I've seeen plenty of threads swapping 2005-2010 front axles into the older trucks, and I've seen rear leaf spring conversions from the newer trucks.

Is the frame still similar enough to find a frame section out of a salvage truck to pull all the running gear off the front end of a 2011+ to stuff under a 99-03, or is it different enough to justify just bulding a 4 link and being done with it?

I have a '99 2wd with a worn out front end, and have been contemplating a solid axle swap for awhile. I'm a mechanical designer and fabricator - so no problem making parts.

My problem is time. I work too much, don't have a spare vehicle to afford down time and have an F250 because I use it every day.

The idea would be to rebuild bearings, bushings, brakes, etc - on a work bench and collect all my parts before hand so the swap could be done over a weekend.

Yes - I know the output on the tranny is different. I'll either swap the tail shaft housing or go divorced - but that's not what I'm hoping to find out about from this thread.

No, it wouldn't be easier to get another truck. Too much work i to this one (the engine is right where I want it) - and it's become a matter of principle to see how many miles I can get out of this one.

***A city boy relative driving a femanine SUV (Tahoe, etc) suggested making payments on a new F-150, forgetting that he has to call me every time he moves a tractor or skid steer. Lighter vehicles can be amazing... just not for what I use my truck for.

Even in an ideal world, I know it's a lot of work and $, but if I'm going to keep this truck around another 15 yrs, it'd be fun to have the tighter turning radius of the new trucks. Each generation has gotten considerably better about this.

Also, as entertaining as it is to watch someone accidentally do a burn out getting a skid steer moving up a hill... having 4 wheels gripping would be less dramatic... and I like the idea of the additional utility getting heavy stuff in and out of certain places..

The Detroit True Track is amazing. It's the only reason I haven't embarassed myself by not having 4WD. Still, not a complete replacement.

If it turns out to be too much headache, I'll get steel wheel spacers for my 08 wheels, rebuild the 2wd front end until I have time to 3d scan the whole truck, model a custom link in 3d... and get fancy about it at a later date.