2x4 to 4X4 conversion
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Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,984
Likes: 2,738
From: Virginia
Dude, do you know how far ahead of the game you would be to get a truck with a lift already on it? Add up the costs of buying everything separately, and throw in $500-$600 for a lift. I bet it already has some wheels and large tires on it also if they are any good.
In one of the previous posts the srod 4 speed overdrive tranny was mentioned. I would not waste my time putting this tranny in, it's weak and known for problems.
What gear ratio do you have? It could be any of these if your rearend was original. Since you said it's a 8.8, I doubt it's the original rearend.
4-1/2" BC (10" brakes), 2.47 ratio
4-1/2" BC (10" brakes), 2.50 ratio
4-1/2" BC (10" brakes), 2.75 ratio
4-1/2" BC (10" brakes), 3.00 ratio
4-1/2" BC (10" brakes), 3.25 ratio
5-1/2" BC (11" brakes), 2.47 ratio
5-1/2" BC (11" brakes), 2.75 ratio
5-1/2" BC (11" brakes), 3.00 ratio
5-1/2" BC (11" brakes), 3.25 ratio
If we take a guess that it's a 8.8 out of a 1985 f150, it could be any of these.
non-removable carrier (8.8" RG), 2.47 ratio
non-removable carrier (8.8" RG), 2.73 ratio
non-removable carrier (8.8" RG), 3.08 ratio
non-removable carrier (8.8" RG), 3.55 ratio
non-removable carrier (8.8" RG), 4.10 ratio
In one of the previous posts the srod 4 speed overdrive tranny was mentioned. I would not waste my time putting this tranny in, it's weak and known for problems.
What gear ratio do you have? It could be any of these if your rearend was original. Since you said it's a 8.8, I doubt it's the original rearend.
4-1/2" BC (10" brakes), 2.47 ratio
4-1/2" BC (10" brakes), 2.50 ratio
4-1/2" BC (10" brakes), 2.75 ratio
4-1/2" BC (10" brakes), 3.00 ratio
4-1/2" BC (10" brakes), 3.25 ratio
5-1/2" BC (11" brakes), 2.47 ratio
5-1/2" BC (11" brakes), 2.75 ratio
5-1/2" BC (11" brakes), 3.00 ratio
5-1/2" BC (11" brakes), 3.25 ratio
If we take a guess that it's a 8.8 out of a 1985 f150, it could be any of these.
non-removable carrier (8.8" RG), 2.47 ratio
non-removable carrier (8.8" RG), 2.73 ratio
non-removable carrier (8.8" RG), 3.08 ratio
non-removable carrier (8.8" RG), 3.55 ratio
non-removable carrier (8.8" RG), 4.10 ratio
Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
forddad im only converting to 4x4 with a mild lift so i can enjoy the occasional mud pit. and so i have better traction in snow and franklin. if i do put the SROD in it would be due to the simplicity of it compared to a 5spd. because my system is non hydraulic and i dont feel like converting it
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New User
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 7
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From: Redmond, OR
Personally I would go with a automatic, find a good C6 with a married transfer case. If your going to lift it then find a F250 so you can convert to leaf on the front and get rid of that 8.8 in the back, or better yet get a F350 and have a solid axle in front but each step cost a little more. Your most cost efective is the F250. When you find your parts truck get one that has as many of the parts you need, it makes it a hole lot easer. Did you say you was going to use a 300 6 for you motor? Good choice, I had a 86 F250 4X4 with a 4 speed, lots of tork and good gas mileage. If you want a manual trany than I would go with the 4 speed. Ford had prodlems with the 5 speeds and didn't get them right till about 95 or 96 I think.
Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
Personally I would go with a automatic, find a good C6 with a married transfer case. If your going to lift it then find a F250 so you can convert to leaf on the front and get rid of that 8.8 in the back, or better yet get a F350 and have a solid axle in front but each step cost a little more. Your most cost efective is the F250. When you find your parts truck get one that has as many of the parts you need, it makes it a hole lot easer. Did you say you was going to use a 300 6 for you motor? Good choice, I had a 86 F250 4X4 with a 4 speed, lots of tork and good gas mileage. If you want a manual trany than I would go with the 4 speed. Ford had prodlems with the 5 speeds and didn't get them right till about 95 or 96 I think.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,509
Likes: 1
From: Wagener, SC
well im going to stick with a manual trans. and i think im just gonna use an f150 because i dont want to change anything major. except adding 4x4 and the lift. and an update on the donor truck. i went to look at it and everything seems good. so i may get it. and if i do im taking the whole truck including the 9" rearend too
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 4,990
Likes: 6
From: Florida
Not true, the 8.8 wasn't introduced in trucks until 1983-1984. The F100 ended in 1983, so the 9" is actually the most common rear end in the F100's. My truck has a 9" from factory, and it rolled off the assembly line as an F100.
New User
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Redmond, OR
Ya the 9 inch is the original ford 1/2 ton rear end and a much better one then the 8.8. Ford has always been really good about, that if it's not broke don't fix it, but they mist the boat on the 8.8, they would have been better off to stay with the 9 inch. But to tell you the truth, I'm not wanting to rain on you parade, haveing built several high riders and infact I'm in the middle of a major restoration and high ride build right now. If you want a everyday driver with a slite lift. You will be $$$$$$$$ ahead to sell or trade the 2X4 and buy a 4X4 ready to go.