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So I recently started working on a 1952 f2. Right now I am thinking that it would be neat to build the truck into a 4x4. The frame is in runnable shape, but the engine is completely locked up. It has been sitting out in the Northern Wisconsin elements since 1980. I have done a little research regarding this topic and I have found tones of people who have done this with f1 trucks. I have found little to no information on f2 trucks except how the fenders are different from the F1's. I am wondering what would the best candidate for either a complete frame swap or what would be a good donor for the 4x4 parts to bolt right to my chassis.
Welcome Mathias! Good to have another Badger Stater on board.
Frame swaps are never bolt on, I have been told. Nearly all would seem to require a bit of welding, fabrication, and problem solving. Like any project vehicle, they also take funds and time. There is a reference material available here: 1948-52 Ford Truck Frame Swap
Add my welcome. Like the others I read that a frame swap is an engineering challenge. There are a few of us on the forum that have the factory optional Marmon-Herrington all wheel drive conversion trucks. These trucks when new were sent to the M-H company in Indianapolis where they were fully disassembled and given frame modifications prior to the installation of the transfer case and front axle. The most critical frame issue on the F-2/F-3 conversion was the addition of a transmission cross member hoop that allowed the front drive shaft a path forward. The half ton 4wd conversions are easier because their tranny cross members aren’t as much in the way as are the bigger trucks. Finding a donor M-H isn’t impossible, I’ve hauled a few home, but they aren’t plentiful. Only a few hundred at most were converted each year. If you aren’t in a hurry keep your eyes open and watch the forum for status updates on our members’ trucks. Stu
Thank you guys for all the feedback. Here are a few photos of the way it sits now. I can get better photos later this week, due to snow meltage. A little quick update: All four wheels are also locked up.
Is it your intent to keep the truck as original as possible... (flathead V8, original brakes, etc.?)
If not, getting a 90's or 2000's era drivetrain / frame is not expensive but does take quite a bit of fabrication and time.
I have a great deal of respect for those who take them back to factory original... but there are pros and cons to both.
As mentioned already: finding and aquiring a Marmon-Herrington 4x4 drivetrain, might be one of your greatest hurdles if you decide to go that way.
I'd recommend plenty of research and then make the right decision that best fits your desire. There are plenty of great people on the FTE site that have gone through everything you'll have to tackle no matter which way you go.
NOTE: I see the remains of what looks like sun visor mounts on your rain gutters and center of your roof right above the windshield... The center bracket could be worth a couple hundred bucks to the right person... I'd suggest not trashing that...
One of the biggest problems with frame swaps is the narrow width of the older trucks compared to anything newer and the rear frame kick up on newer . I the case of building a 4x4 it's far less crucial and the larger fender opening will work in your favor also .That being said there will be no bolt on options and many challenges . If I were attempting this I would first find a donor with the right wheelbase to eliminate any major frame work and then start measuring every thing you can get to and then remeasure everything again . Most importantly you need to decide what you are going to use this truck for ; weekend town trips , lifted , large tires , daily driver , parades only , serious off roading ? This to me has a great bearing on what donor vehicles should qualify . Good luck and keep us updated . Did we mention we like pics ?
Hey, thanks! I didn't realize those mounts were even anything, to be honest. The answer to your question is yes and no. I would at least like to keep an original V8, but it is not a necessity. I just want the body with the 8ft bed and if I can, any kind of V8.
Is it your intent to keep the truck as original as possible... (flathead V8, original brakes, etc.?)
If not, getting a 90's or 2000's era drivetrain / frame is not expensive but does take quite a bit of fabrication and time.
I have a great deal of respect for those who take them back to factory original... but there are pros and cons to both.
As mentioned already: finding and aquiring a Marmon-Herrington 4x4 drivetrain, might be one of your greatest hurdles if you decide to go that way.
I'd recommend plenty of research and then make the right decision that best fits your desire. There are plenty of great people on the FTE site that have gone through everything you'll have to tackle no matter which way you go.
NOTE: I see the remains of what looks like sun visor mounts on your rain gutters and center of your roof right above the windshield... The center bracket could be worth a couple hundred bucks to the right person... I'd suggest not trashing that...
Hey, thanks! I didn't realize those mounts were even anything, to be honest. The answer to your question is yes and no. I would at least like to keep an original V8, but it is not a necessity. I just want the body with the 8ft bed and if I can, any kind of V8.
I used my original frame but replaced the entire drivetrain. My COE "resto-mod" required a ton of fabrication... actually maybe 2 tons...
Note that mine will be 2wd ... I used a crown vic front suspension / morphed that into my existing frame -- This would not be a good option for you because my F5 is about 9" wider than your F2 and the crown vic aluminum subframe will be too wide for you.
You could use your frame and make loads of modifications to install all new drivetrain... not easy but doable.
Probably would be a lot easier to find a 2000's Ford Ranger 4x4 (or similar) that's been rolled over at www.copart.com (nationwide insurance auction for all totaled vehicles -- they sell about 3000 vehicles a week across the country) I bought my (wrecked 2011) donor with 40,858 miles for $125 plus auction fee.
so there are a lot of options.
find the one that's right for you.
Looking forward to see what you decide and your progress through the project.
C
Over the last few days, I cleaned out the 40+ years of; grass, raspberry brush, mosh, ad dirt out of my bed. Found that someone at one time patched the floor of the bed. Not really much of an update, just thought I would share!
there is a fella on this site that converted a half ton to 4wd. I think he used a scout front end. It looked really nicely done. Another fella converted a 53-56 F350 to 4wd. Also nicely done. Hopefully one or both will pipe up.
I'm a little late, but welcome! I'm from Langlade County and get out your way a few times a year. Canoeing the Flambeau River is one of the attractions that brings me to Price County.
Good luck with your project. Forty years is a long time for a vehicle to be abandoned out in the elements. It's going to be quite a project to bring it back. It can be done though. My truck was last driven in 1967 and was left outside unprotected until 2012. Does your truck have a family connection?
I'm a little late, but welcome! I'm from Langlade County and get out your way a few times a year. Canoeing the Flambeau River is one of the attractions that brings me to Price County.
Good luck with your project. Forty years is a long time for a vehicle to be abandoned out in the elements. It's going to be quite a project to bring it back. It can be done though. My truck was last driven in 1967 and was left outside unprotected until 2012. Does your truck have a family connection?
Jim
UPDATEUPDATE Due to COVID-19, like most thingstthings, project has been kinda put on a back burner. It will be started back up soon. This truck does not have a family connection. Just a truck that sat out in a neighbor's yard. I appreciate the feed back and plan on reviving this thread.
