I am trying to get an idea as to what sort of parts I would need to change.
My truck is a 2003 f-150 supercab XLT FX2.

Its my understanding that I can pull parts off a salvage truck, such as the front axel, front drive shaft, main drive shaft, and transfer case.
Does the FX2 have the same ECM and main wiring harness as the FX4? If that is the case. It may only need an ECM update to control the AWD components.

I would appreciate the knowledge and advice of those with more experience than myself.

 

If you want a four wheel drive truck then sell your truck and buy a four wheel drive truck.

Doing a conversion is not a good idea unless you have a donor truck or two, a shop to work in for an extended period of time, lots of disposable money, and way too much time on your hands. And in the end it will cost way more than it's worth.

 

Surely, you understand the sentiment of loving your truck? If I sell it and buy another one, its not my truck, it s a different truck. Right now I am just investigating to find out what it would take to get done. Perhaps once I have completed this investigation, I may decide to sell mine and get a new one, but right now, I am just looking to get my questions answered. Thanks for responding.

 

i would agree with formerjeepguy .......... nobody can tell you exactly what it will cost... depends on where you get the parts... This is not a 1970 model that you just shove the lever into 4 x 4 and go.............. New setup is "shift on the fly".... computer monitors engine speed, ground speed, lots of inputs... I would doubt your ECM and others have all the needed "STUFF" to do this. Who is going to "reprogram" as you said...... Like he mentioned, if you had a doner truck and took ALL the equipment off it, that would be a start... but very time consuming.

 

Time Consuming, yes. And I have access to salvage yards so obtaining parts is not the problem. Its for me top decide if this is worth my time and effort, which is why I am just trying to get my original questions answered. I have no ceoubt the ECM is physically the same but I am sure I can geQuick Replyt someone to flash it. I just need to know if the wiring harness is the same. I wonder if there's someone on here that has done all this.

 

Where are you going to cram all that stuff though? There are differences in a 4WD frame that allow a transfer case, among other things, to fit there. It’s not like the old Bronco 2 where you just drop the dummy transfer case and pop in the real t-case, front axle and front driveshaft and go to town.

Honestly, I get sentiment. I’ve had my ‘03 for 13 years and a week now. But, I’m not getting a cutting torch out on frame crossmembers and welding new crossmembers in place. I actually pulled the intake (4.2L) last night because I’ve got a second round of isolator bolts (the grommets are rotten) and gaskets to do now at 276,000 miles. That’s as far as I’m going with that truck. Just get a factory made 4x4 and rough that up when you feel like it.

The 97-98(?) Expedition and Navigator had AWD transfer cases and the Limited F-150 in the 04-08 body did as well. Quite frankly, I’m sure there is a lot of computer module type stuff that goes into making that stuff work and if you want to transplant that stuff into your truck, find some wiring schematics, start splicing, take notes and let us know how it works out.

 

All-wheel drive is not the same as 4wd.
The words suggest they are but the two kinds of systems work very different.
Study the 04 and later 4wd /AWD systems vs the 03 and earlier and see there are at least 3 or more systems.
You need to know all this before even beginning as well as the differences in the suspension hardware involved for the parts you choose vs fitting to your truck.
All the differences does not mean simple substitutions and bolt on.
First major hint is AWD requires all four wheels to drive 'independently' and how this is accomplished in the various systems configurations.
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Just for perspective, I have a 2018 with 4H and 4L shift on the fly but the system is totally different from either of the early systems.
There is an option of AWD for 2018 but my truck does not have it.
To boot, my rear is a Locker instead of a clutch type traction loc. That means the rear runs in open until it's locked separately from the dash.
This type cannot be run anywhere on hard pavement except straight ahead or on a loose surface. Then add front lock yet and everything become quite straight forward.
I wish it did not work that way but the option point from the mfg er is to compete in the off-road market with other makes, under rock crawling type terrain.
It's market driven these days to sell trucks.
This system is given the ability of automatic traction control when switched in for a different purpose, and means. Those who have used a Farm tractor and needed more traction put separate braking on the spinning wheel to make the other pull; Traction loc works the same but under automatic control. Does it wear rear pads a bit more, yes it does. No different than internal discs on a Traction Loc rear.
Pads are cheap compared to pulling a Rear apart to replace Two disc pack stacks.
I expanded on this to offer a bigger picture for those who are interested.
Otherwise, it's a hell of a truck at 395 Hp, 400 Lb/Ft of Torque 5L DOHC and fully controllable 10 speed Trans in a lighter truck than my 02. Translated means a pretty fast rig that can use traction control when pushed by the foot. It really shows on a wet road incline from a stop sign or light.


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Step 1 start with a rolling 4x4 chassis, its easier to do a body swap.