotive.com/758 ... index.html

[averagef250]

The solid axle GM 4x4's have a sorry frame.

I don't think you can have your cake and eat it too with the Ford highboy engine crossmember and crossover steering. If you want to leave the 2wd crossmember in there good luck with that, the front axle would be the least of my worries. The 4x4 crossmember is a nice hell-for-stout piece combined with the frame boxing they used, but that crossmember really only works with the original highboy steering setup. You want to deviate from the original steering, especially crossover stuff that is a requirement for the lift your planning? You're going to end up with a crossmember unlike any of the factory stuff 2wd or 4x4.

That 4x4 crossmember is probably a big part of the reason you never see cracks around the steering box on the old Ford 4x4's. You do on the 2wds, seen several 70's 2wd's with frames broken around the steering box/crossmember on the driver's side. The 4x4 front suspension/steering setup was a good one. Might not have been cutting edge technology, but it was overbuilt and it shows by how many are still out there working.

[zakt]

now Im curious... I pulled my 1995 F350 box down and took a look at it. So it looks like the pitman arm will have to be forward and that looks like the box will have to be in the area where the 2wd crossmember seems to be. With that it looks like the 4wd stock crossmember will miss the box and work fine which is really what I want to use the stock 4wd crossmember and fit my 95 box (upon more closer measurements and examination of course )

Then of course the motor mounts, have the 68 F250 frame so will have to take a look where those are. Just consentrating on getting the front 2wd stuff off and leafs with that 68 F250 D44 on right now...

[zakt]

been looking at the F250 4x4 box (4 bolt also) something like the below that is a 78 F250

[mlheppl]

That is a pretty impressive amount of lift those springs are providing that chassis. wonder what it would look like with the body on it?