4x4 Frames for 79 ford
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Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2014
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From: The Rust Belt, aka Ohio
4x4 Frames for 79 ford
I have a 79 Ford F-150 and it's a 2 wheel drive and i want to convert it to 4 wheel drive. Anyone know where to get a 4x4 frame for a long bed? I can add pictures if needed.
not thinking and posting quickly doesn't help does it? anyway if you find a 4x4 frame near Ohio, that is helpful.
not thinking and posting quickly doesn't help does it? anyway if you find a 4x4 frame near Ohio, that is helpful.
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 2,595
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From: Pasadena, Ca
You should really post where you are.
And you only want the frame? I dont know much, but it seems like a 4x2 conversion to 4x4 is a lot of work. What are your plans for the transmission hump and all that?
Wouldnt it just be easier and cheaper to buy a 4x4 and go through it and do all the rebuilding and body work?
And you only want the frame? I dont know much, but it seems like a 4x2 conversion to 4x4 is a lot of work. What are your plans for the transmission hump and all that?
Wouldnt it just be easier and cheaper to buy a 4x4 and go through it and do all the rebuilding and body work?
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Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2014
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From: The Rust Belt, aka Ohio
Yea, it's just that I would rather spend money to make it one, the truck is clean, some dents and dings but no rust on the body. Only some on the floor board. Every 4x4 I look at other trucks that are 4x4 have a crap ton of rust.
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
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From: Simi Valley, CA
There are two different 1978/79 F150 4WD frames, two different types of 4WD front suspension.
You will need the driveshaft, all the transfer case related parts and shift linkage, the trans is also different. With 4WD, the trans (A/T or M/T) has a shorter extension housing and output shaft.
You have two choices, get the correct 4WD trans or be prepared to disassemble the entire trans to swap output shafts.
4WD's use different engine supports (aka towers/stands/perches) than 2WD's, so they'll also have to be changed.
And if your truck has a 302, this is a HUGE can of worms, as no 302 was available with 4WD until 1980. These parts will not work on anything prior to 1980.
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2013
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A 4x4 CAN be found without rust, or minimum rust. It will take some time and effort though, depending on where you live. You really are better off to spend some time to find one rather than to convert a 2x4.
Short of that option you could find a 4x4 with a rusted out body and swap the entire drivetrain under the 2x4 body. Even that will require some modifications to the body though. A running 4x4 with rust goes for 1-2k here in the rust belt of Kentucky.
Short of that option you could find a 4x4 with a rusted out body and swap the entire drivetrain under the 2x4 body. Even that will require some modifications to the body though. A running 4x4 with rust goes for 1-2k here in the rust belt of Kentucky.
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Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2014
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From: The Rust Belt, aka Ohio
The only problem is, the truck was a gift, from my parents, i cant just get rid of it, not do i want to , my father who is a mahanic and my grandfather alao, said we can exchange the bodies etc, we just need a frame alot of time and money and redneck ingenuity.
That and i can't have two cars untill i move out, so im not getting rid of my truck.
That and i can't have two cars untill i move out, so im not getting rid of my truck.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2010
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From: Ideeho
If you are sentimentally attached to the truck, I can understand wanting to make it into what you want. Trust me, I'm the same way! Start looking for a 4x4 with a rotted out body and go from there. Measure the frame width on yours and try to find one that's the same. Will make life much simpler.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,037
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From: Kasson, Minnesota
I agree, just find a donor 4x4 truck and swap the body. Try to find one complete so you have everything there to use or at least to replace. Keep in mind, if you find a donor truck or even just a frame, you should try to have a title to match that frame because legally, the frame is what your truck will be, not just the truck body you now have.
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Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2014
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From: The Rust Belt, aka Ohio
I can have a donor, but, i can't do it by myself, and my father is going nuts sith buisness, ao i'd most liekly have a frame sitting around for a while, i can probably buy another 4x4 later and make mine a shoe truck.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,037
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From: Kasson, Minnesota
While your donor 4x4 frame is sitting around until you get help with the body swap, just start working on your 4x4 frame. It would be a good time to clean the frame up, inspect it for any signs of cracks or whatnot and then paint it. You can replace shocks, brakes,brake lines, fuel tank if need be and/or fuel sender, fuel lines, freshen up or replace the chassis wiring, any other suspension parts, etc. there would be plenty to do to the frame to get ready of the body swap. I guess that is what I would do. All you need for that is some basic tools, a Haynes manual, FTE, and labor. You can do that yourself.
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