2wd to 4wd conversion

lindstromjd

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Well, search functions always suck and never give me what I want. Anybody got a good write up on how to do a '92 Dana 60 swap into an '87 2wd dually? I'll be getting everything off the truck that I ask for, so parts shouldn't be a problem. I just need a good write up so I know what to expect.
 

rjjp

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Would be easier to go the other way, because of the shackle mount. The 92 (should) have a boxed frame at the front, whereas the older trucks used a rivet on mount. But it's not impossible, just a little harder.

Now how far do you want to lift it, a RSK will make life easier while installing the axle, but will also lift the front of the truck further.

You will need the transfer case, transmission, drive shafts, front axle, front springs, shackle, spring hangers, track bar, track bar bracket, tie rods, pittman arm, rear lift blocks, transfer case shift lever, possibly R&P for the rear axle to match the front, and some other miscellaneous BS.

Are both trucks the same wheelbase?
 

lindstromjd

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Nope, the parts truck is a super cab and mine is a crew. I'm getting the parts off a guy parting his 92 out. I figure $800 is worth everything I'll be getting... Especially since that was his price. The whole truck is still mostly complete and he said I can have whatever I want off it. Now, I don't plan on lifting my truck at all. Just stock height will be perfectly fine for me. I I need to, I can level it out though.
The axle I'm getting is a 3.55 axle, and I have a 4.10 currently but also have a good 3.55 rear that I was planning on using. The rear to match the 92 is sold already though.
 

lindstromjd

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E4od, but it's a 460 truck. I was planning on getting Gunz's 4wd trans if he still has it and wants to sell it. He's only 2 hours away from my place in Florida.
 

franklin2

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The 2wd frame is different in the front, so you will have to figure out some way to mount the shackle. You will also have to drill holes in the frame for the rear leaf spring mount.
 

rjjp

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E4od, but it's a 460 truck. I was planning on getting Gunz's 4wd trans if he still has it and wants to sell it. He's only 2 hours away from my place in Florida.

ZF, E4OD, C6, or T19? (drive shaft length issues) Still get the drive shaft for the cardigan.

The 2wd frame is different in the front, so you will have to figure out some way to mount the shackle. You will also have to drill holes in the frame for the rear leaf spring mount.

I can get pictures if you want to see the differences.
 

lindstromjd

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It'll still be an e4od truck. I'll go ahead and grab the driveshafts then and have the rear modified.
Pictures would be awesome.
 

gunz

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E4od, but it's a 460 truck. I was planning on getting Gunz's 4wd trans if he still has it and wants to sell it. He's only 2 hours away from my place in Florida.

Not going to work, new owner of the truck and all spare parts will be here in the morning. I dont think he is going to use the auto, but it will br in kentucky by tomorrow night.
 

lindstromjd

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Not going to work, new owner of the truck and all spare parts will be here in the morning. I dont think he is going to use the auto, but it will br in kentucky by tomorrow night.

Fair enough. Thanks for the heads up. On to looking for another one then... maybe I can find a junk one and gut it for the output shaft and tail housing to convert my 2wd trans.
 

gunz

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grap all the hangars for the springs and make templates for the holes and notch for the front mounts. Get ready to drill 27 holes in your frame. Buy 1/2 grade 8 hardware. I can do this in about a day and have it sitting on the axle to be driven.
 

lindstromjd

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grap all the hangars for the springs and make templates for the holes and notch for the front mounts. Get ready to drill 27 holes in your frame. Buy 1/2 grade 8 hardware. I can do this in about a day and have it sitting on the axle to be driven.

Soooo... about how much would you want as far as compensation if I were able to bring it to you? :D
 

junk

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super cabs never came with dana 60's as far as I know. I'm assuming the guy swapped the dana 60 in. If you haven't seen this in person you might want to verify. Only reason I mention it is I went to grab what was supposed to be the dana 60 1-ton axle and they tried to load up a dana 50 ttb on me.
 

lindstromjd

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super cabs never came with dana 60's as far as I know. I'm assuming the guy swapped the dana 60 in. If you haven't seen this in person you might want to verify. Only reason I mention it is I went to grab what was supposed to be the dana 60 1-ton axle and they tried to load up a dana 50 ttb on me.

Thanks. I did talk to him and he said it was a D60 straight axle. I haven't committed completely yet, but if it turns out not to be then I won't be out anything but a little time. I looked back and he never said what cab it was. I was just assuming it was a super. It is an F350 though... And the front axle is a ball joint axle. The guy was very up front about knowing his stuff; he said he's done some axle swaps and engine swaps before, too. I guess we'll just have to see when I get a chance to see the axle in person. Or maybe I can get him to send me a few pictures.
 

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