I own a 1991 F-150 extended cab xlt lariat 2wd with a 5 speed OD trans and the 3.55 non-limited slip rear. I want to convert to 4wd and I need to know exactly what parts to spend my tax return on. I don't know enough to do the work myself, but I know of a local shop that has done outstanding work for me - B&M Automotive in San Antonio, Tx. - every time I take any car there, and they are Ford guys themselves. I also have a buddy who owns a salvage yard, so parts hopefully won't be a problem. I've read tons of great help in here already, and I thank you guys in advance.

 

Transmission, transfer case, front and rear driveshafts, TTB front axle. May need the rear axle shims off a F150 4x4 with the same wheelbase as yours (not sure though). That's all I can think of at the moment.

 

I'm not familiar with the term TTB as applied to axles, what does it mean/refer to? Would a V8 or V6 donor (Bronco, F-Series) be suitable?It sounds like my best bet would be to find a junker near the same year and take them both to the shop, huh? Thanks for helping a newbie 4x4 wannabe with such a quick response, I now have a starting point.

 

TTB, the front axle assembly, actually two parts, a left and a right side. V8 or inline six will work, I don't think Ford offered a V6 in a full size 4x4 (at least not one that you could use). And the junker idea would probably be the way to go.

 

The TTB is Twin Traction Beam it eqauls a piece of garbage joke. If your going to go through the trouble of swapping in all the parts, then get yourself a solid front axle from a late 70's f-150 or bronco. You will be MUCH happier with the ride as well as the offroadability (is that a word?).

If you want my opinion, you would be better off selling the 2wd truck for what you can get and buy a 4x4. Save you alot of money in the long run.

 

i agree. unless your shop has dirt cheap rates your best bet is to sell your truck and buy what you want. if you're handy and like wrenching you can save by doing it yourself. i have seen it done in the middle of winter here in michigan in a small garage with a little heat(the true hillbillies dont even need a garage!!). and i also agree with the older solid axles. good luck . let us know how it comes out. i have a 90 xlt lariat that i might convert if it is not too bad.

 

and in this forum "offroadability" is a word. i dont care what webster says!!!

 

do a search. lots of info available.
It is worth the effort, and if you or friends are mechanically inclined, it is not hard.
Stay with the ttb for a bolt in swap. Get a donor truck, do the swap , sell off the excess parts and you will be way ahead.
I di mine three years ago and made a profit!! and have a good running truck with 4x4.

 

find yourself a 78 f-150 4x4 if you do plan on changing to 4 wheel drive, as that is the first year Ford went to the radius arm/coil spring front suspension set-up...you may hafta move your holes for your bolts on the radius arm bracket on the frame...i'm considering going to a straight-axle front end on my 84 F-150 4x4, as i'm having problems with the radius arm bracket on the driver side working loose, anyway...good time to change, i suppose....if i decide to keep the truck...i may just build one to suit my needs and preferences...i like the 80-86 body style, but like the solidity of the straight axle front ends...but truth be known, i'd much rather have a 3/4 ton than a 1/2 ton....they sit higher (tall is good), they haul bigger loads (always a plus), and i just like them better...lol...

MontanaFord

84 f-150 4x4 300-6 4 spd 3:55 gears...very very tired 300...

 

I have a 85 Flareside 4spd that I was thinking about converting to 4x4. I am not mechanically inclined and have a good shop that has been working on the truck since 2006. What should I budget for this conversion? How much labor and parts? Any guess?

 

Your best guess is an estimate from your shop.

 

My guess is you'll be able to buy a nearly new 4x4 for the money you have to pay a shop to convert yours.

 

Agreed. You'll pay the cost of another truck in labor fees alone. The only way doing the conversion makes any sense is if you do all the work yourself. Which, by the way, I highly recommend. Converting my '92 to 4wd cost about $1000 in parts and about two weekends worth of time.

 

When he says "...........I was thinking about converting to 4x4. I am not mechanically inclined.............." I was thinking he might need 52 weekends.... As one who has done the job, would you recommend it to the novice or non-mechanically inclined?

As for your $1000 and a couple of weekends, that's a pretty good turn around. Maybe you could work a deal with dcmay3 and pick up a few bucks on the side.....

 

In short, no. If you have all the correct factory parts its 100% bolt-in operation, but you have to be comfortable doing things like pulling and reinstalling transmissions and axles and important things like that.

And when I said it took me two weekends, that was actual wrench time. I spent the better part of the prior six months sniffing out deals on all the pieces and parts to do the deed. YMMV