‘93 F250 4x4 Camper

[Di0n]

Well we made a decision (with Redthies help) and bought a ‘93 Ford F-250 4x4. It’s an extended cab, long box, 7.3 IDI, automatic with 206,000km. It’s all pretty tidy and original apart from the front end which has been swappe for a Dana 60 from an F350. There’s a few maintenance jobs that need doing but overall we’re pretty happy with it.

 

[Di0n]

Then last night we picked up a camper. I believe it’s a 9’6 Okanagan, correct me if I’m wrong. The seller supplied us with Brophy clamp on mounts, but I’m not sure how much I trust them. I’m wondering about putting some eye bolts through the front of the truck bed and attaching it to those, is this a good plan?

 

[Di0n]

The first issue we found with the truck is it’s turning circle. We had to do a three point turn on a suburban roundabout a few days ago... not a good look. From what I’ve read online, when the front end was swapped to the Dana 60 they were supposed to swap the F-250 pitman arm for a longer one from an F-350. So I’m now trying to track down a stock F-350 pitman arm.
We’ve also found that it rides super rough. I realise this is partly because they’re an old truck but also because it has F-250 leaf springs with an additional leaf added. Apparently stock F-250 front springs are much stiffer than F-350 ones anyway because of the TTB suspension but with an added leaf it pretty harsh. I’ve been looking into getting some stock F-350 springs and possibly a reverse shackle kit too but I don’t really want to lift it.

 

[wyoidi]

Nice setup! It should be a solid platform for you. I've owned both a 93' f250 IDI and a 93' f350 IDI. I moved up to the 350 because of the crew cab and space for kids. Both trucks have carried my 88' four wheel camper grandby all over the place. From my experience with both trucks on many dirt roads the 350 rides considerably better with the D60 instead of the D50 on the 250. I never had any problems with the ttb but it was almost comical how harsh and ride was, pretty amazing the truck held together with the rattling and bashing. At least the 350 springs seem to have some give to them and aren't arched in the wrong direction. Both trucks were stock, but you seem to have a different situation with the swap. I'd recommend at least getting the stock 350 springs if they fit or even better doing the RSK which i hear is a big upgrade.

I can't comment on the turning radius since both my trucks were stock, that being said, multi point turns are a pretty standard routine with both trucks. Both my trucks were naturally aspirated so they were/are kind of dogs pulling grades at speed but they are very reliable and actually turn great mpg when cruising lower speeds on secondary roads. Make sure the SCA's in the coolant are up to date to ward off cavitation, glow plugs and relay are good, and the starter and injection pump is happy and you shouldn't have any problems. good luck

 

[pappawheely]

You have to make sure you are wearing your seat belt with the stock springs or you'll hit your head on the roof. I can't imagine what it's like with an add a leaf. A shackle reversal will make it ride a lot better and only lift it 3"

 

[Di0n]

Well last night RedThies helped us fit AirLift air bags to the rear of the truck. It was a reasonably straight forward process, drilling the holes in the trucks frame for the upper mounts was the hardest part. Unfortunately I disturbed the main hard line for the rear brakes and caused a fairly decently leak. Turns out the rear section of the hard line was very rusty and needs replacing, so although it’s frustrating, I’m glad we found it now and not while driving over a mountain pass.
We’ve dropped it in to a mechanice this morning to have the brake line and pitman arm replaced and get the engine pulleys checked out because the accessory belt doesn’t seem to be tracking quite right and is squealing a little.