79 Posi

If you do a 4x4, take the time to get the wheelbase correct. I am not sure if there is an easy swap. I have seen a few around here with the wheels not properly placed in the fenders. It looks bad.

BTW, the Northwoods is in fact in Northern Minnesota. Accept no Eastern Imitations.

 

Not that I've ever done anything like this... but keep in mind that a 4wd addition will require making sure both axles are geared the same ratio, changing driveshaft lengths, altering the steering, brakes, etc...

Actually, you got me wondering how hard it would be to adapt an AWD setup from an Explorer or Expedition -- now that sounds cool!

 

As I mentioned before, I would like to keep it looking as original as possible. The 4x4 pictured in the link above is much higher and much more monster truck looking than I want to be. I want a normal looking pickup, ie wheels/tires fit in fenders and don't need a step ladder to get in. All your advice is appreciated.

 

79, look at this truck from the FTE pictorial page.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/pictoria...6_f100_12.html
And remember, you can do what you want, it is your truck. And guys here will give you advice.

 

79 Posi

I believe you are going to sit fairly high no matter what you do. My truck is dropped pretty low and it still has significant body height in the rear. I'll have to meditate on that some to figure out what all causes this. Most of the 4x4 fatties look sky high. Not sure to what extent you could avoid this.

Sorry about jumping on you. I just get real protective of RMF sometimes. (You'll have to read more threads here to fully appreciate how ludicrous that statement was)

 

Relax man... you are in the right place. If you need help with anything you'll get a good answer here. I haven't an opinion on your dream ... but I sure do respect it. Some of us revere the fact that we have "old tin"... some of us look at the practical aspect, turning coin when we tire of our dreams... a few endlessly pursue the ideal front suspension... many will offer tech info not available anywhere else on the planet. Your dream is as important as ours. I, for one, look forward to posts about your project. Silly as we may be from time to time, you will not find any more viable information than what you get here about your truck. best. himmelberg

 

The only thing I can say is I wish I found this site sooner.

Abe - That is more the look I have in my mind. It appears there is some lift there as well, but as fatfenders said, sky high may be tough to avoid.

On a different note, in order to get this project moving I would gladly accept cash if you are unable to provide any advice.

 

Being a former Minnesotan, I'm really torn on this one. From a pure aesthetics standpoint (disclaimer: this entirely an opinion) I think the '57-60's make a much cooler lookin' 4x4, while the 53-56's just beg for the 50's kustom kruiser treatment. Either way I hate to see this old tin thrashed.
While most people think of Marmon-Herrington when they mention 4x4 conversions, NAPCO in Minneapolis was a pioneer in the 4x4 conversion business. Mostly known for their GM conversions, they also built Studebakers and Fords, and I've seen them in Minnesota. I even know where there's a '57 F250 Napco here in TX.
The 4x4 Forum on this site would probably be the best place to ask technical questions for parts scrounging. The key to your ideal front axle is one that will accept a steering arm to connect to your existing drag link off the '56 steering box. The pre-67 axles had this, but were drum brake/closed knuckle. In a perfect world it would be a dana 44 open knuckle disk brake axle in the right width with 5x5-1/2" bolt pattern. I think Jeep CJ's and early Bronco's would be too narrow, and 78-79 F100/ Bronco's would probably be too wide. Don't know what the width is on a 70's Power Wagon or a Scout II. If you can find a housing in the right width you can often swap parts from the knuckle out to get the right bolt pattern. As far as transfer cases go, the Dana 20(24) were good iron case transfer cases. The New Process 205 is even stronger. And there is nothing wrong with your Dana 44 rear axle.
Bottom line; your truck, your decision.
Adios,
Brett

 

I am also looking at building a 4x4. I have a 78 f150 shortbox frame with a 460 and c6 I know i will have to change wheelbase . Still looking for a 53 to 56 body. Looking forward to learning more from other posters.

 

AL_R
Here's another possibility if you're squeamish of frame hackin'. Your 78 shortbed has a wheelbase of 117". The '53-60 LONG wheelbase trucks have a wheelbase of 118".
Either way, beware that an oddity of the 53-60 trucks is that the front axle is 'pushed back' 4". If you drop the '56 cab on the '78 frame and center the wheels in the wheelwell, the engine may have to be 'pushed forward' to clear the firewall.
Don't know for sure. Let us know what you find.
Adios,
Brett