18" of snow have reminded me that I want a 4X4. I currently have...

302 block ready to build
T18 2WD tranny
1960 F-100 in pieces

I put the build off because I intended on some crazy suspension upgrades.

I'm OK on 2WD knowledge but am 4X4 ignorant. What are the options to make 4X4 from these pieces? Can I swap in a Dana 44 in place of the solid front axle? Is there a transfer case option that would work well with the T18?

I'm almost embarrassed to ask - I know a lot of times converting to 4WD is not the best option. But looking at the leaf spring suspension and setup it looks possible...

thanks in advance for input!

 

Simplest option if you have the 118 wheelbase is to get the front axle and transfer case from a 59 or 60 F100 4x4. The mounts for the transfer case are simple, and if you have a short tail housing on the T18 you can use the stock location. Front axle can be fitted to existing front springs, but you may need blocks in the back to level things out. The transfer case and front axle were pretty much the same through the 60s except for mounts and spring widths. Just use a divorce mount transfer case and you can stay with the T18 with a short tail housing.

If you have the 110 wheelbase you will have a short rear drive shaft, so you might have to play around with driveline angles to keep things from vibrating.

 

I don't know the awnsers to your questions but here is a pretty rad 1958 f350 i like that has 4wd.

 

Check out this post, it's the best 4X4 conversion I've seen. The member has a Bonus Built, '48-52 truck but the basic idea should relate to your truck.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/7...d-f-1-4x4.html

 

One other thing to remember it the R&P on the axles... If your going to buy a front axle, I would by the rear too... So the R&P match... with a T case you may have to change the angle on the axles perches... I would have new springs made to the height you want it to be and stay away from blocks if you can...

 

Right on the axles Moe. The 59 / 60 F100 4x4 used a 3.89 rear / 3.92 front, so there is a chance he might be OK, but with a T18 he might want to change ratios anyway if he wants to do much freeway driving. And the factory stock 59 / 60 4x4s used blocks on the rear axle to level things out.

 

That's a lot of very good info! Thanks to everyone.

Slight change in plans - did some research this afternoon, and it turns out that a guy sold me a NP435 instead of a T18. As far as I can tell, this is good, right? I'll go look tomorrow, but I saw a pic and it looks just like what I've got - and I guess the T18 never came with a cast aluminum top cover.

If I remember right, weren't axle lengths the same from pre-60 on up to 72? I agree about the axles - I'd like to find a parts truck (59/60 would be AWESOME!), rob front and rear axles and transfer case, and try to make my money back on the rest of the truck. Can I remove the tailhousing and bolt up a t-case or is it more involved? I wouldn't mind rebuilding the unit if necessary.

By the way, I want to make a good, functional, reliable truck for as little $$ as I can. Not a rock crawler or a mudding truck. Would love if I could pick up disc brakes at the same time...

That said - anyone have any specific donors in mind besides the 59/60? That would be fantastic but I have never laid eyes on one...I'm not thinking I'll find a good donor from that year. Also what transfer case is a good fit? I am thinking R&P about 3.55 or numerically lower.

 

Depending on you trans/t-case and size of tires and how you want to set up the power range...

 

Nothing is sure yet. Currently I have 30" tires, and everything else is up in the air. Basically I'd like to be around 2500 RPM's or less at 70 MPH. Would love a 2 speed t-case but I'm not gonna be that picky.

What t-case will bolt to a 2WD NP435? Or is the divorced NP205 the way to go?

I'm very ignorant here in the 4X4 stuff, the info is much appreciated!

 

Some 205 transfers were bolted to 435s, but it requires an adapter and different mainshaft, You can bolt a Early Bronco model 20 transfer to the 2WD transmission with an adapter from Novak or Advanced adapter, $ 6-700 dollar range. Disc brakes can be added to the earlier front axles using backing plates and calipers from a mid 70-80s chevy 4X4 and rotors from a mid 70s Jeep CJ. If you have specific questions about some of these mods, PM me. I used to play with the 4X4s quite a bit.

 

Heres my 2 cents. You are evidently putting in a 302, so I would find a 4wd ZF5 transmission with its transfercase from the late 80's to 90's. This will give you an overdrive. If you want disc brakes on the front look for a late 70's F250 and rob the front and rear axles. The other option is finding an F250 with a dana 44 front (with discs) and you should be able to convert it to 5 lug and than use the 9 inch from any 70's vintage F150. Then sell the 435, someone will want it.

Paul

 

59jeepstang - I like your idea. I'll keep my eyes open for that! Thanks to all - I'll accumulate parts and prob do this build in spring/summer. Thanks again!

 

Just remember the track width is about 4'' wider on the 73 and up Fords, if you want to keep the tires under the fenders, you might need custom offset wheels.