Hi I'm new to the site and am needing some help. I recently bought a 1958 ford f100 panel truck and wanting to start restoring it. It has the 292 in it not sure on the tranny. But it used to be 4x4 and it is now 2x4 I'm wondering what I can do to get it back to 4x4 I know the front axel and transfer case was pulled and solid front put on. What would be easier to find a front axel and transfer or to put all new under it new front rear tranny and transfer and if so what would fit under it with to much modification.

 

Welcome to FTE

You are only going by what the seller claimed...what evidence remains that points to 4WD? "Divorced" T/C mounted on left frame rail, driven by a chain off the rear of the trans.

1958 or earlier: It didn't come with 4WD from FoMoCo, it was converted to 4WD, possibly by Marmon-Herrington (M-H), Armbruster or NAPCO.

Customer would special order a 2WD truck, request FoMoCo send it out...after it left the assembly line...to be converted to 4WD. M-H of Indianapolis was the major player of 4WD conversions.

1959 was the first year for factory installed 4WD in F100/250's. A panel truck would be considered very rare with 4WD, factory installed...or not, as most 4WD's were pickups.

What you have was possibly used as a survey truck (interior storage would keep instruments away from prying eyes, dry in inclement climates).

Purchased new by a US Gov't Agency, petroleum, mining companies...etc. Part of the fun in owning old rolling piles of misery, is researching their history.

M-H conversions usually had instructions on "how-to" printed on metal plates that were riveted onto the face of the dash.

Left upper/lower & Right: Here's how a 1959/60 F100/250 w/factory 4WD was configured:

 

Ya that's what I thought but he swore it was factory. Any ideas on why would fit under it so I can make it 4wd?

 

1959/65 F100 4WD basically the same parts. 1966 and later F100 4WD's have coil spring front suspension.

Are you sure it's a 1958? If it is, the 5th digit of the VIN will be an 8. If it's a 1959, 5th digit will be a 9. Truck is registered by its specific VIN, will be printed on registration/title.

VIN stamped on the Rating Plate, either located on the left (drivers) side A pillar (windshield post), visible when door is opened, or riveted on the inside of the glove box door.

"Hidden" frame VIN stamped atop the right (passenger) side frame rail either under, partially under, or in front of cab.

btw: The dining room of the Holiday Inn in Thermopolis WY is named the Safari Room. Eating there may be uncomfortable for some, because everywhere you look, beady eyes are staring at you.

 

And yes 5th number is 8. Thanks for the help so far

 

On my 58 panel truck I used a 1985 full size bronco rolling chassis and put that under my body. Had to move the rear end back about 5" but worked good. Made custom body mounts. Now I will have power brakes, disk brakes, power steering, better suspension. Havnt workd on it in awhile but was actually thinkin of puttin my original frame back under it and lower and drop in a built 460. Not sure yet though.

 

Ya that's kinda what I was thinking but I'm thinking I might just stay stock for now. Trying to find a front clip now. I currently have the front clip torn off trying to decide weather to buy the wiring harness or just run it all myself

 

Just depends on what you are gonna do with it? If you want a nice ridin truck, either heavily modify your current stock set up or put a newer frame/suspension under it. I mainly wanted mine a 4x4, but that was before I bought my newer 4x4 truck so I dont need another 4x4. Rather have a gm bashing hot rod truck. You got any pics of yours? I love the old ford panels.

 

Ya but I can't figure out how to add photos have an email?