93 F-250 4X4 conversion

[Denis in MI]

I have a 93 4X2 F-250 with a 302 and 5 speed manual I was wondering how hard it would be to swap it to a 4X4, I would just find another truck but I have to much money in it already to get rid of it with out atleast getting some use out of it. The parts I figure I will need are a F-150 TTB axle if I can swap 8 lug hubs on to one, a trans that will accept a transfer case, a transfer case, T-case linkage and front and rear drive shafts. Maybe some one here can help me with any thing I am forgetting. I figure it is easier to leave it coil spring suspension than it is to swap to leafs. Also If anyone knows where I can find these part or has some they want to sell or trade, I have a 87 F-150 regular cab long bed 4X2 with a 4.9 and a TOD (4 speed OD) Trans, That needs work but runs and could be driven with a few brake lines.

Thanks in Advance for any Ideas or Help,
Denis

 

[Hanau]

I'd find a F-250 w/ a manual to get what you need.

You should be able to buy 87-91 F-250 4x4's all day long for less than a thousand bucks. They're real common in northern states.

Take what you need, sell the rest on here and Craigslist.

 

[Skandocious]

Well you won't be able to find an 8 lug D44 TTB-- as far as I know they don't exist. I've heard about a mysterious D44HD that is 8 lug but I think it still uses larger hubs-- possibly D50 hubs. Plus I believe the D44HD would be leaf sprung which you say you don't want.

So you'll have to contend with having 8 lug wheels out back and 5 lug wheels up front. It'd probably just be easier to swap up to a F250/350 axle (D50 ttb from an F250, or D60 straight axle from an F350).

 

[Hanau]

My 1990 has a straight axle front end with leaf springs. Wouldn't that be an easy swap?

 

[Skandocious]

2wd F250 is coil sprung and he said he doesn't want to go to the trouble of swapping to a leaf sprung suspension. Your truck must be an F350 if that's a stock straight axle-- right?

 

[Hanau]

It's an F-250. Factory. Still has the Ford hubs on the end of the axle.

 

[Skandocious]

If it's a stock F250 4x4 then it's not a straight axle. They didn't put them in that vintage F250.

 

[Hanau]

Weird. Looked straight to me.

 

[surewhynot]

If you look at the front of the axle, you should see that it is actually two seperate housings, that kinda scissor in the middle. That's what is called a TTB (twin traction beam)

 

[Skandocious]

Twin traction beam:

Granted-- that's not a stock setup, but the i-beams will look the same.

 

[Hanau]

Mine doesn't look like that. I'll see if I can find a pic. I have IFS on my Chevies so I know what IFS looks like.

 

[Skandocious]

This is not true IFS like the chevies have. The newer F150s have true IFS like the chevies.

 

[Hanau]

Went out and took a picture.

Looks like a straight axle to me. Offset differential, leaf springs, enclosed shaft. Where does this bastard articulate if it's IFS?

 

[1985 Ford F-150]

Thats a TTB look at the grasy bolt in the center of the pic thats where the drivers side moves the passenger side is behind the pumpkin. You can also see the hole where the axle shaft with rubber boot goes into the passenger side beam.

 

[1985 Ford F-150]

To the OP get a solid axle from a 79 or earlier f-150 or f-100 and use that itll be coil sprung and it wont eat the front tires like the TTB will.

Edit: Re read what the OP said and nevermind on the 1/2 ton front axle just swap it to leaf springs on the front and then find ya a TTB from a 250 (if your hell bent on havin it)

 

[rickpilgrim]

My 87 F250 has the leaf spung TTB with 8 bolt hubs and I don't see any way of adapting that to a 2wd unit without using the leaf setup. My 83 F150 has TTB with coils also and there is no way without alot of cutting, welding and machining to convert to the 8 lug hubs. I'm not even sure even if it could be done if the F150 TTB would be strong enough for 250 use as it is much smaller.

 

[Hanau]

That's just weird. What's the benefit of TTB over straight axle or true IFS?

 

[Skandocious]

Better ride quality is just about the only benefit that I know of... It has less flex and is weaker than straight axle setups. If the truck gets mostly on-road driving the TTB is better. Off-road applications almost always benefit from having straight axles, with the exception of high speed off-road racing where it is beneficial to have independent front suspension to help the truck track straighter over the ruts.

 

[1985 Ford F-150]

Ill have to argue with the on road drivin bit. They eat the front tires on the outside edge if they dont get roatated often. They also need to get aligned if ya hit too many potholes. Even washboard roads will do it if your on em often enough.

 

[Hanau]

Well I ordered a Detroit locker for a Dana 50. I hope it fits the axle under the front of that truck. Ordered one for a Dana 60 for the rear axle.