I am so stoked to FINALLY have a '79 F250 SWB crew cab. The only bummer is that its a 2WD, I want to convert it to 4WD. I have a '92 F350 4WD (460/ZF)that I have as a parts rig, and a frame from a '79 F350 4x4.

I have basic tools, and can make just about anything work, but I have no significant fab skills, so the heavy duty stuff I will have to trick/con/bribe/blackmail friends into doing, or sub it out. Oh yea, and the budget pretty much doesn't exist, It consists pretty much of making what I have work, and trading/selling stuff I own for extra capital.

My original plan was to stretch the F350 frame and somehow rig the body to the frame. Repowering from the 351m to a 460 is MANDATORY, and is the minimum standard for the repower. Reading some threads on 4X conversions stated its the easiest to convert by simply hacking the frame off, and joining it to a 4WD frame of the same vintage I have the frame acquired (too bad no axles or steering). I can defray part, or all of the cost of these items by selling off the D60 from the F350.

There are no factory frames that have the correct wheelbase, that I have affordable access to. I am more or less stuck with making what I have work.

Pros of grafting the two frames
I don't have to make my body work on a frame it wasn't intended to fit.
No messing with extending brakes, fuel lines, or fooling with wiring


Cons:
I have to make my modern(er) drivetrain from the '92 work
I have to either make the 92 front axle and steering work, or purchase 77-79 stuff.
Need to plumb in a high pressure fuel pump/fuel system

Pros of using the 92 frame and making it work.
I don't have to make the drivetrain work, just get a rear driveline made, extend wires, brakes, and fuel lines.

Cons
Getting the body/bed to mount up to a significantly wider frame (more fab time)
having two splices in my frame instead of one
Getting the midships fuel tank plumbed would be a nightmare.

The ZF is a hydro clutch setup. Would it be best to sacrifice the firewall behind the dash and graft it to the 79 so I can use the master cylinder, pedal assembly, and mounting point so i can use my F450 1-5/16 hydroboost setup?

A recent fork in the road has revealed a 94 F350 with a diesel/ZF in it. My friend has access to it, he can get it for about $1500. He is not sure if its an early or late '94. If its the early '94, I am really tempted to trade some stuff to him, and owe him for the rest to aquire the truck. This route would make me lean more twards making the later model running gear, as it was intended for the diesel. The early diesel was a turbocharged IDI 7.3. Parts for it are dirt cheap, and can make decent power for a cornbinder motor.

I am stuck on the fence on what route I should take. I like both ideas, but I don't like the fact that both require work.

I am open to ideas and suggestions.

Discuss. :D
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a315/Masterbeavis/cc1.jpg


Parts Donor.
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a315/Masterbeavis/P1010176.jpg

My initial thought was to take a hard look at the newer frame and compare it to the 79- not so much the width, but more the side profile to determine how feasable the body swap would be. Then I remembered that typically the 80 and newer frames have the engines sitting back further than the pre 80 trucks, so that could be a huge issue. I would bide my time and keep looking for the proper 4x4 frame while doing other things like any bodywork, gathering parts, or research.

The ZF master cylinder has been done before, so maybe check out how others have done it- I am shure that cutting out pieces of firewall shouldnt be necessary.