1970 F250 4X4 Rebuild / Updating

[hfdco4]

Been cleaning up the garage after the cab removal. It is amazing how much stuff there is in there right now.

[hfdco4]

Bought a second hand engine stand to go with the one I have. I am going to mount the frame to them so I can rotate it for easier access to clean, modify and rebuild.

[hfdco4]

Got the frame back in the garage and started removing axles.

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I got the rear axle out, now have to get it outside. I think I am going to use the one that came out of my two wheel drive once I verify the ratio.

[hfdco4]

Started on the front axle removal. Had to cut the U-Bolts off as they are the originals. You can see in the picture how bad the U-Bolts are rusted.

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I have not pulled the axle yet. Trying to figure out how to attach the second engine stand to the front so that I still have access and can spin the frame for work.

[hfdco4]

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Now we had snow on Saturday about 26" so no work on the truck as the cars are in the garage. I hope to get back to it this weekend as the temp is supposed to be higher and I can get the cars out of the garage.

[hfdco4]

Now that the cars are back out of the garage I can get back to it. When I got the frame mounted to the two engine stands it became apparent that the stands are tipped back. This keeps the frame from being able to turn now. Below is how I plan on fixing that and getting the springs off then the hangers.

[hfdco4]

Got the engine stands modified so the frame will turn now.

Started removing the rear spring hangers. Got the 2 wheel drive front hangers mocked up and set the original front hangers set at the rear with the shackle flipped so it points down. This gave me about 5" of lift making the rear blocks un-needed. I will have to post pictures.

[hfdco4]

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This is where the rear is today.

[hfdco4]

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The front springs came off easier than expected. Had to cut the drivers side front bolt but all the rest came out and are in good shape. I will dis-assemble the springs and clean them up. Once cleaned they will get re-assembled then painted.

[hfdco4]

Now I have to finish the rear suspension mods by filling the old spring hanger holes and drilling the new ones. Need to do the 1979 F250 4x4 steering box upgrade. Then there are a couple of frame cross supports that need work too. I also want to do the rear mount Mustang tank too. Then sand blast the frame and paint it. So still lots and lots to do and as always time is the limiting factor.

[hfdco4]

Well I jumped over to working on rebuilding the front spring packs. I cut the center bolt on the first one and separated the leaves. I will clean each leaf and paint it with EZ-Slide Graphite Paint. I saw an article about this stuff and found it at Tractor Supply. It is used on mower decks to keep the grass from sticking. The article I saw was about a Jeep Rebuild and the guy had used this paint on the rear springs. Gave an update after two years of use the only rust spots were where he had scratched the springs during install. the other benefit he found was the springs do not squeak at all now. I will try and post some pics this weekend.

[hfdco4]

Got both springs done and they look so much better. I will get the pictures posted soon. So good to complete a task. Now I have to get going on the rear springs.

[popeyes71]

These projects do take a lot of time which always seems to be the hardest thing to come up with. Keep up the great progress!

[hfdco4]

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Now that one task is complete, I have to start on the rear springs. I think I am going to look at getting Poly Bushings for the rear to match what I have for the front.

[hfdco4]

Started working on the rear springs. I had modified them years ago by adding leafs, well I am removing the ones that clearly do not fit and will clean up everything and paint them. Still have to find the correct poly bushings. Also continue to work on the rear shackle flip. I have removed the overload spring pads and will need to weld up some holes here and there.