Ok, here's the situation.

I've got a 1986 F-150 with a 300 and C6. The thing is 2wd with an open diff, so you can imagine that sticking it isn't hard at all. So, obviously I'm thinking it'd be cool to convert it to 4wd. I'm not one of the rock-crawler or mud bogger types, I'd just like to be able to get back into some hunting spots that have been impossible to get to with 2wd.

While I know it'd be easier to just buy a 4wd truck, there are 2 reasons to not do this...

1. I bought the truck as my first truck when I was 16 from my grandfather who is now deceased, so there's a lot of sentimental attachment to it (I'm not selling this truck.) but with bad gas mileage, I'm not going to drive it to work every day (I have a 1998 Ranger for that). So, this truck is gonna be a weekend toy anyway. Since it's taking up garage space, might as well make it my hunting truck too.

2. I've had enough fun with the Twin I-beam suspension setup (eats tires like they're going out of style), and I'm pretty sure the TTB front axle is no better (it has that reputation). Since I'm a simple guy, I'd like to put a solid front axle under there. Because there's no F-150 with a solid front axle stock from 1980 up, I'm thinking this will involve more than "bolt up"...I'm ok with that. In the tech articles section, there's two articles that describe switching from 2wd to TTB, and from TTB to SFA. Combine the two and I should be OK.

So my question is: Are there any considerations that must be given to the 80-86 F-150's for the solid axle conversion (the article uses a '95, anything different?) And what axles will fit closely (besides the '78 front axle from the article). I'd like to know what donor trucks I can choose from.

Thanks in advance

Ryan

 

Have you thought about installing a locker or aftermarket LS unit in the rear? They will make a drastic improvement in your traction.

A 2wd with a locker still isn't as good as a 4x4 with two open diffs, but it's a LOT less work.

 

Agreed, I'd probably put some type of locker in the rear anyway (at least, probably not going to mess with it in the front).

As far as the amount of work/expense, that's not really a major issue. This isn't something that I'm going to have to get done in a weekend, so I'll have quite a bit of time to pick around for parts and piddle with it.

Thanks for the suggestion though, a locker might be a good idea in the meantime until a 4wd conversion is possible.

 

I saw a write up somewhere (I think it was on this board) where a guy replaced his TTB with a solid front axle from a late 70's Ford 4x4. The spring perches were in the right spot to practicaly bold it up. I didnt read it, just sorta skimmed it. I also recal seeing a link to a company who builds kits to do the swap. If I remember right it was in the $2k range not including the new axle.

You'd be supprised what a 2wd with a locker can do. All of my previouse 4x4's but one have had rear lockers. I dont do any xtream stuff either, just mossie around ranches, hunting leases, and hidden fishing spots and have only HAD to use my 4wd 3 times. The rest of the time that locker would work wonders with the truck in 2wd.

If you were wanting a rear locker anyways, make that your first move and see how well it does for you. Then if you still want/need to do the conversion you can. It might end up saving you a lot of time, effort, money, blood, sweat, and curse words.

 

Well...after going to the "Off-Road" forum, I found the information I needed, so sorry for not checking there first.

But, thanks for the advice on the locker.

Ryan