what all would have to be changed in order to convert a 4x2 to a 4x4? and how much time would it take? instead of buying another truck to swap parts is there a kit that would do this? I want to do this but my dad is too lazy to help me, and was wondering, for the most part, if it could be a 1 man job.

87 f150 long bed 302 AOD

 

one man job? yes. but much easier with two.
kit? not that i am aware of, but i never looked for one.
what needs change? a lot. front suspension , trans , 4X4 shifter, probably drive shaft, and other miscellaneous parts.

 

Depends on how you want to go about it and what your skills and equipment availability consist of.. Do you weld and fabricate? If so you can find a front axle and suspension system and engineer it into place, and probably have to change gear sets in one or the other front and rear so they match. Means you need to be proficient setting up a gear and pinion which is no task for even a skilled DIYer.

if all this is foreign to you, I would suggest finding a four wheel drive truck either to rob the components from or build your truck starting from there. No kit to my knowledge and if there is it will probably require the skills and equipment availability I described.

Hope this helps.
Doc