2 to 4wd swap ideas

[Macrobb]

I've got "Triple A", my '1987 F-350 C&C dually truck with a flatbed on it. It's got a 7.3(yes), ATS 088 turbo, and a C6 that was recently rebuilt. 3.55 gearing. I paid $600 for it.

Now, up where I am, 2wd is basically useless for half the year.

My plan for this truck is:
1. Convert to 4x4.
2. Install OD of some sort.
3. Install plow on the front
4. Make flatbed into dump bed.
5. ???
6. Profit!

Now, I have several options for #1:
1. I can do my usual stick-swap: ZF5, 1356 and done.
Pros: Stick. with 3.55s, it'll have a highway gear and all.
Cons: Stick might be harder for plowing, more wear on the clutch? Also starting with a heavy load may be more of a challenge.
2. I can leave the 2wd C6, add a 2wd Gearvendor OD(which I have), stick a divorced t-case behind that and go from there.
Pros: I have the C6 and GV. C6 moves it nicely at lower speeds as it is. Could use OD/splitter in 4x4.
Cons: C6 has no lockup. Needs bigger trans cooler. Worse fuel economy. VRV is unobtanium if it fails.
3. Convert to 4x4 E4OD + 1356.
Pros: I have an E4OD with broken shift solenoid connector, and just got a broken E4OD for parts. Has lockup for highway travel.
Cons: It's still an auto, would need a computer rigged up to shift it(Haven't seen any manual conversions for these)

Here's pictures:
https://www.reddit.com/r/FordDiesels/comments/8v75vt/old_workhorse_back_from_the_dead/

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[david85]

I like #5 and 6. That wouldn't be a Southpark reference, would it?

Normally I'm partial to the E4OD but would you really be that worried about the ZF5 clutch even in low range 4wd?

Is this a twin I-beam truck or is it a solid I-beam?

Do you know the history on that E4OD? I'd be weary of putting it behind a turbo IDI unless you know it's sound.

The cheapest and easiest by far would be the 5 speed swap.

 

[crabbypaul]

If you are going to snow plow to make money you will have to have an automatic for that the C6 is almost indestructible.

 

[Oledirtypearl86]

I feel in The northern area 4x4 is needed and plowing snow gotta have an auto

 

[IDIBRONCO]

I like #5 and 6. That wouldn't be a Southpark reference, would it?

I thought about the Underpants Gnomes too!

 

[chillman88]

Not quite sure why everyone is so against plowing with a manual. I did it for a few years and it wasn't too bad, sure the auto was easier but keep your wits about you and you shouldn't have a problem.

Granted that was plowing a decent sized parking lot in a half ton chevy with a 350 and an NV4500. I kept the transfer case in low range and never had any trouble.

 

[The_Josh_Bear]

Not quite sure why everyone is so against plowing with a manual. I did it for a few years and it wasn't too bad, sure the auto was easier but keep your wits about you and you shouldn't have a problem.

Granted that was plowing a decent sized parking lot in a half ton chevy with a 350 and an NV4500. I kept the transfer case in low range and never had any trouble.

If its no issue with a gasser 350 half ton a real pickup should manage just fine!

 

[genscripter]

VRV is unobtanium

Not for long. I've been making some great progress.

 

[Macrobb]

So... After all of this, it looks like I'm going to be going ahead with the 5-speed swap.
The thing that made up my mind is that I just picked up a PTO-driven dump bed setup for it, really cheaply(and I can probably hijack the pump for plow cylinders as well). So I kind of need a PTO port.
5-speeds have two, C6s have 0. I *could* use one on the T-case, if I had a F-350 t-case. Most all the ones I have are F-250(non-PTO) though.

 

[IDIBRONCO]

You'll probably be happier with the ZF5 in the long run anyway. I've never been a fan of a C6 behind an IDI myself. They just feel too gutless to me. Of course I've never driven one with much more than stock power either.