2x4 to 4x4 conversion
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: Indiana
2x4 to 4x4 conversion
I have absolutely no idea on what i need. could one of yall give me a complete listing of what i need i have a 300 six 4 speed granny low and its a 81 f150. And tell me what years will work if u could Thank you
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2002
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From: Memphis, TN
2x4 to 4x4 conversion
You either need the 4WD parts for your transmission or you need a 4WD transmission.
Then you need any '80-96 transfer case and whatever shift linkage fits the one you get, and the floorpan adapter &/or shifter boot if it's manually-shifted.
Lastly, you need a front axle of some sort. If you want a bolt-in, get an '80-96 Dana 44 IFS and the driveshaft that fits with your transmission. You'll probably end up getting one cut to length anyway, which is no big deal, because you'll have to replace your rear shaft, too.
Then you need any '80-96 transfer case and whatever shift linkage fits the one you get, and the floorpan adapter &/or shifter boot if it's manually-shifted.
Lastly, you need a front axle of some sort. If you want a bolt-in, get an '80-96 Dana 44 IFS and the driveshaft that fits with your transmission. You'll probably end up getting one cut to length anyway, which is no big deal, because you'll have to replace your rear shaft, too.
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From: Southwestern Michigan
2x4 to 4x4 conversion
Originally posted by kcw12
A friend of mine has a rolled f150 4x4 i think its a 87. would i be best to buy that as a donor truck
A friend of mine has a rolled f150 4x4 i think its a 87. would i be best to buy that as a donor truck
Yes by all means buy a donor vehicle before doin a swap like this.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,987
Likes: 7
From: Memphis, TN
2x4 to 4x4 conversion
I agree with tr - that would be the best thing since you'll have a complete setup to swap in. The only problem you'll run into is cutting the hole for the shifter and making the boot bezel fit the floor, and that shouldn't take too much effort.
You should still plan on getting the driveshafts cut & balanced, so start looking for a shop that will do it. If they spin-balance the shaft at 4000-7000 RPM, the job is worth $50-100 per shaft. If not, it's only worth $30-70 per shaft. You might get lucky and not need it, but find someone to do it just in case.
You should still plan on getting the driveshafts cut & balanced, so start looking for a shop that will do it. If they spin-balance the shaft at 4000-7000 RPM, the job is worth $50-100 per shaft. If not, it's only worth $30-70 per shaft. You might get lucky and not need it, but find someone to do it just in case.
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Senior User
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From: Indiana
2x4 to 4x4 conversion
Ill give u a run down of my truck. The motor well lets put it this way nothign is orginal on it. THe tranny well someone swapped the 3 speed for a granny low 4. and its got a 9 inch rear end There is one big hole in the floor where the was. And also how long do u think it would take to do the job and total cost. i should be able to find a truck for about 250 bucks.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,987
Likes: 7
From: Memphis, TN
2x4 to 4x4 conversion
Originally posted by kcw12
how long do u think it would take to do the job and total cost.
how long do u think it would take to do the job and total cost.
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From: Indiana
2x4 to 4x4 conversion
I have pulled a motor and tranny took me about 4 hours to get it out. I have some decent tools (good set of craftsman) and if i dont have it i can borrow it(buddy owns garage).
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From: Corvallis oregon
2x4 to 4x4 conversion
I have done a 2X4 to 4X4 swap it is one of those things that if you have to ask you may never know.
But let me know if you can ask a direct question or two.
The first thing you need to do is remove al of the rivets that hold the suspension to the fame. They arn't easy if you don't have the proper equipment. Take out one and let us know how it goes. After you take it out replace it with a grade 8 bolt and ask yourself if you feel like going on. It is a lot easier just to buy a 4X4
But let me know if you can ask a direct question or two.
The first thing you need to do is remove al of the rivets that hold the suspension to the fame. They arn't easy if you don't have the proper equipment. Take out one and let us know how it goes. After you take it out replace it with a grade 8 bolt and ask yourself if you feel like going on. It is a lot easier just to buy a 4X4
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Senior User
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From: Indiana
2x4 to 4x4 conversion
HRmm i looked into it and it is alot of work... I think i may just get me a 4x4 or a Torino or something liek that..(i like fast stuff and stuff that can go places like the woods)
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2x4 to 4x4 conversion
Check the search feature out. There are several posts regarding this.
The 80 -96 swap is a bolt in swap. No rivets to remove. everything unbolts and rebolts back in.
I did an 88 using an 85 donor. if you can get the 87 , do it.
It took me about 12 hours on an unpaved driveway , by myself , including time to pressure wash everything clean and to paint parts.
The only things you will need to buy if your donor vehicle is complete are fluids and any gaskets that you need if you seperate the tranny and transfer case. ( doing this makes it easier in long run since you don't have to fight the offset weight of the transfer case, and are working lighter peices at a time).
You also should do a complete clutch job while it is out or freshen up auto tranny if thats what you use. Cheaper now than later.
I have been using my swap for three years , including deep snows this year and it is great.
As for cost, after buying parts mentioned above, and selling off old tranny , driveshaft and remaining donor truck parts, it cost me about 300 bucks!!!!!! not to bad for a rust free, 4x4!!
The 80 -96 swap is a bolt in swap. No rivets to remove. everything unbolts and rebolts back in.
I did an 88 using an 85 donor. if you can get the 87 , do it.
It took me about 12 hours on an unpaved driveway , by myself , including time to pressure wash everything clean and to paint parts.
The only things you will need to buy if your donor vehicle is complete are fluids and any gaskets that you need if you seperate the tranny and transfer case. ( doing this makes it easier in long run since you don't have to fight the offset weight of the transfer case, and are working lighter peices at a time).
You also should do a complete clutch job while it is out or freshen up auto tranny if thats what you use. Cheaper now than later.
I have been using my swap for three years , including deep snows this year and it is great.
As for cost, after buying parts mentioned above, and selling off old tranny , driveshaft and remaining donor truck parts, it cost me about 300 bucks!!!!!! not to bad for a rust free, 4x4!!
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2000
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Likes: 1
2x4 to 4x4 conversion
No air tools, only hand tools. The only thing you need to be sure of is to have both metric and regular wrenches and/or sockets since Ford likes to use both.
You will also need a floor jack and jackstands or something similar(think safety). A transmission jack helps eliminate the need to seperate the transmission case from tranny since it straps everything in place for removal. you can rent these.
By the way, a big Bronco can be used , but you will need to have a rear driveshaft done or get one froma junkyard. Also be sure to match front and rear axle ratios.
One thing to be aware of on the rear of the truck is that 4x2's have 2 1/2 " wide springs while the 4x4 has 3" widw. I did not swap mine because you have to remove and swap the hangers as well. It is a matter of choice if you want to do this, but it is not really necessary.
Good luck and have fun. The swap is not difficult.
You will also need a floor jack and jackstands or something similar(think safety). A transmission jack helps eliminate the need to seperate the transmission case from tranny since it straps everything in place for removal. you can rent these.
By the way, a big Bronco can be used , but you will need to have a rear driveshaft done or get one froma junkyard. Also be sure to match front and rear axle ratios.
One thing to be aware of on the rear of the truck is that 4x2's have 2 1/2 " wide springs while the 4x4 has 3" widw. I did not swap mine because you have to remove and swap the hangers as well. It is a matter of choice if you want to do this, but it is not really necessary.
Good luck and have fun. The swap is not difficult.