1971 F250 2wd to 4wd project

[zazoos]

Picked up a nice 1971 F250 2wd 390/C6 about a year ago, but wanted 4wd. The project is under way to place the body on a 1973 F250 4wd frame and wanted to share the progress.














1971 awaiting a 4wd frame



Low pinion Dana 44 with Disc brakes from 77 F250 that was being parted out.

[zazoos]

Preparing to move the rear axle hangers forward to account for the longer wheel base. I debated over cutting the frame or moving the hangers. I am glad I decided on moving the hangers. Grinder with flap/tiger disc and about 2 minutes per rivet and you are ready to punch out the rivet.





Going with the 84 Bronco II fuel tank. Here you can see the beginning of the fab work to support the tank.


Replacing the leaf spring bushings with a porta power make the job easy. If you can beg, borrow, or rent one of these it is well worth it. I was lucky enough to borrow one from a good friend.







Frame ready for sandblasting and powder coating. On my projects in the past we did our own sandblasting and then coated with POR 15, which works great, but we thought we would let somebody else have the fun of sandblasting.


Not everything goes out for powder coating, actually most items will be sandblasted in house and coated with POR 15. My beautiful wife outfitted for applying the POR 15. The suit is to keep the Por 15 off us rather than keep the items clean. If you get POR 15 on you and do not immediately wash it off it will be several days before it comes off.


Front axle after POR 15.


Parts ready for POR 15.



Will update as the project moves along. Thanks for looking.

[zazoos]

Got the frame back from powder coating today. Should get the axles mounted up this week.

[popeyes71]

Looking good!

[zazoos]

I am having parking brake cable problems. I ordered cables from LMC part #45-3872 and 45-3873. As you can see in the picture they are not a good match to the original. The original has a longer spring that goes inside the hub and the part that interfaces the backing plate is slanted 45 degrees, whereas the LMC one is straight in. NAPA says that cannot get them. Any help would be appreciated.

[hfdco4]

Try Dennis Carpenter or maybe Bronco Graveyard. The other option is ebay or the junk yard.

[hfdco4]

Saw this on Bronco Graveyard (http://shop.broncograveyard.com/1977-F2 ... fo/52626A/#)

[cole71]

There are places that will make cables for you. Might have to send in your original so that they can copy it. Try bruin cables.com

[Trampus]

Looking good! Sad to see that cab get crushed.

[zazoos]

Got my new emergency brake cables from Bronco Graveyard and they worked great. Thanks to hfdco4 for the referral.

Here is the item number I ordered and some pictures. Item #52625

[Craigerf100]

Yep you're right she is purdy

[zazoos]

Finally got the axles back under the frame and the Bronco II fuel tank in place.

[zazoos]

NP 205 rebuild question.

Does each yoke get a rubber washer under the flat washer? I was following this excellent write at NP205 Rebuild Guide and the author only mentioned installing the rubber washer once, not 3 different times.

Here is an image from that write up.

[hazelnut]

Looks like your moving right along with your project.

Are you planning to put a gas door on the side of the bed ? Just asking because I'm planning to do one sometime on mine and subscribed to see how it goes for you.

[zazoos]

I don't think I'm going to do a door, just a cap like the one towards the front of the bed. Actually I plan to remove the cap from the front of the bed and move it to the rear. I will fill in where the front cap was. Anyway that is the current plan, of course subject to change.
Engine and Transmission are out to the builders and accessory brackets are at powder coat. Tyler is sending me an AC Relocate bracket. Hopefully in 3 weeks all the running gear will be in place. I will keep the pictures coming.