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Feb 28, 2012 | 05:48 PM

highntight

Thread Starter

Elder User

Joined: Feb 2012

Posts: 916

Likes: 3

help help help

Long time listener, first time caller.

Ok. Gonna buy a 72 crew cab long bed today super excited...
My question is an easy question for all you Ford gewrews on here.

How easy is it to convert this pickup form 2 wheel drive to 4 wheel drive.... Is it as simple as finding a 4x4 frame and using the spring perches ect.... And weldind/riviting them onto the existing 2 wheel frame.... Or are they different to the point it can't be done. Tell me what you know boys, IDE sure appreciate it.

Got a 78 HP 60 for the front.... Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thank u ....

Feb 28, 2012 | 08:23 PM

HIO Silver

Fleet Owner

Joined: Dec 2009

Posts: 20,678

Likes: 82

From: NorCal

Doable.

How easy? How much time & effort do you want to put into it? I hope you can weld... The 2WD crossmember under the engine is going to be a significant issue.

In principle, it is the same as described in this article: 1979 Ford F-150 4x4 & Off Road Project Truck - 4Wheel & Off-Road

Parts:
T-case & levers
Crossmember(s)
Two driveshafts
Front axle
Re-route the exhaust
Modify brake lines
Figure out a steering system

IMO, you're probably better off swapping to a 4x4 frame.

Feb 29, 2012 | 04:16 AM

jowilker

Fleet Owner

Joined: Jun 1999

Posts: 24,552

Likes: 74

From: Creedmoor, North Carolina

My view, you are talking about the bidness side of the truck where the rubber meets the road. I have done some work below the chassis with I-beam swaps, but they were bolt hole exchange. I have done bolt hole swaps with sheet metal.

It is too easy to swap sheet metal, to be considering converting a 2wd to 4wd.

If ya gotta do it yourself have at it, I would only put what is seen on another chassis that is not seen. Save the blood letting.

John

Feb 29, 2012 | 09:27 AM

mjshagnasty

Senior User

Joined: Jun 2010

Posts: 347

Likes: 0

From: Kempner/Waco, TX

heres something for a 77 same basic principle.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...s-build-2.html
and here is Chasetrucks front hangar
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/7...ew-cab-24.html
be happy i put you on the right page lol. His work is some of the best i have ever seen. He over engineers it but you damn sure know it wont break.

Feb 29, 2012 | 09:28 AM

highntight

Thread Starter

Elder User

Joined: Feb 2012

Posts: 916

Likes: 3

The welding, metal work, strengthing up the frame, crossmember ect... Is not a problem at all. And I have all the time in the world. I was more leaning twards the steps that needed to be taken to convert??? The reason that I ask is talking around I was told it was as easy as take them off a 4 wheel drive truck and riviting/welding them on the 2 wheel drive frame. And building a new cross member???? Say for a cummins. I have all the tools and experience needed to do any of the work. I was just hoping to talk to people with some knowledge on these older fords.... I just finished a 4bt Toyota swap. Witch turned out fantastic. And its time for the next project.... Thank you for the info so far. And thanks for tha link. I'm headed there now. Any more info would be appreciated.....

Feb 29, 2012 | 11:03 AM

highntight

Thread Starter

Elder User

Joined: Feb 2012

Posts: 916

Likes: 3

Thank u mishagnasty. That's exactly what I was looking for. And thanks for everyone else's help as well. That's should get me goin. I'm not positive if I can post pics off my phone but ill throw one up for anyone who's interested..... Thanks boys....