Your Opinion

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

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: 7,966

Likes: 595

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: 3,717

Likes: 585

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.

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Joe Kucinski

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Brett Foote

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

Pouria Savadkouei

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Brett Foote

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Joe Kucinski

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Michael S. Palmer

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic 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

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.