My big question is, has anyone successfully converted a 2x4 truck to a 4x4?
I understand you'd need a whole new tranny, new transfer case, need to cut a space for the 4x4 shifter, need to run lines, new front axle mas mas mas mas.

I want to know if anyone has had any experience doing this and about what it would cost? I'm up in New York and I'm planning on buying a 2001 f250 7.3 150k miles 2x4 for only 5750! BUT It's a 2x4!!!! I'd like to be able to drive confidently in the snow.

For this project can it be done and price estimate? I wouldn't mind spending $3000 aslong at it can be done, IF it can be!

Thanks for reading this and let me know your thoughts!

Edit: I can do some of the work myself, Not ALL of it, I.e. if the transmission swap was a straight up thing I can do it, transfer case, however I do not trust myself cutting the floorpan for a shifter, and I understand I'd need to build brackets to support the addition of a few things? Throw me some thoughts.

 

It's probably darn near impossible to turn a 2x4 into a super duty . However, turning a 2wd into a 4wd can be done. Your best bet would probably be to find a wrecked donor truck and swap the parte over. That way you get the parts cheaper, don't forget any smaller deils of the swap and have a parts truck if you need it later

 

The floor pan is already cut with a plate over it. Straightforward work.

 

Okay so I would like to come up with a list of parts and prices I need, was wondering if you guys could help me out here?

If I go through with it I would rather have a manual trans, but whichever is cheaper is probably what I would go with.

Transmission Automatic Or manual - Rebuilt 1000$
Transfer Case - 200$?
Front axle - used 500$?

What else?

 

Snow tires would also be a cheaper option if snow is your only worry. I put snow tires on my '95 F-250 with 4wd last winter, and only had to put it on 4wd twice. With some weight in the back I probably didn't even need that.

 

Well I also do some towing, we have two boats up here a 24fter and 21, and right now my ram 1500 isn't cutting it, I need to switch over.

Also like I said i'm just trying to get an estimate of parts and labor and what needs to be modified in order to go through with this in-case I want to, snow tires sound like an option if I delay the project.

 

More like $3K for rebuilt ZF 6spd. manual.

 

Axle, springs, drive shaft, transmission and transfer case, brackets and cross members, tires, probably steering components- a donor truck is the best way to go about it, if you can find one. I doubt very seriously that you will do the conversion for $3000. It is straightforward work- finding good parts that you can trust is the hard part. And, conversions can nickel and dime you to death. It would be better to double that budget and then come in under it.

 

That being said I think I'll buy it throw some snow tires on it and look for a used manual transmission!

We'll see what happens, thanks for the input everyone!

 

You can do just about anything if you have enough time/money to throw at it. In your case...

What tranny does this truck have? If it's an auto I believe it should be a 4r100 series.

Brand new tailshaft and adapter for transfer case, about $625 or so. Upside is the tailshaft and adapter can be swapped out without removing the tranny.

NV271 xfer case will bolt right up. Can be had on the "good" used market for anywhere from about $400-$600. Rebuilt unit can be had for $850. Get the manual shift version, not the NV273 (electronic shift). I'm guessing if you find one for $200, she's gonna need some work.

Front axle figure $700-$1000 for a boneyard unit. Try to get tie drag link, spring plates, sway bar and mounts, etc. Anything normally attached to the axle. Plan on a refresh of tie rod ends, brakes, etc. It'll add up. You can be sure any D60 you find for $500 will probably need at least that again in maintenance.

Springs, spring hangers, brake lines maybe. Tranny cross member from a 4x4 donor might be helpful.

Driveshaft work front and rear. Front "should" be a bolt in, rear will have to be shortened.

I agree with Hodge though, a $3000 budget is questionable.

As someone else mentioned, probably your best bet if you really want to do this is to find a 4x4 truck of the proper year, and have at it. I'm not up on the manual tranny end of things anymore, but if what you are buying is an auto, it makes it a bit easier in my book.

Your donor truck could have any engine in it, as long as it has the 4r100 backing it up you could still pull the xfer case adapter, xfer case, and tailshaft and swap those right into your truck. Almost everything else you need should be right there.

Who knows. You might be able to find a suitable donor that's a blown engined rust bucket with a broken frame and get it for cheap.

 

This is as close as I could find.

 

I was trying to make a joke and you had to go find the real thing.