Hello,

I have a 1977 Custom Cab 2wd F100 that I am interested in converting to a fwd, it has a short wheel base, daul tanks, 302, c4 trans, power steering.

Is this possible, and if so what is involved?

Thanks
Ron

Also, if this is possible could someone direct me to a shop in Sacramento or Stockton that can do the work?

 

Yes it is possable. You could use a Old tornado or Caddiliac FWD if you want big V8 power. Or you could use the later northstar V8 assembly. To me those would be the closest to being worth it from a durability point of veiw. I think also in the late 70's there were a few GM cars with a 400ci motor and fwd. They may also be a good canidate.

My question is why fwd? You could build a modern 4.6 on a CV crossmember. Add in a mustang 3 or 4 link, T45 5 speed, and you would have a serious street truck. With the modern power.

Plus with it being more conventional from a street rod sense likely alot cheaper. I am doing my CV swap this weekend, and I will have about $700 in just the cv swap. Which is a good deal considering I am notching the frame unlike any other swap I have seen so far.

 

interesting...i also have to ask why front wheel drive.....did you mean 4wd?

 

Oh I am sure you meant (2wd) 2 wheel drive to (4wd) 4 wheel drive right? I hear it can be done, but its almost easier and cheaper in the long run to go buy one already 4wd.

But in California I am sure you can get about anything done for $$$$$.

 

Yes 4wd, not front wheel drive. I kinda hate to buy a different truck, I am second owner and the truck has 63000 original miles on it.

Love the body style, motor, trans, and posi rear end, seems a shame to not put it to use.
Thanks

 

if you have a doner 4x4 (and it can be done legally where you live) it is quite easy to swap a body onto another (73-79) ford frame.

1978 Ford F100 cummins conversion - Dodge Cummins Diesel Forum

shows a guy switching to 4x4 while also converting to a b5.9 cummins engine

 

Cool looks great but I don"t have a shop or the tools.

I was thinking more along the lines of what does anyone feel the cost would be because I would have to have a shop do it. 4, 5, 6,or ? thousand dollars. Are there kits that could be purchased so something like that could be bolted together?

Thanks

 

this could b a very expensive swap if a shop does it for u.i do them and its 3500 just for laobor.its not a bad job to do i did my first one 2yrs ago in my back yard it took a weekend all it takes is a good set of drill bits a tape measure n a welder and a donor trk for the parts heres a pic of mine after the swap now its in my shop

 

Where is you shop? I figured I was looking at 5 or 6 k by the time I found the parts.
I was looking for a stock look, nothing radical if that makes a difference?

 

live in virginia.my shop is in thornburg.if ur goin stock u wont spend that kind of money if u can get a dodnor trk its not gonna matter weither its a long bed or short if u do the swap leave the 2wd spring buckets they are shorter than the 4wd ones by 2.5 in

 

Ok, been looking for a donor truck and they are hard to find. Can anyone give me a run down on what parts I would need to do this conversion?

I'm thinking that I might have to do the wrecking yard thing and piece it together.

Thanks in advance

 

ok this is goin to b a long list ur goin to need the steering colum,shaft,box,all steering bars,track bar & bracket,radius arm brackets,shock mounts,rear springs & hangers,both rears,trans & transfer case,a grinder w some good blades,some good drill bits,alot of measurements,u need to measure every bolt hole for every bolt u pull out of the 4wd frame thats why its important to have ur donor trk ryt there

 

Its a hard swap to do and keep it at stock height. The 2wd crossmember hangs low and will hit the diff. shookdaddy is right about the 2wd spring pots sitting lower, but i'm not sure that will be enough. by the time you find all the required parts, and if you are not going to do the work yourself, it would be cheaper to find a doner truck with a rotton body, then just switch you body/engine. I just converted my 77 crew cab F250 2wd to 4wd, but its a leaf spring setup... a little different than what your looking to get into.
heres my build.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ins-build.html

 

I have a couple of questions:

1) What is your purpose for 4WD? Are you planning to off-road? I have a 2WD and the only time I wish I had 4WD are about 2-3 days out of the year when we get a lot of snow. I find that a lot of guys "want" 4WD with no real purpose for it other than the idea that they could theoretically go anywhere.

2) If you are going to off-road or mud, wouldnt you rather pay $1000 - $1500 for a decent beater 4X4 and keep your 2WD intact since it is in good enough shape to want to keep it in the first place. Spend less money, have 2 trucks.

Please understand that Im not saying dont do it or even that your shouldnt do it. Im just trying to understand the motivation. If you truly plan to do serious off roading, then I would rather have a truck thats already a little beat up. Its harder on a truck than many people realize. If you are talking about street driving, Id stick with 2wd.

 

i can agree w what u are sayn thunderbird the only reason i built mine was i couldnt find a donor that was worth a s#$t n also had people tell me i couldnt do it so i did it to prove people wrong but it all in what someone wants lol