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Hey all, I tried a search, with no luck, but was wondering if anyone has a build thread where they convert a 2WD truck over to 4x4? I just acquired a 75 Ranger XLT Camper Special and was wondering if it is worth it to try and convert it? Would love to hear what is involved, or read a thread about someone doing this if available. Sorry about the crappy pics, they are the only ones I have from the PO for now. I pick up the truck this Friday. has a 390 with a C6, body is pretty solid, seats are mint, one rust spot in the floor, and behind the cab corner on the drivers side. Thanks in advance.
Why is everything in the engine bay reversed. Brake booster and steering column are on the passenger side.
It's just the images from the previous owners camera. Not sure why it reverses the images? The tail gate pic I neglected to post has FORD written backwards. Lol!
I have never seen a bed with a tool box on the left side let alone on both sides ? but Ford is like that, we are always learning. As far as the conversion, forget it. Way too much work and fabrication. There have been lots of threads over the years, I don't know why the search has failed you....
He just has to find a 73-77 SC long bed 4x4 running gear with a title....easy peasy right? Or a 78/79....and maybe deal with some possible different wiring issues under the hood.
He just has to find a 73-77 SC long bed 4x4 running gear with a title....easy peasy right? Or a 78/79....and maybe deal with some possible different wiring issues under the hood.
No Super Cabs until 1974 and 1977 was the first year that F250 Camper Specials were available with 4WD
1978/79's use a different steering column and related parts than 1973/77. Toss 4WD into the mix, now there are more issues to deal with.
OP should just buy a truck with 4WD and spend the money, time and effort needed to make this swap on the 4WD truck.
I've seen dozens of failed projects in wrecking yard trucks with parts piled in the bed, because people get frustrated and give up.
Attempting to sell "basket cases" to new owners is difficult, because there's no guarantee that all the parts are present.
What is your plan for this truck. Converting to 4x4 is a lot of work but very doable.
I believe that keeping your fame and converting it to 4x4 is easier than swapping the frame out for a 4x4 version.
Some things to keep in mind are...
Your cross member that supports the front suspension beams needs to be either replaced with a 4x4 version or cut down a lot. It hangs too low to clear a solid front axle unless you plan on lifting it 8” or more.
your current steering must all be replaced. This includes the steering box and column up to the firewall. The 2x4 steering box is aft of the front beams and the 4x4 one needs to be fwd of the axle.
Youll need a divorced transfer case or a new trans with a transfer case on it. Either way you need new trans/transfer case cross members and all new driveshafts.
The factory front leafs rear mounts are in the middle of the frame and are hard to reproduce. You may want to consider a different shackle mount than oem.
This conversion will never be “stock” looking so you may want to consider swapping to a 2005 and on F250/f350 suspension which is coil spring and might require less work to fit in. This suspension system is similar to a dentside F150 4x4 suspension which could be another option.
This conversion is a lot of work but not all that complicated provided you can weld and fabricate in a manor that is safe to be on the street.
I saw you mentioned in one of those threads about scabs and crews being a bit tougher to mount radius arms to than regular cabs, what’s the reason being?
No idea, I looked at the number of threads I attached and can not find that statement.
Towards the end of your response in the first link. “It is possible to install a 78/9 radius arm and suspension. Not a big deal really, and with a standard cab this is reasonable. Not quite as easy with a super cab and or crew cab.” I was just curious. I’m planning on converting my crew using a radius arm 44 and am trying to get my ducks in a row before I start.
Ah ok got it.... that is a quote from a fellow FTE member and not from me personally. After re-reading all that I am not sure what he meant by stating that. IMO As far as putting radius arms on I do not see no difference in that specific connection/mounting area as far a reg cab, versus SC or CC.
To bad that FTE member is not longer an active member on here, I would like ask him why he feels that way to make that statement. Maybe some other FTE member will have some input? So I say go for it and post up some pics and let us know how it goes.
I still feel that just finding a frame w/4wd running gear and doing a body swap would be way easier and quicker.
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