4x4 conversion.
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Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: Guelph Canada
4x4 conversion.
i was reading the article in the tech articles section about doing a 2x4 to 4x4 conversion.
I've been thinking about doing this to my 96 150 short box with 300 and 5spd.
I'd like sugestions or input on this topic..... How many people here have done it?? Is it a good conversion? Will it work as well as stock 4x4?
I believe my rear axel ratio is 2.73??? Darn high anyway.
Can a front axel be had with this ratio?? Or will I have to swap the rear axle or gears too?
It would be good to keep the "highway gears" as I could use 4low when I needed it. Ie pulling loads off road on the farm etc.
Will all parts basically bolt on? ie. transfer case, front axle etc? Will any front axle with the correct ratio work from any 87-96 Ford? What about transfer case??
Thanks for your input.
I've been thinking about doing this to my 96 150 short box with 300 and 5spd.
I'd like sugestions or input on this topic..... How many people here have done it?? Is it a good conversion? Will it work as well as stock 4x4?
I believe my rear axel ratio is 2.73??? Darn high anyway.
Can a front axel be had with this ratio?? Or will I have to swap the rear axle or gears too?
It would be good to keep the "highway gears" as I could use 4low when I needed it. Ie pulling loads off road on the farm etc.
Will all parts basically bolt on? ie. transfer case, front axle etc? Will any front axle with the correct ratio work from any 87-96 Ford? What about transfer case??
Thanks for your input.
Hotshot
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 11,958
Likes: 228
4x4 conversion.
I know someone that has done this and plan on doing it myself sometime in the future. If you had a donor truck the conversion wouldn't be that difficult. Unless you know alot about the donor truck, I would get new hubs. I would get the rear end out of it so you front and rear gears match. Everything should bolt right up. You'll need the transfer case and maybe even the transmission out of the donor truck. I can't remember ifyou need the trans or not. I would double check that. If you could get a friend to help it shouldn't be too hard at all. I would definitely get rid of those high gears. I wouldn't go any worse than 3.08's. I have 3.55's right now. I had 4.10's in my old truck. That really has never changed fuel mileage at all for me. Whether it be 3.08, 3.55, 4.10... my 300 and 302 always got about 15 mpg. I changed gears alot in both my trucks. I hope this helps a little or at least gives you an idea.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 1,229
Likes: 3
4x4 conversion.
Any 80-96 F150/Bronco can be used for the donor. You will have to change the output shaft/housing on your trans or get a 4x4 version. All parts bolt on except the rear spring hangers. 2wd have 2 1/2 inch springs 4wd have 3 inch springs. You don't have to change springs though.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 14,947
Likes: 6
From: Topsfield, MA
4x4 conversion.
I believe 2.73 was exclusive to 2wd trucks, but I could be wrong. You need the gears to match, and you mind as well go up to a lower gear. 3.55s are the average for 4wd pick-ups. The job is pretty much bolt in, I almost did it to a 95 F-150 I had before this truck. Get a borg warner 13-56s transfer case, and bolt that to your tranny. However, in order for that to bolt up to the tranny, you'll need to change the tailshaft on the tranny, to a 4wd version. Then, you need to move the tranny crossmember back and under the transfer case. You can do the job in steps, put the tranny and T/C in, drive it. Take out the I-beam front suspension and put in the TTB, drive it around. Then when everything is set, just hook up the driveshaft and get everything ready to go. You can even get the 4wd light on the dashboard to turn on, the wiring is there. The hole in the floor is already there for the 4wd shifter, they just silicone a piece of sheetmetal in on a 2wd.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...927#post615927
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...927#post615927
