Yeah, it's late and I'm thinking kinda wacky right now, but has anyone attempted or investigated converting a F150 4x2 into a 4x4? I have a 1990 4x2 with the 351/E4OD combination, so I guess I'd need a transfer case, front axle/driveshaft & front suspension and rear (shorter?) driveshaft. If it is possible, I'd like to keep as much of the original stuff as I can, just so I wouldn't need to buy so much stuff from the "auto recycler". Which is better, a solid front axle, or the IFS? I'd assume that the solid axle is probably more reliable and easier to align, etc. than the IFS, but is the solid axle leaf spring or coil?
Any experiences/advice would be appreciated!!

Chuck

 

Im working on doing this to an 88 F150. You need to have the tailshaft in your tranny swapped, or get a new tranny of a 4x4, and then the 4x4 tailhousing for the tranny so the tcase can bolt up. I called the dealer and found that my truck uses the same frame as the 4x4 version, which makes things a bit easier. You might want to check on that. Solid axle is definatly better. Im going with the IFS because I cant afford to go solid just yet. If you do go solid, definatly go coil springs. Make sure your front and rear axles have the same gear ratio in them. Just do your homework and be sure you want to do it, and it is possible.
Good Luck

 

I don't know much about how to swap in a transfer case and another axle but I know that a solid axle is better off road because it is more durable. IFS is better and more comfortable on road. Solid axle can be coil or leaf spring.

 

I know a guy who did it on an 84 f150
you have to also get blocks from a 4x4 for the rear axle, they are about a 2inch lift....
well you dont have to but to make it look like a 4x4.
Solid axles arn't the way to go on it....do you ever see independant axles bent from offroading
the ford is the best independant axle...

 

Ok a little dispute on the straight axle and the IFS. The IFS will give you a better and smother ride on the road and is better if you are not a serious 4WD nut. If you wish to use the 4WD for some play and light 4 x 4 it will be better. But the area were the ball joints are is weak and WILL bend if hit hard. The straight axle is stronger but more work to install in a truck that came with IFS. The 4wd conversion should be very easy if you have a doner truck. Though in order to complete the conversion you will have to change the trans or get a different output shaft installed. You will also need all of the linkage and the driveshafts. You will need the ibeam bracets that are ribitted to the frame. You can reinstall using grade 8 bolts with lock tight. Since the frame is the same and so is the gear box the change over is not too difficult. Though you will also need the steering tie rods, Drag link and the pitman arm. Because the 4WD sits up a little higher, you will need the rear spacers and the ubolts to level the truck out. As stated in the earlier post

Good luck

Dave

<a href="http://members.aol.com/deleontow/auto/index.htm">http://members.aol.com/deleontow/auto/index.htm</a>

 

thanks for all of the advice.. i would like to go with the solid axle, but I'll probably end up getting whichever I find first with everything still there! btw.. there's a pretty good couple of articles in the april 4x4/offroad mag. on transfer cases and axles, if anyone's interested.

thanks again for the tips!
Chuck

 

Does anyone have any links or anything where I can find more general information on this topic? Thanks.

 

Chuck,
I don't know how it would work if you're far away, but I have a complete 1990 F150 4x4 chasis and its for sale. Everything is good except for the trasmission which needs work.