72 F250 4x4 Restoration

[Stuntmonkee]

I’m restoring my grandfathers 72 F250. Came with the 390, 4 speed, no AC or Power Brakes.

I have the opportunity to buy a 71 F250 2wd, with a 390, autotrans, AC, power breaks.

All the research and web prodding I’ve tried has said that the 71 will be a fantastic parts truck for my grandfathers 72 4x4.

Last stop is a well respected forum to get the sign off and let me know Im not missing anything major.

Thoughts?

[basketcase0302]

"Stuntmonkee" I’m restoring my grandfathers 72 F250. Came with the 390, 4 speed, no AC or Power Brakes.

I have the opportunity to buy a 71 F250 2wd, with a 390, autotrans, AC, power breaks.

All the research and web prodding I’ve tried has said that the 71 will be a fantastic parts truck for my grandfathers 72 4x4.

Last stop is a well respected forum to get the sign off and let me know Im not missing anything major.

Thoughts?

Stop by the welcome mat when you get a chance and say hi.
http://www.fordification.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=1

Unfortunately the 71 2WD brakes won't bolt onto the front axle of your Grandfather's 72' 4 X 4 Ford truck as the brakes are totally different between 2WD and 4WD. There would also be diffeerences in the brake master cylinder, (the power normally has a booster mounted to the firewall). Here's what your Grandfather's 71' 2WD brakes would/should look like:


Here's what the 4 X 4 disc brakes should look like:


You can go here and see all the major differences in the 2WD versus 4 WD:
http://www.fordification.com/tech/schematics_b.htm

[hfdco4]

The 2 wheel drive body parts are all usable. Your Grandfathers 4x4 did not come with a 390, it was only available with the 360. Wheels and tires are usable as well as the AC system. You can adapter the 2 wheel drive power steering to the 4x4 with a fair amount of fabrication.

[popeyes71]

to the forum! Even though there are differences between the 2wd and 4wd, The 2wd parts truck; if in good shape should be able to yield many usable parts. As mentioned, all sheet metal will work. However, the 4wd's had a different radiator support than the 2wd's and the grills are different between 71' and 72'. The 390 in the 2wd could be used as a builder motor. The power brake booster and mounts can be used as well. The master cylinder could be rebuilt or used as a core if the brakes on the 2wd are currently drum. You could install the AC system into your grandfathers truck too if you wanted. If the 2wd has a higher trim level on it, you could install the trim on your grandfathers truck. Overall, have fun with the build and start a build thred to keep us up to date on your progress.

[Stuntmonkee]

*** Double post deleted ***

[Manny]

I am following along with pop eyes and all above. Some things may not make it a great parts truck but other things make it a great parts truck. I would say go for it as having a parts truck can make your restoration so much easier..

[Stuntmonkee]

Thank you all so much for the great info. . . .please don’t hold back.

The 71 is pretty “clean”. Def seen it’s wear and tear, but no significant damage. I would be looking to pull the auto tranny out, the entire front grill assembly from the radiator forward, the hood, the bench seat, side gate tank, possibly some trim and other decorative stuff. . . .oh, the rear sliding window too. . . . . .oh, the passenger door window mechanizims. . . .trying to think what else. Maybe the gauge cluster. . . .steering assembly. . . . And really any other little things along the way.

Seems like a good investment for $1800? Truck runs too! My goal would be to get the 4x4 in good driving shape and then start a more “polished” restoration on the visual parts.

I’ll def keep this group updated as it goes

[Manny]

$1800 aint bad the market keeps going up driving me nuts...... Lets see these things.

[popeyes71]

Just a heads up, the auto tranny in the 2wd will bolt up to your motor in the 4wd but you will need to change out the tail section of the auto tranny so that you can mount the transfer case shifter to it. Also, you may need to relocate the tranny cross member. There was a member on here that had a build thread, TPDaniels that did an auto conversion in his Highboy. Search for the build thread and you'll get an idea what you will need to do to convert from a 4-speed to an auto. Hope that helps!

[Stuntmonkee]

I’ve heard these trucks going for “free” to $500 for something that is clean and runs. I could def find a better fit, better price. . . but might be tough to find a better fit AND better price.

I’ll get some photos up today for everyone

[Stuntmonkee]

Thanks Popeyes - that’s what I was thinking, but it’s great hearing it from a confirmed source - so many variables with these!

Anyone have any reason why I wouldn’t want the auto?

[Manny]

Thanks Popeyes - that’s what I was thinking, but it’s great hearing it from a confirmed source - so many variables with these!

Anyone have any reason why I wouldn’t want the auto?

I'm a gear shifting fool but nothing against a c6 automatic. Tpdaniels truck was fantastic and the swap was not that bad. Know where i highboy c6 transmission is off and Fe. Look for user tpdaniels in the pictures forum, and on here as popeyes said. You will find some good info there.

[Stuntmonkee]

#BoughtIt!

[hfdco4]

I think $1800 for a running truck is a good deal. Now you need to get us some pictures sir. If the truck is straight and somewhat clean you got it for a steal.

Now changing to an automatic is entirely up to you, it is your truck!

Now the pros and cons;
1) The automatic is easier to drive.
2) May make it easier to sell.

3) The standard trans is original.
4) The standard trans has a low gear if you want to use it for work or off-roading.

You need to decide how you are going to use the truck before you can decide what trans is best.

[Stuntmonkee]

I keep getting an error that photos are too large just phone photos