2wd-4wd conversion

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Jun 10, 2004 | 09:00 PM

scottie2hottie

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From: Honkytonkville

2wd-4wd conversion

I have 2 trucks- a '76 F150 reg cab long box 460 c6 2wd & '79 F350 reg cab long box 351 c6 4wd. I was wondering about how difficult a swap it would be to take the 4wd from the 79 and put it on the 76. This swap would probably include the entire suspension from the 79 onto the 76. Just wanting any advice or hints before I dig into it

Jun 10, 2004 | 09:07 PM

ramboss429

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From: South Dakota

I am converting from a '75 F-250 4x4 to a '67 F-100 shortbox right now. Just started tonight. If I was you I would do what I am doing. Take the bodies off both trucks and swap them around. I'll let ya know how tough it is. I'm gonna try to get my '67 body on the '75 before monday.

Jun 10, 2004 | 09:07 PM

hillbillyk

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From: Elkton, MD

if the 79 is 4x4, just strip the body off and put on the 76 2wd body, should be a bolt on, wiring and minor details will cause problems, but just swaping the body should be pretty easy.

Jun 10, 2004 | 09:27 PM

scottie2hottie

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From: Honkytonkville

The 79 has rear damage on the bed that looked to have bent the frame- didn't look really close to be honest b/c the truck still sits right.

Jun 10, 2004 | 09:49 PM

ramboss429

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From: South Dakota

I'd check to see if the frame on the '79 was straight. If it wasn't you would have to swap over the suspension, crossmembers for tranny/transfer case, etc etc. It is possible but I wouldn't want to do it!

Jun 10, 2004 | 11:35 PM

rhodie

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From: RI

Try taking the bed off to get a good look at the frame. You have to remove it anyway to do the body swap, and it will make it easier to get at the suspension if you decide to go the other route. With the bed off you can probably see how bad the frame is (and easier to make measurements), to see if it's usable. With the bed off my 84 (rear-ended by drunk), I could see more warp in the frame rails than I thought was there. Maybe yours won't be a lost cause....

Good luck with the swap! (I'm gearing up for same thing, but on the 80's, it's going to be easier.)