quick question
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quick question
Alright, so i eventually want to swap my 77 f100 2wd to 4x4 and lift it, i know i know, ive thought about it a ton and im not selling to get a 4x4 and im not swapping bodies, im sentimental to it, so qucik question, if i buy a d44 out of a 79 f150 4x4, could i just swap it onto my truck, and put a lift kit on, before i switch out transmissions, get a t-case, all that gumbo mumbo to get the 4x4 working?
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well i realize it isnt such a quick question, but the reason i ask is because its my dd and since im in high school i cant have much downtime, so i would get the 4x4 going part by part as i had freetime, just wondering if the swap in would be fairly easy or not, and if i could lift it before worrying about the 4x4 components
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2009
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From: Stanley, VA
It also uses a different steering system.
Plan on a lot of down time.
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 14,333
Likes: 247
From: Stanley, VA
The crossmember under the engine needs to be cut out, spring mounts need to be fabricated, a new front crossmember needs to be installed, new engine mount towers.
The steering on a 4WD mounts ahead of the axle outboard of the frame rail.
This is NOT a simple swap, it can and has been done many, many times BUT it is not for the novice fabricator. It's a swap best left to someone with a lot of experience in welding and fabrication.
I'm not trying to "rain on your parade", I just want you to realize what's involved. It would be a shame to start and get in over your head then let the project sit and eventually get hauled away for scrap or sold for parts or for next to nothing.
The steering on a 4WD mounts ahead of the axle outboard of the frame rail.
This is NOT a simple swap, it can and has been done many, many times BUT it is not for the novice fabricator. It's a swap best left to someone with a lot of experience in welding and fabrication.
I'm not trying to "rain on your parade", I just want you to realize what's involved. It would be a shame to start and get in over your head then let the project sit and eventually get hauled away for scrap or sold for parts or for next to nothing.
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Ford Parts Specialist
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From: Simi Valley, CA
And don't forget, the front and rear axle ratios must match.
What type of rear axle does the 1977 F100 2WD have now, Ford 9" or Dana 44?
What is its axle ratio?
Mike: There are no towers (stands/perches) or front crossmember on 4WD's of this vintage. The R/L engine supports bolt to the inner frame rails.
What type of rear axle does the 1977 F100 2WD have now, Ford 9" or Dana 44?
What is its axle ratio?
Mike: There are no towers (stands/perches) or front crossmember on 4WD's of this vintage. The R/L engine supports bolt to the inner frame rails.
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The crossmember under the engine needs to be cut out, spring mounts need to be fabricated, a new front crossmember needs to be installed, new engine mount towers.
The steering on a 4WD mounts ahead of the axle outboard of the frame rail.
This is NOT a simple swap, it can and has been done many, many times BUT it is not for the novice fabricator. It's a swap best left to someone with a lot of experience in welding and fabrication.
I'm not trying to "rain on your parade", I just want you to realize what's involved. It would be a shame to start and get in over your head then let the project sit and eventually get hauled away for scrap or sold for parts or for next to nothing.
The steering on a 4WD mounts ahead of the axle outboard of the frame rail.
This is NOT a simple swap, it can and has been done many, many times BUT it is not for the novice fabricator. It's a swap best left to someone with a lot of experience in welding and fabrication.
I'm not trying to "rain on your parade", I just want you to realize what's involved. It would be a shame to start and get in over your head then let the project sit and eventually get hauled away for scrap or sold for parts or for next to nothing.
oh and i don't know what the ratios are
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2009
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From: Stanley, VA
Yeah Bill, bad choice of terms on my part. When you remove the crossmember, you remove the mounting points for the 2WD engine mounts so you have to fabricate mounting points for the 4WD mounts.
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Simi Valley, CA
"Quick question" will have multiple answers, will run several pages.
Some people that get involved in a swap like this quickly loose interest when they realize what the cost factors are, plus all the labor involved.
The parts are piled in the bed, the truck sits and sooner or later is hauled away to Valhalla.
OP lives in FL. Mike, how many people in FL want or have any use for 4WD?
Some people that get involved in a swap like this quickly loose interest when they realize what the cost factors are, plus all the labor involved.
The parts are piled in the bed, the truck sits and sooner or later is hauled away to Valhalla.
OP lives in FL. Mike, how many people in FL want or have any use for 4WD?
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2009
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From: Stanley, VA
If your friend is experienced in this type of conversion then yes it can be done in two weeks but it is a lot of work (read $$$). If he only works on run of the mill 4X4's and hasn't done this type of conversion I would hesitate to say it can be done in your two week time frame.
Here is what a 4WD frame looks like. Note, in the picture this frame has a modified power steering system. Stock, from the factory, the steering box is about the same for/aft location but is outside the frame rail.
Here is what a 4WD frame looks like. Note, in the picture this frame has a modified power steering system. Stock, from the factory, the steering box is about the same for/aft location but is outside the frame rail.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
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From: NorCal
Alright, so i eventually want to swap my 77 f100 2wd to 4x4 and lift it, i know i know, ive thought about it a ton and im not selling to get a 4x4 and im not swapping bodies, im sentimental to it, so qucik question, if i buy a d44 out of a 79 f150 4x4, could i just swap it onto my truck, and put a lift kit on, before i switch out transmissions, get a t-case, all that gumbo mumbo to get the 4x4 working?
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 308
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If your friend is experienced in this type of conversion then yes it can be done in two weeks but it is a lot of work (read $$$). If he only works on run of the mill 4X4's and hasn't done this type of conversion I would hesitate to say it can be done in your two week time frame.
Here is what a 4WD frame looks like. Note, in the picture this frame has a modified power steering system. Stock, from the factory, the steering box is about the same for/aft location but is outside the frame rail.
Here is what a 4WD frame looks like. Note, in the picture this frame has a modified power steering system. Stock, from the factory, the steering box is about the same for/aft location but is outside the frame rail.