73-79 f-250 with AC

[SLinse]

I'm in the process of trying to locate a 73-79 supercab to do the conversion. I have a complete 98 12V that I will use. I have herd a few people mention of a tight fit with trucks with factory AC. How tight is it??



I think I have had to much free time on my hands, but I seem to be dreaming BIG on this project. I'm really thinking about putting twin turbos on it. From what I have seen, it looks like it will fit. Once again is the AC/heater box an issue?



I have been watching e-bay, trucktrader.com, and a few other forum sights. Anyone no where else to look for clean 73-79 supercabs?

 

[BV]

From what I have read, you will need to box the frame for the AC to fit in the factory Dodge location and the cross member is to tall and will need to be shortened.



Go here and see some pictures of a 74 crew http://www.fordcummins.com/Projects page.htm

 

[Scot]

I have heard people flipping the exhaust manifold over and the turbo fitting. When I did my original setup work, I beleive it would be extremely close at best. I ended up stripping the HVAC box off of the cowl to get it all to fit.



I will try and measure some clearances for you when I get home.

 

[SLinse]

sweet, thanks Scot. I will be wiring the money for my new toy first thing in the morning. I just bought a 78 F-250 extended cab!!!! However it is Montana, so now I gotta go get it!! It does have AC so hopefully it will all work out. The cutout for the heaterbox in the firewall is differant on an AC truck then a none AC is this correct?

 

[Scot]

My last post may have not been quite clear. The cowl I used during setup was from a factory HVAC truck.



The cab I am using does not have a/c. I will end up using something like the Air-tique king cool which goes inside the dash.



The hvac on the outside of the firewall appears to sit ~17 1/2" from the firewall. At that point, it is up near the inner fender. It tapers back as it goes to the center.



Mine measures ~10 1/2" from the firewall to the back of the flange where the turbo mounts on the exhaust manifold to the firewall straight back. It measures ~10" from the back of the 16cm^2 non wastegated housing to the firewall.



I am going to put that picture in my gallery along with a few others. (including the oops :{ )

 

[SLinse]

Great photos!! That sucks about the rearend. Is that a Dana 80? I really like your Dash, you did a great job, looks good.



Your heater box is pretty close to the turbo. It must be REALLY close on an AC heater box. Thanks for the info, I might be contacting you for some help and ideas in the near future if you don't mind. Can't wait to see your truck up and running! Good luck!

 

[Scot]

Rear is a dana 70. The E350 axle is very close to the same width as the front end. The F series axle is about 3" narrower. I got it from a pick-a-part. Their rear ends are $29. 99.



Went back and they were out of E series D70's so I got a F series. Some day, I will find a ring and pinion if they do not get another one.



I will help you however I can.