So im in the process of building a 79 f250 1st gen 93 12v/ nv4500. Any tips, tricks or insight would appreciated! As far as the frame work/ motor mounts, that is all done. I built my engine side motor mounts and frame side mount plates/perches. What is your guys opinion on t-cases? I have 3 np205 gear drive cases...that dam adapter is $400 though and I can get a dodge 241dhd t-case and shafts for $350. What would you do?

 

The engine side mounts are 1/2" plate and 3" c-channel...think they will hold? notched the front crossmember...motor is now ford blue, all new gaskets, kdp killed. I made the spacer for the kdp (1st gen front housing) on my lathe if anyone wants the specs and the tab.

 

I might be wrong on this, but will the 241DHD even fit? I am thinking for some reason that the later model t-cases have clearance issues in the earlier narrow frame trucks, such as your '79...? I could be wrong though, or it may just take a slight frame notch or case clock.

If I were doing it, I'd go the 205 route for a few reasons:
Era correct - just to be old fashioned
Bulletproof - or at least close to it
Frame width - the 205 came in the narrow frames and will fit fine
Axle offset - the 205 is more compact than the later chain drives and matches the inward offset of the front axle pumpkin
Non-slip-yoke - the 205 has a rigid rear output with nearly unlimited yoke options

Yes, the 205 is heavier; yes, it has less of a low range; yes, the adapter is expeisive...but it's ultimately up to you.

Also, I'm going to throw out the soon-to-come question anyway; have you considered upgrading the front axle to a D60? I know there are guys running 6BT's over D44 axles, but there's just something about that that makes me uneasy. Food for thought...

Can't wait to see more pics!

 

Thanks for the reply! I too agree 100% on the np205, theyr bulletproof and I have spares..i would like the truck to appear a "lightly" modified stock 79 but, im cheap and that dam adapter is more than a used t-case . Anyone else make one other than advanced adapters? Im not positive on this, I found the specs for the 241dld and according to those specs and measuring my frame, it will fit with little to no frame fab...however, I dont know if the dhd is.the same size/spec.
I do have a d60 front and a d44 3.54 front axel, however the d60 is 4.10 and I want to run a slightly higher (3.54, 3.73) gear. Im undecided on that as of yet, I do know that I would like to find a d80 or sterling 10.25 rear though... Unfortunately I have 3 hecktic weekends ahead of me so I will most likely make little to no real progress for a few weeks. Heres a pic of the 79 2wd (body im using)

 

The other pic is the kdp spacer and tab I made. Got pics of your fummins?

 

I would DEFINITELY go with the D60 front and just re-gear it to your liking. The 4.10 carrier will take the 3.54 or 3.73 r/p, so you're good there. Since you're leaning toward the 205 and have a mechanical speedo dash (no need for tone ring axle), I'd also like to throw out the option of a 14-bolt rear. They are hell for stout, have a huge aftermarket, can be swapped to disc cheap, and are a dime a dozen...not to mention WAY easier to set up than a D80 or 10.25. I'd also steer clear of the 10.25 for lack of aftermarket and leaky hub seals, as I'm experiencing with mine yet again despite of a recent rebuild

Here's mine...'93 vintage, also a 2wd to 4wd swap utilizing a '90 Dodge D61 front (Getrag tranny and Dodge NP205), but I have a '89 Ford kingpin D60 ready to go in when I swap in the NV4500 and 241DHD

 

Wow man that truck looks just like my grandpas 79 f350 camper special 2wd he had. It was automatic, 460 all stock but his sat higher.same color and everything even the two tone.

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Really? Mines only a 150 with a 302...i like the old 2 tone paint schemes of the 70's fords. My plan is to eventually paint it. I want to stay with the cream color in the center and a darker brown metallic on the outer. My dad had a 77 those colors and I always liked the way it looked.
Nice lookin truck 93fummins!

 

Yeah his might of been a little darker I can't quite remember but I sure loved that truck had everything from the factory air, radio, power steering.great old truck.

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Nice. The 79 pictured is a lariat and also has factory a/c, the nice trim package etc...has a locking hood release which is something I havent seen b4, tilt column the works for a 79