Hey folks,
After asking about my cab issues and getting such a great response I got thinking, I had a wild dream about taking my 1984 f150 2x4 and converting it to a 4x4.
Does anybody know if something like that is a ton of work or mega expensive and if so what kinda steps I would have to go throught? Jus spit balling, i am a poor college student right now, but someday I think it might be a neat endeavour.
Cheers

 

It isn't difficult at all as it is all bolt-on. But you should buy a donor truck that has the same bell housing, same transmission, and same wheelbase as yours. Then you can swap the parts and come out with two trucks when you are done.

By same bell housing, that means stay in these groups:

• 300 six, 302, or 351W
• 351M or 400
• 460

Each of those groups has its own bell housing pattern or other reasons why the trannies won't swap. But, if you stay in those groups then things will swap. And, you have to stay with the same wheel bolt pattern.

 

All things are possible......with enough time and money!

 

Just thought of a couple of things that should be mentioned. The rear springs on a 4x4 truck are wider than those of a 2x4 truck. But, using the narrow springs isnt a problem as Rusty was originally 2wd and he's been converted but still runs the narrower springs. And, while on the springs, there are riser blocks on top of the rear axle on a 4wd truck, so that's another thing to get from the donor.

Another thing that could easily be overlooked is the wiring harness for the 4wd bulb in the dash. It is a separate piece so grab it from the donor.

One more thing - the transmission cover. If your 2wd truck has column shift it won't have a transmission cover. Instead, the floor won't have been cut out. However, the 4wd truck will have a transmission cover as the transfer case shifter pokes through it. So, unless you are doing a ghetto conversion and cutting a hole in the floor you will need another cover since the donor will also need one. But, don't worry about cutting the floor as it is pretty easy. The floor is already stamped with an indentation where the cover will sit, so you will just cut inside it, using the donor as a guide.

 

I converted my 96 F150 from a 4x2 to a 4x4. It was a direct bolt on deal, you can use parts from pretty much any F150 or full size Bronco from 1980 through 1996.

 

I too have this idea for my truck. A junkyard here I frequent has had the correct year donor trucks before with horrible bodies/engines but good, all there drive-trains.

Maybe one day also!