2x4 to 4x4 Conversion
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 128
Likes: 18
2x4 to 4x4 Conversion
Hey everyone, I've got a 1990 F150 with the 4.9 and Mazda 5 speed. It's two wheel drive and I'd like to convert to four wheel drive. I've read through a couple other threads and I keep seeing links to an article "2x4 to 4x4 swap for 80 to 96 f100/150s" but whenever I try to load it says page not found, does anyone have a working link?
This probably comes up a lot, but I'm new to this generation of Ford and trying to learn which parts will swap over and what can be used for transmission\transfer case.
I believe the front 4x4 axle will bolt in place and the gear ratio needs to match what's in the rear axle. The transmission needs to be swapped with a 4x4 tranny or otherwise taken apart and output shaft extended. Do I need a 4x4 Mazda 5 speed or are there other options that will bolt to the bell housing I have now?
This probably comes up a lot, but I'm new to this generation of Ford and trying to learn which parts will swap over and what can be used for transmission\transfer case.
I believe the front 4x4 axle will bolt in place and the gear ratio needs to match what's in the rear axle. The transmission needs to be swapped with a 4x4 tranny or otherwise taken apart and output shaft extended. Do I need a 4x4 Mazda 5 speed or are there other options that will bolt to the bell housing I have now?
Cross-Country
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 51
Likes: 1
I'm researching a similar conversion on my F350 Dually but I'm unfamiliar with the setup on a 150 so I won't be much help.
On the ZF-5 tranmissions there is a 4x4 version & 2x4 version but I don't know regarding the Mazda trans
Axles ratios need to be the same although I think if you mixed say a 3.55 & 3.54 or 4.10 & 4.11 you would be ok.
Here's some links that may help even though not specific to your application.
Ford Transfer case ID's
2wd to 4wd Dana 50
On the ZF-5 tranmissions there is a 4x4 version & 2x4 version but I don't know regarding the Mazda trans
Axles ratios need to be the same although I think if you mixed say a 3.55 & 3.54 or 4.10 & 4.11 you would be ok.
Here's some links that may help even though not specific to your application.
Ford Transfer case ID's
2wd to 4wd Dana 50
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 128
Likes: 18
Thanks guys, so it sounds like best bet is finding 4x4 Mazda, or ZF if lucky. Will ZF bolt up in place of Mazda 5 speed?
Any difference in the transfer cases that came with these trucks? One to look out for in particular?
I've heard about using a bronco as a donor, will that work? Do those have the same axles/tranny/transfer case as an f150?
Any difference in the transfer cases that came with these trucks? One to look out for in particular?
I've heard about using a bronco as a donor, will that work? Do those have the same axles/tranny/transfer case as an f150?
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,238
Likes: 475
You can buy running 4wd f150s for less then it's going to cost you to convert it. Unless you want to do a 1 ton axle swap, leaf conversion, custom link suspension, or something along those lines, you'd be far ahead buying another truck that's already 4wd.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 946
Likes: 186
From: Carnation, Wah
OP, where are you?
It's important- around here, everyone's right. Buy a 4wd truck, and use the best parts of both.
In the NorthEast Rust Belt, you can possibly still find the parts off a rusty donor, but these
trucks rusted away 10+ years ago, so it's more of a hunt.
t
It's important- around here, everyone's right. Buy a 4wd truck, and use the best parts of both.
In the NorthEast Rust Belt, you can possibly still find the parts off a rusty donor, but these
trucks rusted away 10+ years ago, so it's more of a hunt.
t
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Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 128
Likes: 18
I live up in northern California, the rust doesn't get as bad as it does out east. The other day I found a non running 4x4 f150 with same engine/manual transmission for 500. I'm trying to get in touch with the people selling it, but it seems to me I could swap out what I need, sell what I don't, and end up pretty close to even. Unless I'm overlooking something?
Logistics Pro
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 3,716
Likes: 583
From: Chillicothe
I live up in northern California, the rust doesn't get as bad as it does out east. The other day I found a non running 4x4 f150 with same engine/manual transmission for 500. I'm trying to get in touch with the people selling it, but it seems to me I could swap out what I need, sell what I don't, and end up pretty close to even. Unless I'm overlooking something?
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 7,960
Likes: 594
From: Greater Austin, Texas
I've done 2 of these conversions. It is not hard, it's all bolt up on the F150. I agree it's better to get a complete donor truck so you have everything you need. The only thing difficult at all is, as stated, the rear driveshaft. If your donor rear driveshaft is not the right length, you can get yours lengthened or shortened at a driveshaft shop. ITP is a chain that does good work if you don't have a local shop that you already know is good.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 238
Likes: 14
I'm researching a similar conversion on my F350 Dually but I'm unfamiliar with the setup on a 150 so I won't be much help.
On the ZF-5 tranmissions there is a 4x4 version & 2x4 version but I don't know regarding the Mazda trans
Axles ratios need to be the same although I think if you mixed say a 3.55 & 3.54 or 4.10 & 4.11 you would be ok.
Here's some links that may help even though not specific to your application.
Ford Transfer case ID's
2wd to 4wd Dana 50
On the ZF-5 tranmissions there is a 4x4 version & 2x4 version but I don't know regarding the Mazda trans
Axles ratios need to be the same although I think if you mixed say a 3.55 & 3.54 or 4.10 & 4.11 you would be ok.
Here's some links that may help even though not specific to your application.
Ford Transfer case ID's
2wd to 4wd Dana 50
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