more 4x4 conversion ???? again
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Senior User
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more 4x4 conversion ???? again
I know alot of members say just buy a 4x4 and be done with it, I Have a few 4x4s already but I am pondering the idea of making my '77 4x2 f150 supercab shortbed into a 4x4. I like the look of the lifted supercab shortbeds, I know the front cross member is one of the biggest problems. My question is, my plan is to run atleast 35" tires, so that means a lift is needed (maybe 4-6"), would I be able to do a leaf sprung front axle and let the crossmember alone or? If anyone has done this, any help is appreciated. I searched the sigh, but wanna know bout the lifted leaf swap? I have a majority of the parts I need and can have extras fabricated.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: Middle TN
In the gallery pictures, there is a 68 or 69 F350 2x4 dually flatbed converted to 4x4 that I believe has an uncut front cross member. They accomplished this by what looks like a huge lift.
I have also seen one done with a large notch cut out and reinforced for the diff center section to have enough clearance at full front suspension compression. I think notching is a better option.
I have also seen one done with a large notch cut out and reinforced for the diff center section to have enough clearance at full front suspension compression. I think notching is a better option.
Junior User
Joined: Apr 2009
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From: Chesapeake, VA
I dont remember for sure how much lift but 6" rings a bell as far as clearing the crossmember. 4wheel offroad mag did an article converting a truck using a right hand drop axle and showed the way they notched the crossmember. I've been eyeballing this before and have decided that when/if I do this conversion I will probably cut the stock crossmember to make a tube style crossmember in its place.
If you look back through for posts by 75F350, there's a good bit of information about the swap.
If you look back through for posts by 75F350, there's a good bit of information about the swap.
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2007
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From: Costa Mesa, CA
There's some good pic in here on how 1 guy did it.
1978 Ford F100 cummins conversion - Dodge Cummins Diesel Forum
Now if I were to do a 2wd to 4wd conversion I'd do a radius arm and coil over setup.
1978 Ford F100 cummins conversion - Dodge Cummins Diesel Forum
Now if I were to do a 2wd to 4wd conversion I'd do a radius arm and coil over setup.
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There's some good pic in here on how 1 guy did it.
1978 Ford F100 cummins conversion - Dodge Cummins Diesel Forum
Now if I were to do a 2wd to 4wd conversion I'd do a radius arm and coil over setup.
1978 Ford F100 cummins conversion - Dodge Cummins Diesel Forum
Now if I were to do a 2wd to 4wd conversion I'd do a radius arm and coil over setup.
That has some pretty good info, it may just be worth it in the long run to cut a 4x4 cross member out of a donor like he did rather than keeping the 4x2 cross member! Thats why research and questions before hand make life alot easier.
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