2x4 to 4x4 conversion
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2x4 to 4x4 conversion
I have a 81 f100 2x4 with the 4.9 liter i6. I love the truck, everything about it is great. Except it's only 2x4, i want a 4x4!
I need to know, what parts i need to do a 4x4 conversion, and who i might talk to for exact details, the truck has been in the family for a long time, and i can't sell it.....
I'm not sure on the rear end it has, but its the basic model truck, so it prolly has the weakest rear end.
Any help is really appreciated!
ttyl
ttoliver@scrtc.com
I need to know, what parts i need to do a 4x4 conversion, and who i might talk to for exact details, the truck has been in the family for a long time, and i can't sell it.....
I'm not sure on the rear end it has, but its the basic model truck, so it prolly has the weakest rear end.
Any help is really appreciated!
ttyl
ttoliver@scrtc.com
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 418
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From: South Central PA
2x4 to 4x4 conversion
You've got a good year truck to convert to 4WD, everything is pretty much a bolt over swap. Probably the hardest part of the swap is the rear spring hangers. The 4WD uses a wider leaf spring in the rear than the 2WD. I cut the rivets off the 2WD hangers with a torch and used a punch to drive them out.
The front end is just a matter of pulling the I-beams and replacing them with the driven front axle, which will bolt right in their place. You'll also want to switch to 4WD front coil springs. The steering box is the same as the 2WD.
Of course you'll need the rest of the obvious stuff...transfer case, transmission (is your's a stick or automatic?) driveshafts...and you'll be in business! If you are close to southern PA I think I could make ya a deal you couldn't refuse on everything ya need and it's already out! (Been waiting for someone to post this and help me clean out my shed
)
The front end is just a matter of pulling the I-beams and replacing them with the driven front axle, which will bolt right in their place. You'll also want to switch to 4WD front coil springs. The steering box is the same as the 2WD.
Of course you'll need the rest of the obvious stuff...transfer case, transmission (is your's a stick or automatic?) driveshafts...and you'll be in business! If you are close to southern PA I think I could make ya a deal you couldn't refuse on everything ya need and it's already out! (Been waiting for someone to post this and help me clean out my shed
)
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2003
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From: NE Texas
2x4 to 4x4 conversion
Be sure to get the same ratio front end! Know you've probably done that, but if i had to make a list that would be the first item. Someone like "lastchance" would be your best bet. You won't have to worry about building driveshafts if yours and theirs are the same wheelbase.
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2x4 to 4x4 conversion
lastchance, I live in KY...But i am willing to pay for all shipping cost and like that for those parts if u'd sell them to me!
PLease e-mail, and we can talk!
Could u give me details on what axle u've got, transfer, and if it comews with driveshafts and such?
BTW...My truck is a automotaic 3 speed.
PLease e-mail, and we can talk!
Could u give me details on what axle u've got, transfer, and if it comews with driveshafts and such?
BTW...My truck is a automotaic 3 speed.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2002
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From: GANS
2x4 to 4x4 conversion
another thing about gear ratios- a lot of 2wd 6 cyl trucks came with 2.47Gears, whereas a lot of 4x4 trucks came with 3.08. It might be hard to find a front axle with 2.47s which means you'll have to find another rear axle if you have 2.47s.
note about the back springs, I'd leave them alone until you decide to put a suspension lift on it. the 2.5" wide springs will flex better.
note about the back springs, I'd leave them alone until you decide to put a suspension lift on it. the 2.5" wide springs will flex better.
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2x4 to 4x4 conversion
I'll figure something out...lol. If i cant get these parts...I will take the truck to a custom shop, and have someone there do the converion...if it has that simple of a process, it shouldnt be to hard. I'll just gove the shop some money, and tell them to go at it. LOL
Lastchance, please e-mail about those parts...i would love to have them...I know it'd be alot of trouble to get something like that shipped, but i would really appreciate and i would pay for all shipping cost. or if u could just tell em exactly what parts i need to do the conversion, that would help.
I'm sure i can find a typical np205 transfer case, and the wider rear leafs, but i dont know what axle to use up front, and all that stuff. Plus, i'm sure there are a lot of tiny parts i would need for the conversion, that would be ahrd to find at a junkyard.
ttyl
ttoliver@scrtc.com
Lastchance, please e-mail about those parts...i would love to have them...I know it'd be alot of trouble to get something like that shipped, but i would really appreciate and i would pay for all shipping cost. or if u could just tell em exactly what parts i need to do the conversion, that would help.
I'm sure i can find a typical np205 transfer case, and the wider rear leafs, but i dont know what axle to use up front, and all that stuff. Plus, i'm sure there are a lot of tiny parts i would need for the conversion, that would be ahrd to find at a junkyard.
ttyl
ttoliver@scrtc.com
Logistics Pro
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From: GANS
2x4 to 4x4 conversion
a Dana 44IFS system (Twin I-bean) from an 80-96 F-150 will bolt on directly.
from what i hear 78-79 F-150 Dana 44 straight axles will fit, but takes some modifications.
from what i hear 78-79 F-150 Dana 44 straight axles will fit, but takes some modifications.
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2x4 to 4x4 conversion
lastchance.......I've thought and thought about it...and i'm willin to pay 300-500 for those parts, and i will pay all the shipping charges... i dont think u'll get offered that anywhere else..lol..but if that is too low, i could go a bit higher!
I just want those parts!
I just want those parts!
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From: South Central PA
2x4 to 4x4 conversion
I sent you an email but I figured I'd reply here to make sure you get it! The truck I pulled this stuff out of was an 84 F100 shortbed 4 speed. I'd be happy to let everything go for $300 but I think until you paid the shipping you might be as well off to find and old truck or Bronco with a bad body or motor local there in KY. But even then don't rush off to a conversion shop to do the job, that's what we're here for! It's not like you'd have to do it all at once! Take a weekend to swap in the rear, another weekend to do the front axle, and finish up with the tranny and transfer case as the last part...at least you could keep driving the truck while you're working on it! If you're still interested in the stuff let me know, might be able to work something out to meet ya halfway or something instead of shipping it. By the way, the axles are the 2:47 ratio, 8.8" rear. I'm not sure of the model number of the transmission or transfer case. Tranny is a 4 speed OD (1-2-3-OD), transfer is a 2WD, 4WDHi and Lo. Pictures of all this stuff is in my user gallery when I started doing the swap about 2 years ago, ended up buying the 79 with 4wd and didn't finish the 84! 
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2x4 to 4x4 conversion
lastchance, thanks alot.....We really arent that far apart, i've been to the monster jam in pennslyvania a couple times...and if the shippin cost are outrageous, i'd be willin to meet u halfway. And btw, does the front end have the steering knucles and all that? From ur post, it just sounded like it was a rear end, that wasnt steerable. lol
ttyl
ttoliver@scrtc.com
BTW, if we both met halfway, could u think of a meeting point?
ttyl
ttoliver@scrtc.com
BTW, if we both met halfway, could u think of a meeting point?
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