4X4 Conversion
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
4X4 Conversion
Hello all,
I have a 1979 F-250 Ranger that I have completely redone, with the exception of one thing. I am wanting to convert my truck from a 2wd to a 4wd. It currently has the I6 4.9/300 in it with a 3 speed manual w/ overdrive. Living in Colorado, 4wd is one thing I am very serious about getting. What would be the best truck to pull parts off of? I believe I am going to need a new transmission, and I know there will be a lit of needed fab work in the front end. Would it be very likely for me to find a t-case for my specific setup as of right now? Thank you all for any help given!!
I have a 1979 F-250 Ranger that I have completely redone, with the exception of one thing. I am wanting to convert my truck from a 2wd to a 4wd. It currently has the I6 4.9/300 in it with a 3 speed manual w/ overdrive. Living in Colorado, 4wd is one thing I am very serious about getting. What would be the best truck to pull parts off of? I believe I am going to need a new transmission, and I know there will be a lit of needed fab work in the front end. Would it be very likely for me to find a t-case for my specific setup as of right now? Thank you all for any help given!!
Junior User
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 91
Likes: 0
From: NW indiana
I wouldn't call it easy nonetheless it has been done but not like factory. best option for anyone is to just get a 4x4 chassis and drivetrain, swap body's, and call it a day. otherwise I believe quite a bit of fab is needed to make the front axle clear the 2wd crossmember along with adding a xmember for the transmission and probably small thing that I can't think of as of now. I've never done it nor do I ever plan on attempting to. So in other words, either give it a try and hope for the best, buy a 4x4 chassis, or leave it as a 2wd and enjoy it!
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 26,007
Likes: 575
From: Brentwood,CA
Everything from the steering to the frame horns and the cross member are different. Its a very involved swap, I did my 76 back in 2005 and I would never do it again. I probably had 200hrs in the swap and 4k. Would have been cheaper and easier to do a new chassis. Also what transmission do you have? There wasn't a 3 speed OD in a F250 in 1979.
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,302
Likes: 5
From: Burlington, WI
Agree with the others. A 4x4 conversion is not worth it or easy to do. Search the site and you'll see what we mean. No matter how good of a Fab job you do, it'll still be a hacked together truck that doesn't have any resale value in bit. If you're planning on using the truck as a beater then there really isn't any point to doing it at all either.
4x4s are plentiful. Go buy one with a shot body and do a body swap.
4x4s are plentiful. Go buy one with a shot body and do a body swap.
Tuned
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 311
Likes: 35
I'll disagree with everyone in only one scenario: you're building a more off-road-oriented rig meaning you'll be going with 1-ton axles, a different transmission from stock (and maybe transfercase) because that ends up being some form of custom work anyway.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
77short4x4
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
6
Sep 20, 2013 09:37 PM
CountryFordMan
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
8
Dec 21, 2012 12:02 AM
78'fordman
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
4
Feb 18, 2004 02:23 AM
