Typically the best route to have a 4x4 truck is to get one that is already built from the factory the effort to convert is usually to great to do

but how about the non existent versions.
like a short box supercab in the 73-79 flavor for example,
or even a extremely rare 73-79 longbox crewcab 4x4,
then the conversion becomes worthwhile to do
there is about as many ways to convert a truck to a 4wd as there is people willing to do the conversion

below is one method on this conversion if you decide to convert yours may vary

here is some pictures of a buddys CrewCab that we converted from 2wd to 4wd

this truck has the narrow 34" wide frame it is a F350 and it is a good frame
only problem its 2wd

the 4wd section is from a F250 1979 4x4 has the new style steering and overall the best design for the 250 and 350 4x4

the 79 F350 4x4 shares the same frame as the 1977.5-1979 F250 4x4
thus pretty easy to find

We started with a pretty solid 1 ton 2wd Long box CrewCab has a few dents but no rust and in pretty good shape over all

















A 2 post lift is real handy in a conversion like this









The Donor Section from a 1979 F250 4x4 standard cab truck



the original 2wd front section cut from the truck frame







Started the welding process the truck is now has a 4x4 chassis





used my frame perches to install the 460 in his crew cab

Link to the perches

460 Frame Perches











Everything Just fits when done correctly and with correct parts











Drove out under its own power until we can back to it to finish the truck





He has a Dana 60 Front Axle that we rebuilt to put under the truck this will compliment the Dana 70 rear axle nicely.
Until then this old 1/2 ton axle works to let the truck move in and out of the shop



little clean up still to go until it is done



Current status of this truck is the Dana 60 is in and the truck is being driven

things to be done yet

1. Rear axle ratio change from 3.73 to 3.54

2. Front driveline installed

3. Body work and paint

4. a lift is slated to be installed at a later date

Awesome build, thanks for posting this.

this buddy has 2 79 Crewcabs

this one ton that we converted and a shortbox Crewcab 3/4 ton 4x4

he was going to take the best parts and build one Crewcab until we did the conversion

now he is talking redoing both trucks

Now that is a problem I'd LOVE to have!

Gee, I have two old Ford crews, should I restore them both? Hmmmm.... YES!

I did a convertion of my first crewcab that I built. I started with a 1974 f250 2wd longbed. I mounted a duivorced NP 205 transfercase in the exact middle. By doing this my front and rear drive shaft was interchangeable and I carried one spare at all times. Then I mounted a 78/79 high pinion 60 in the front. I built my own front crossmember with the correct spring mount width. Then I just cot a hole in the frame just like original for the shackle mounts on the rear. It was actually fairly easy. I wish I never would have sold it. My new project is a 1977 F350 4x4 shortbed. It has a front axle like I have never seen before.

Dana 60 low pinion(regular) with disc brakes and open knuckle?
one application only if it is......ok 76 and 77 crewcab f250 4x4s. that is a rare beast

kicker is though F350 4x4 first year was 1979

the dana 60 in the front should up as early as 1975 but only in crewcabs

F350 was never made as a shortbed truck in 4x4 form for sure and I doubt it made it in 2wd form either

I thought so too. Then I found this F-350 short bed 2wd

are you sure of that being short bed? i noticed the gas door on the front of the box

Yup.

Walked right up to it and took the pictures myself. Truck's a short box, been there for years, was surprised it was an F-350