I purchased a 1976 F250 Ranger 2wd about a year ago. It's in great shape and drives like a dream. It's got a 390 with a 4 speed New Process 435 manual in it. But I would like to convert it to 4wd using a New Process 205 Transfer case left hand drop. This is the first time I've done anything like this but would love to do it. Here's what I'm wondering. I know the NP205 is a divorced case and I know at minimum I would have to buy that, fabricate a mount and I'd have to get a new front axle (currently have a Dana 61 rear axle, wouldn't need to replace this would I?) I could get the shafts, either from a junk yard or have the local machine shop whip some up for me, but what sort of clearance would I have bring the front shaft up? What would I run into? Any info helps, first generation in my family to get into this sorta stuff so I don't have any good teachers.

 

Before even picking up a wrench for the drivetrain, figure out the steering and what yer gonna do with that massive crossmember under the engine which will share the same space as the front diff.

You do know how to weld, right?

 

That's exactly what I was looking for, thank you for your response. I was aware that the steering rack and front cross member might get in the way but wasn't positive. I would like to keep my body on my current frame and maybe just find some way to make some clearance. From the bits of research I've come up with, although I find it hard to find research on this particular situation with my 2wd, I believe the front axle that would work best is a Dana 44 with the front diff on the driver's side. I don't think this will be hard to find and I'm sure I could find a wreck vehicle around my home town someone would gladly let my take from. Any advice on how to get by the steering rack and cross member? And yes, I do know how to weld.

 

Why not just put a lift under your truck with a Detroit locker out back, some bigger tires and go. Here,s mine from years ago. 77 f250 2wd, 33" tires on the front, 35" on the back. Or you could go with an electric locker or an air locker.

 

The term "steering rack" applies to rack and pinion steering systems... these rigs use a steering gear and pitman arm.

Go here and read the links in the 2WD to 4WD Conversion section: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post14955940

 

Thanks for the correction, I'm pretty new to all this, I've only had the truck for a year so just about everything I've learned about is things that've gone wrong and I've fixed, haven't even gotten into any sort of steering although my power steering is leaking and the wheel has a lot of play in it. Could finding the clearance be as simple as "putting in" (Probably the hard part) a column of gear box from a high boy?

 

Not really. Compare where things are located. On a 2WD the steering gear is by the firewall.. on a 4WD it is forward of the axle... plus Dana axles' steering arms are forward of the axle.

Read through the links provided before asking more questions because they should provide better background that what we can accomplish in this one.

 

Welcome to FTE there are some 2wd to 4wd conversions threrads, talk about the hard road IMO.

Here is another very knowledgeable members take on it. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post14696887