1970 F250 4X4 Rebuild / Updating

[hfdco4]

I can't believe how good a shape that frame is in for a 1970 that lived 95% of it's life in New England. The body was a wreck but the frame was in great condition. I got a good cab that came out of California, the bed came off a parts truck we bought in here in Maryland. I finally got work done this past year that has been put off for too long. I will continue cleaning the frame and working on installing the 1979 F250 4x4 steering box upgrade. I did complete the rear spring mod to flip the shackle and eliminate the rear blocks completely. It is snowing and cold right now so maybe I will go out into the garage tomorrow and try and layout the new front cross-member.

[Lone Ranger]

Hey your spring packs look sharp! What did you do to them? Are they rearched? I painted mine but the rust is coming back through on them... Probably should have pulled them apart and painted all the peices.

[hfdco4]

I took them completely apart. Sanded each leaf and painted them with EZ Slide paint. You can get it at Tractor Supply in Spray Cans and Quarts. It is really good and slippery.

Specification Description
Brand: EZ-Slide
Film Material: Petroleum, Graphite
Flash Point: 30 deg. F
Maximum Temperature: 90 deg. F
Minimum Temperature: 50 deg. F
Package Type: Spray Can
Product Type: Spray Lubricants
Quantity: 12 oz.
VOC Content: 63.30%
Warranty: Limited
Manufacturer Part Number: RB95120

It was a lot of work, but the results look pretty good.

[Lone Ranger]

Wow thanks for all the info! I'm gonna have to do that since rusty springs stick out like a sore thumb.

[fordhillbilly]

I wish I would've known of that paint I would love to give it a try. I pulled mine all apart and wire wheeled and prepped and primed and painted them, but am still worried over time of the painted just rubbing right off. I will keep this in mind, thanks.

[hfdco4]

I got the front cross member removed and cut off the ends for reuse. I had a friend weld in some bushing for the front spring hangers so no need to replace them now. I have to work on it this weekend and will post pics soon.

[hfdco4]

Here are the pictures of the cut up front cross member.

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[hfdco4]

I got the new cross member started.

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[hfdco4]

Got one of the other cross members done.

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[hfdco4]

Now I have some metal to cut up and start welding so I can drill some holes.

[hfdco4]

Got some more metal cut for the cross member. Also noticed that I gave the wrong year for our new truck, it is actually a 2016 twin turbo 2.7L 4x4 XLT. We also just sold our 2003 FX4 F150.

[Lone Ranger]

Those spring buckets look good. Looks like you stiffened them up a bit.

[Warren Design]

thanks for the tip on the easy slide paint....... keep up the good work

[hfdco4]

The spring buckets were damaged. One of the bolts was loose and banged around so the hole wasn't round anymore. Had a buddy make some inserts and I drilled the holes oversize and had another friend weld them in.

As for the paint, no problem. I like the finished look of the springs after the painted dried.

[hfdco4]

I did get one side of the cross member welded. Came out pretty good but just ran out of time and energy to finish. I hope to get some done on Friday and maybe be able to post some pictures.