Tech help? (4WD conversion questions)
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New User
Joined: May 2012
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So what did you use to convert your f150? And what's going to be the better, cheapest, and easiest option to go with?
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 8,521
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From: Lost
Best, cheapest, and easiest depends soley on what you can find in the way of donor stuff, and what your end goal is. Want an auto trans, find one with TC from whatever you can. Same goes for manual trans. Want an OD trans, now is the time to do it.
My end goal with the F150, is a 5 speed 4wd with 3.50 axles, so I can retain the 9". I personally dislike the 8.8, and will not downgrade (opinion) to one.
I'd prefer a ZF 5 speed, but the M5OD would suffice for my needs. This means I would need to source at least 2 different donors, as a 5 speed trans was never an option during the time a 9" rear axle was.
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New User
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I didn't do it. Might at some point in the future. I put off the project, in order to tackle reviving dad's 74 F100 which is now back to roadworthy status.
Best, cheapest, and easiest depends soley on what you can find in the way of donor stuff, and what your end goal is. Want an auto trans, find one with TC from whatever you can. Same goes for manual trans. Want an OD trans, now is the time to do it.
My end goal with the F150, is a 5 speed 4wd with 3.50 axles, so I can retain the 9". I personally dislike the 8.8, and will not downgrade (opinion) to one.
I'd prefer a ZF 5 speed, but the M5OD would suffice for my needs. This means I would need to source at least 2 different donors, as a 5 speed trans was never an option during the time a 9" rear axle was.
Best, cheapest, and easiest depends soley on what you can find in the way of donor stuff, and what your end goal is. Want an auto trans, find one with TC from whatever you can. Same goes for manual trans. Want an OD trans, now is the time to do it.
My end goal with the F150, is a 5 speed 4wd with 3.50 axles, so I can retain the 9". I personally dislike the 8.8, and will not downgrade (opinion) to one.
I'd prefer a ZF 5 speed, but the M5OD would suffice for my needs. This means I would need to source at least 2 different donors, as a 5 speed trans was never an option during the time a 9" rear axle was.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 4,990
Likes: 6
From: Florida
I'm gonna dump some facts here.
When you choose a transmission cross-member, you're gonna have to get one from a 1980-1986 F150-F350 4x4. If you try and use one from a 1987+, the cross-member gussets will not bolt up to the actual support, or the frame. I'm not entirely sure if a Bronco cross-member will work or not.
Also, the 4x4 trucks have wider rear leaf springs and hangers than the 4x2 trucks. However, you can just use your stock rear axle and springs that originally came with your truck. Just make sure you swap the gears in your rear axle to match the gears in the front axle.
You'll also need to cut the hole in your floor for the transmission/transfer case inspection plate. Measure 6,534 times, cut once.
Don't forget the 4x4 indicator in the dash. It runs from the gauge cluster, through the firewall, down the driver's side frame rail, and into the 4x4 indicator switch on the transfer case. The stock location for the indicator light is at the far right end of the gauge cluster. It's a blue wire with a red stripe, if I recall correctly.
When you choose a transmission cross-member, you're gonna have to get one from a 1980-1986 F150-F350 4x4. If you try and use one from a 1987+, the cross-member gussets will not bolt up to the actual support, or the frame. I'm not entirely sure if a Bronco cross-member will work or not.
Also, the 4x4 trucks have wider rear leaf springs and hangers than the 4x2 trucks. However, you can just use your stock rear axle and springs that originally came with your truck. Just make sure you swap the gears in your rear axle to match the gears in the front axle.
You'll also need to cut the hole in your floor for the transmission/transfer case inspection plate. Measure 6,534 times, cut once.
Don't forget the 4x4 indicator in the dash. It runs from the gauge cluster, through the firewall, down the driver's side frame rail, and into the 4x4 indicator switch on the transfer case. The stock location for the indicator light is at the far right end of the gauge cluster. It's a blue wire with a red stripe, if I recall correctly.
Thread Starter
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New User
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 11
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I'm gonna dump some facts here.
When you choose a transmission cross-member, you're gonna have to get one from a 1980-1986 F150-F350 4x4. If you try and use one from a 1987+, the cross-member gussets will not bolt up to the actual support, or the frame. I'm not entirely sure if a Bronco cross-member will work or not.
Also, the 4x4 trucks have wider rear leaf springs and hangers than the 4x2 trucks. However, you can just use your stock rear axle and springs that originally came with your truck. Unless of course you're a nitpicker and want it to be correct, like I did with my truck.
You'll also need to cut the hole in your floor for the transmission/transfer case inspection plate. Measure 6,534 times, cut once.
Don't forget the 4x4 indicator in the dash. It runs from the gauge cluster, through the firewall, down the driver's side frame rail, and into the 4x4 indicator switch on the transfer case. The stock location for the indicator light is at the far right end of the gauge cluster. It's a blue wire with a red stripe, if I recall correctly.
When you choose a transmission cross-member, you're gonna have to get one from a 1980-1986 F150-F350 4x4. If you try and use one from a 1987+, the cross-member gussets will not bolt up to the actual support, or the frame. I'm not entirely sure if a Bronco cross-member will work or not.
Also, the 4x4 trucks have wider rear leaf springs and hangers than the 4x2 trucks. However, you can just use your stock rear axle and springs that originally came with your truck. Unless of course you're a nitpicker and want it to be correct, like I did with my truck.
You'll also need to cut the hole in your floor for the transmission/transfer case inspection plate. Measure 6,534 times, cut once.
Don't forget the 4x4 indicator in the dash. It runs from the gauge cluster, through the firewall, down the driver's side frame rail, and into the 4x4 indicator switch on the transfer case. The stock location for the indicator light is at the far right end of the gauge cluster. It's a blue wire with a red stripe, if I recall correctly.
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 725
Likes: 0
From: New Lexington, Ohio
I don remember reading it, but 4x2 & 4x4 frames are the same width. Also, FYI, bronco frames are about 10" shorter than an F150 shortbed frame. Just kinda throwing it out there, even tho it's not necessarily pertinent.
I'm pretty sure the trans tunnel cover will unbolt from a 4x2 just like a 4x4 will. But cutting a hole doesn't hurt, either. Just easier if you can find one at a junk yard. Also, tcases between Broncos and Fseries are the same, but the rear ds are different. Have fun with the swap!!!
I'm pretty sure the trans tunnel cover will unbolt from a 4x2 just like a 4x4 will. But cutting a hole doesn't hurt, either. Just easier if you can find one at a junk yard. Also, tcases between Broncos and Fseries are the same, but the rear ds are different. Have fun with the swap!!!
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,965
Likes: 2,725
From: Virginia
The 4x2 and 4x4 frames are the same frame(except for the rear spring hanger width). And they didn't have some "master plan" I have ever heard with the ratios front and rear. So long as they are close. It may be simply a matter of available ratios for certain rearends. 9 inch rears were available in a 3.50 ratio while 8.8's were available in 3.55 or 3.54(I forget which). So long as they are close they will work.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 4,990
Likes: 6
From: Florida
I'm pretty sure the trans tunnel cover will unbolt from a 4x2 just like a 4x4 will. But cutting a hole doesn't hurt, either. Just easier if you can find one at a junk yard. Also, tcases between Broncos and Fseries are the same, but the rear ds are different. Have fun with the swap!!!
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New User
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I don remember reading it, but 4x2 & 4x4 frames are the same width. Also, FYI, bronco frames are about 10" shorter than an F150 shortbed frame. Just kinda throwing it out there, even tho it's not necessarily pertinent.
I'm pretty sure the trans tunnel cover will unbolt from a 4x2 just like a 4x4 will. But cutting a hole doesn't hurt, either. Just easier if you can find one at a junk yard. Also, tcases between Broncos and Fseries are the same, but the rear ds are different. Have fun with the swap!!!
I'm pretty sure the trans tunnel cover will unbolt from a 4x2 just like a 4x4 will. But cutting a hole doesn't hurt, either. Just easier if you can find one at a junk yard. Also, tcases between Broncos and Fseries are the same, but the rear ds are different. Have fun with the swap!!!
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 725
Likes: 0
From: New Lexington, Ohio
Interesting! Wonder why they did it that way...? Would it be the same for a 3 on the tree?
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 4,990
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From: Florida
Regardless, drilling the hole isn't too much of a nightmare. However, when Ford stamped the floor panel for the clips that the cover bolts too, they only punched out 3 of the clip impressions for drilling. On the rest of the clip impressions, you have to find and mark the drill location yourself.
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 2,161
Likes: 1
From: Prince George, B.C.
I'm gonna dump some facts here.
When you choose a transmission cross-member, you're gonna have to get one from a 1980-1986 F150-F350 4x4. If you try and use one from a 1987+, the cross-member gussets will not bolt up to the actual support, or the frame. I'm not entirely sure if a Bronco cross-member will work or not.
When you choose a transmission cross-member, you're gonna have to get one from a 1980-1986 F150-F350 4x4. If you try and use one from a 1987+, the cross-member gussets will not bolt up to the actual support, or the frame. I'm not entirely sure if a Bronco cross-member will work or not.
My '86 F150 4x2 has the m5od/t-case and crossmember/gussets from the '88 F150 I stripped, all bolted in, Dad's '88 F350 4x2 has a 6.9L/C6/T-case/ crossmember/gussets from an '84 Supercab 4x4 and all that bolted in.
I do know that some crossmembers around 1990 wrapped around to the outside of the frame rail on 4x4 models, I don't know if those will fit the older trucks without drilling.
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 725
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From: New Lexington, Ohio
I don't think Ford got this memo. LOL
My '86 F150 4x2 has the m5od/t-case and crossmember/gussets from the '88 F150 I stripped, all bolted in, Dad's '88 F350 4x2 has a 6.9L/C6/T-case/ crossmember/gussets from an '84 Supercab 4x4 and all that bolted in.
I do know that some crossmembers around 1990 wrapped around to the outside of the frame rail on 4x4 models, I don't know if those will fit the older trucks without drilling.
My '86 F150 4x2 has the m5od/t-case and crossmember/gussets from the '88 F150 I stripped, all bolted in, Dad's '88 F350 4x2 has a 6.9L/C6/T-case/ crossmember/gussets from an '84 Supercab 4x4 and all that bolted in.
I do know that some crossmembers around 1990 wrapped around to the outside of the frame rail on 4x4 models, I don't know if those will fit the older trucks without drilling.
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 2,161
Likes: 1
From: Prince George, B.C.
I don't remember if mine moved back or not going from the np435 to the M5 but it was bolt in in the 86. My 81 F100 appears to be no different.
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