Argh!!! Too many decisions!!!

[Flatwater]

I "need" (want) a 4x4. I work several miles from town and sometimes the roads are bad. I like to fish and play at the lake and the river. I hunt birds, deer and coons. I "need" a 4x4. That's my story and I'm sticking to it...

I have a '61 uni shortbed with the 292. Decent shape. Runs good. 2wd, of course. A friend of mine has a running '79 F-150 4x4 that I think I could buy for scrap price. The cab is shot and the flatbed doesn't go with it, so it's essentially running gear and frame only. It has a 300 straight six and a 4-speed which suits me just fine. I like that combo.

The wheels are turning in my brain, fellas. I'm thinking of picking up the 4x4, doing a little measuring and cutting to change the wheelbase and dropping the uni on the 4x4 frame.

Am I a looking forward to a relatively straightforward job? Am I nuttier than squirrel poop? Should I sell the uni and start fresh? I'm still trying to convice Mama to let me have both, but she says I have too much crap (cool stuff) as it is.

Survey says???

[bird55]

get the 79 for scrap and fix it up for hunting only. Keep the uni as is ans continue to work on it and it will serve you well as well as keep some good value. JMHO. +I like the 292 yblock.

[Kid]

DO IT, if you can fabricate the mounts and probably shorten the frame a bit you will have a sweet set up for a 4x4.

[ICEMAN6166]

i say DO NOT do it, and put the idea out of your head.

trust me i have already put an early cab on a later 4x4 frame you will spend far more time fabricating stuff than i think its worth.

a 65/66 2wd cab is a direct bolt on, the steering column from the 79 will work so no dash mods, the pedals are right and other than the frame being wider in the back on the 79, a 64-66 bed will fit , you only need to drill new holes in the bed.

if you must put the uni on a 4x4 frame then find a 61-65 f100 4x4 or a 61-66 f250 4x4 and shorten the frame 6" and that will bolt right up.

[Anthony]

I say find a 65/66 to put over on the running gear.... and keep "ALL" the toys.... a non running 65/66 shouldn't be too much...

[Flatwater]

Thanks for the input, gang. Lots to ponder now.

[slick4x4]

you can find them..... just take your time and keep looking
how far is this from you ? http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Ford-F-1 ... ars_Trucks
kinda mixed up thing..... a little pricey IMO.... but looks fairly straight

[cooter]

why not put 4x4 diffs under your truck since it has leafs all around?

[sgettin]

i'd just buy a factory 4x4 and put your effort and money into that. 4x4 slicks are still out there and in your general area just check craigslist, ebay and ask around. the old chevies and dodges (i like my ford best but still like them all) are out there also. easier pbly cheaper and better than a multiswap conglomeration.
btw pay more and get something in decent shape to start with it's cheaper and easier. my 4x4 was totally shot and it's good now but would have been smarter to start with a good truck especially given the fact the even really clean old slicks aren't usually a high dollar item. that's all unless you like bringing them back from the grave which is my interset however most people don't enjoy that.

[ICEMAN6166]

why not put 4x4 diffs under your truck since it has leafs all around?

you still have to fab up a crossmember to hang the transfer case from. the factory ones wont fit into the f100/250 2wd frames. and the front springs on a 2wd are not as wide as the 4x4,more fab work.