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May 7, 2024 | 08:28 AM

Willzale

Thread Starter

5th Wheeling

Joined: Feb 2024

Posts: 25

Likes: 4

Your Opinion

Ok, I need your guy's opinion, I have an 89 F-150 with the 351w and a C6. its only 2wd. I want a 4wd. my truck has no rust and no mechanical problems. however, the front frame is all bugged up. (broke at steering box). it has been welded but is still bent. should I sell my truck and then try to find and buy a 4x4 with the same motor and exc? or try to swap the truck to be 4x4? price being the main problem.

May 7, 2024 | 09:05 AM

jas88

Lead Driver

Joined: Feb 2002

Posts: 7,952

Likes: 589

From: Greater Austin, Texas

Going to 4x4 is an all bolt-up proposition, I've done 3 of them. However, given the frame problems, it doesn't seem to be worth it in this case.

May 7, 2024 | 12:49 PM

Conanski

FTE Legend

Joined: Jun 2006

Posts: 31,930

Likes: 1,499

From: Ottawa, Ontario

If you can find a 4x4 truck with the same wheelbase you could swap your body onto that rolling frame.

May 7, 2024 | 01:15 PM

Mikulh

Laughing Gas

Joined: Dec 2005

Posts: 904

Likes: 115

From: Laurel, MS

That's what I was thinking too... Or if you can find a 4x4 truck that needs an engine, and you could swap your engine into it.

May 7, 2024 | 02:19 PM

Jim_K

More Turbo

Joined: Sep 2012

Posts: 739

Likes: 256

From: Zimmerman, MN

Quote:

Originally Posted by Willzale

Maybe think of this like a house: It's only as good as it's foundation.

May 7, 2024 | 07:00 PM

Mudsport96

Logistics Pro

Joined: Aug 2010

Posts: 3,716

Likes: 583

From: Chillicothe

I've done multiple 4x4 conversions on these truck. Easy peesy. But, if you have frame issues, get a different truck to swap. No point in starting with a busted foundation as stayed above.

May 7, 2024 | 07:46 PM

OBSession05

Laughing Gas

Joined: Jul 2023

Posts: 991

Likes: 317

Another vote on getting another truck. Once the frame is messed up like that there's a good chance it will never be perfect again.

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May 8, 2024 | 08:46 AM

OBSession05

Laughing Gas

Joined: Jul 2023

Posts: 991

Likes: 317

The farther south the better. There tends to be more rust free trucks down there but I wouldn't recommend buying something from up north unless it's in REALLY good condition and the frame and body are good.