Well, as promised, here's some pics from my 4x4 conversion on my '95 F350. If you need any other pics let me know and I'll do my best to get them.

I started with a 1994 Dana 60 front axle I got for $350 minus hubs/rotors. I put in new balljoints and axle u-joints and used the hubs and rotors from a parts truck ('97 Dana 50). Cleaned it up and painted it. I also used leaf springs from a '87 F350.


Then I installed the 3" RSK from SKY Manufacturing. I had to shave off the two spacer pieces from the inner edge of the outside ear because the 2wd frame is flat, and the 4x4 frame has an indent where the shackle bolt goes through.


Then I drilled the frame holes and got the outside bolts in.




As you can see the 2wd frame isn't boxed so I made some brackets.




RSK Bolted In


I unbolted and removed the 2wd radius arms, I-beams, and coils.


I then cut the Coil Brackets and any other brackets that were a pain to remove (I'll probably remove them later and clean it up a bit but I wanted to get it back on the road).




Drilled and bolted on the rear spring bracket (from a '87 F350 parts truck). I'll probably weld them to the frame as well for extra insurance...


Then I slid the axle under, installed the rear shackles, and bolted it up.


After that just had to drill two holes on each side for the shock brackets (lined it up after the axle was in). Hooked up the Dana 60 steering linkage and did a rough alignment.

I'm 5'11" and this is how she's sitting... 42" high at the center of the front wheel well.


Before (with 4" factory blocks in back) and After!

 

I forgot to add that the '95-97 trucks (2wd and 4x4) use the same brake calipers, so I could re-use my stock ones. The 2wd hoses were too short in the stock location so I ordered some new 4x4 lines (which are the same length but angled different) and I am relocating the lines lower on the frame... I'll get pics of that and the shock mounts when I get a chance.

 

looking good brother

 

Congrats man!!! I'm happy for ya. I remember you talking about wanting to do this since I joined FTE and there it sits!

 

Yeah, lots of time and money... I'm glad I'm still married after all this. lol

I have a couple small things to button up but it should be back on the road tomorrow.

 

When do you have time to study? That's a great job and a good follow thru!

 

So the rear spring brackets are the standard F350 brackets. Did the rear shackles come with the RSK or are they the same as what would be used up front? I'm still kicking around the idea of building my own RSK...

 

The rear shackles are stock ones. The new rear shackle comes with the RSK kit. They are MUCH heavier than the stock front ones.
Looks great Evan. Just wait until you get to try that bad boy out. I tell you, it's gonna be sweet.

 

That's what I thought. I assume you meant that the rear shackle MOUNTS are the stock ones.

 

So Evan, do you have the 4x4 trans and t case in it yet?

 

Thos ebrackets you put on the inner part of the frame, did you weld them on and box the frame?
It would be stronger for sure if you did.

Congrats it is looking good. the truck does not look at all what it looked like when you bought it. Got any pics when you bought it to compare to now?

 

Yeah, sorry Nate, that is indeed what I meant.

 

Evan, you could always use aftermarket F-150 4x4 brake lines since the stock 2wd lines are too short and that would save you from moving them down. The F-150 4x4 lines clip in the same spot as the 250/350 2wd does and longer stainless braided lines aren't too expensive. Around $60-80. Just a thought. Looks like you did a nice job on it!

 

Way to go! Brings back memories, LOL! I like the cleanliness behind the work!

 

I'm on break right now. lol
My wife isn't thrilled about the long days out in the shop though...

Nope, I'm waiting for a Riffraff tech day to put those in. Should be in the next month or two.

They're bolted right now but I will be welding them in as well.

I put in a new hard line across the engine crossmember but had it come down just under the frame and put new 4x4 brake hoses on it. Maybe later on I'll put some nice steel braided ones on.

I'd hardly call it "clean". I didn't even take the whole coil bracket off, just cut it in half and bolted the shock bracket on top of it. lol

Someday when I had more time I'll make it look nicer...