MY son just got his papas 1971 f100 he wants to make it into a 4x4 I was looking at another 1971 f100 that was coverted to a 4x4 the owner said he thought the front axle swap was from a 1978 f100 or f150 it has disc brakes but he was not sure.I really don't want to swap out the chassis if all possible can anyone help me? I would like to use the TTB type axle an F250 or F350 if at all possible?

 

Welcome to FTE.

You really oughtta read through these two links to fully understand what is involved. Let them be your warning or motivation. 67-72s and 73-79s are pretty much the same so the same principles apply.

2WD to 4WD Conversion
4WOR Magazine: Project Two-by Four (4x4 Conversion)
FTE Thread: Quadrazer's F350- 2WD to 4WD Conversion...

In terms of a TTB, I would recommend against it. They are notoriously difficult to align after a lift... and I know your boy will want to stick some tall meats under there.

Leave the 2WD be and simply find a 4x4.. that way the project starts with the foundation you want and ya don't have to go through the trials and tribulations of building the foundation even before the fun begins.

A 2WD can be lo-buck fun.... my '70 Bumpside project is based on a $5,500 budget but I'm adding a couple of costly goodies for the helluvit (EFI and a TKO 5-speed). Follow along: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ide-build.html

 

I personally would have no problem converting one to 4WD, but I have access to parts for cheap.

If it were me, I would go straight to a Dana 60 front axle and a Sterling rear axle. Dana 44's out of 73-79 -F150's and full size Broncos will work as well but they are not as strong.

I have lifted many trucks in my lifetime and always want to go bigger after I'm done. 35" tires are about the max for a Dana 44 in my opinion if he's really going to wheel it. Anything bigger than a 35" tires deserves a Dana 60 turning it.

I would never consider installing the TTB front axle unless I were desert racing and went with some aftermarket, long travel beams.

Do it once, do it right and never (almost) worry about breaking an axle.

My $.02

 

Anything is possible, but make sure you are up to the task. There is a lot of custom fabrication and places to make errors if you are not on your game.

As far as a axle, I would use one from a 1978/79 Truck. They come with disk brakes and are High Pinion. The Dana 44's are relatively easy to find and reasonably priced. Dana 60's are hard to find and pricy ($1000 - 1500 seems to be the going rate for a good used one).

It is a big project, make sure you are up to the task.