2wd to 4wd conversion tips?
Thread Starter
|
3rd Gear
Joined: Nov 2022
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
2wd to 4wd conversion tips?
Please don't respond with buy a 4wd or do a frame swap. This is for a numbers-matching heirloom truck that belonged to my great grandfather that I inherited earlier this year. I am just about done with the first stage of the restoration and have been tossing around the idea of converting it to a 4wd as a project next summer. I have access to a divorced NP205 transfer case for the T18 and have a friend who has offered me to take whatever I need from a 4wd 250 so was hoping to grab front axle and both driveshafts. I am not concerned with the ability to do this swap as the friend offering the 250 parts is an old-timer who has been an invaluable help so far in the restoration and agrees it is very much possible, just a lot of work.
What I am asking, however, is if there are any tips on anything at all on approaching this behemoth of a project? Anyone here actually gone about doing this while keeping the existing frame?
What I am asking, however, is if there are any tips on anything at all on approaching this behemoth of a project? Anyone here actually gone about doing this while keeping the existing frame?
Mountain Pass
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 172
Likes: 11
From: Dysart, Iowa
You'll have to remove every crossmember and spring mounts ahead of the transmission. On both rigs... I'm an old timer also. How about cut both frames under cab and graft 4wd frame to yours? I've done a few semi truck cut offs with great success.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 1,223
Likes: 119
It will take fabrication but if you are up for that it possible. Steering will probably be the hardest part. What year 4x4 donor? I don't think there are disk conversations for the older drum front axles if that matters.
Tuned
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 401
Likes: 60
From: Winston-Salem, NC
Silly question, what's the point of going through all that work to keep it "numbers matching" frame when obviously it's not going to be an heirloom truck as far as collectors see it. You make a powertrain change that doesn't match the numbers, then....it's not really matching the original build anymore which is the whole point of "numbers matching". DMV doesn't care as long as the VIN matches the title you register. If you're going that far, just cut out the small VIN on the existing frame and make a nice welded graft of just that. Jus sayin.
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,009
Likes: 250
From: North Pole, Alaska
Uh, you say you have a 4wd F-250 available to pull parts from? Why not take the rolling chassis and transplant your pristine body on to it? Much, much easier to do that than to cobble together a 4wd from a 2wd frame. You do know that they are two different frames. Can you weld and fabricate? Numbers matching is a Chimmy thing. Ford part numbers transcend across many different years.
More Turbo
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 683
Likes: 204
From: Pasco WA
If you haven't seen Justin's build yet, here is a link to it. He's done a fantastic job on his truck.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...onversion.html
Good luck!
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...onversion.html
Good luck!
Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2,470
Likes: 535
From: Chandler, AZ
Thanks FoPar. As I take it apart to pull drivetrain I give myself a B+ on the build.
@masonpeterg , What is you goal for the truck? This will guide what/how/$$/time.
-Resto mod to drive and enjoy (better brakes, steering, ride, handling, comfort...)
-Stock looking highboy period correct parts
-Cheap and easy as possible
-something else, or combo
I used the 2wd frame as I wanted to run a linked front suspension, and it is a better starting point for that. Leaf springs can be adapted. The front sump pan and engine cross member hang very low and unless it has a ton of lift you will need to modify or cut out and fab your own. You will have to design and build a steering system no mater what route you take. suggest 80-96 box, crossover style.
One path is to keep 2wd frame and swap in a D44 from a F150 and install 8 lug D44 disc outers from a F250. Use F150 radius arms and existing coil buckets.
@masonpeterg , What is you goal for the truck? This will guide what/how/$$/time.
-Resto mod to drive and enjoy (better brakes, steering, ride, handling, comfort...)
-Stock looking highboy period correct parts
-Cheap and easy as possible
-something else, or combo
I used the 2wd frame as I wanted to run a linked front suspension, and it is a better starting point for that. Leaf springs can be adapted. The front sump pan and engine cross member hang very low and unless it has a ton of lift you will need to modify or cut out and fab your own. You will have to design and build a steering system no mater what route you take. suggest 80-96 box, crossover style.
One path is to keep 2wd frame and swap in a D44 from a F150 and install 8 lug D44 disc outers from a F250. Use F150 radius arms and existing coil buckets.
Trending Topics
Tuned
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 476
Likes: 91
From: Owen Sound Ontario
If I am not mistaken the highboy frame that you will be pulling your front axle from will be narrower than the 2wd frame. The spring perck is cast into the center pumpkin on that front axle. I am not sure that your frame will be wide enough to get completely off of that cast spring perch on the drivers side. Beyond that you will need all three driveshafts and you will have to fabricate a stout crossmember to mount the 205 and as others have said you will need to build from scratch the steering setup. Sounds like a fun project if you are up for it. Not a process you will want to rush, I've rushed front end stuff and was disappointed in the end.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalytic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Gear619
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
16
Dec 17, 2013 03:51 PM
ChaseTruck754
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
51
Apr 16, 2008 06:48 PM
68Mercury250Ranger
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
15
Jul 2, 2006 02:24 PM