I have two questions. One, has or does anyone know any info on swapping a solid axle like one from a 78 F150 onto say a 90 F150? Second I own a 94 lightning and need info on weather or not I can add a transfercase to that tranny or do I need to get a whole different trany. I am going to try and turn my lightning into a 4x4 and want to use a solid axle front. Any info greatly appreicated
Jason

 

I think the lightnings came with a T-5 tranny, but I could be wrong. I think that you would have to find the short version with the transfer case mount style back (just look for a 4x4 manual F-150 SWB w/351W). I think on all 2WD T-5's there was a longer tapered tailhousing that contained the driveline slide joint. As far as the mods go, I personnaly wouldn't change a beautiful lightning into a 4x4, but hey its your truck.. I think that you will experience some difficulties in the process, but it can be done. The solid axle is a worthy idea. I have not ever seen it done, but I would rather have that than a TTB if I could. You will have to replace most all of your front end anyway, so going all the way to solid axle probably won't cost you any more than the TTB-IFS parts. I don't know if all of the parts would line up, but a same-year F-350 4x4 would have a solid axle. Maybe the spring mounts and steering would work. If it does you would probably want to go with softer springs, they would be leaves of course, but that can be good for off-road axle articulation. You will need to find yourself a good drive-shaft manufacturer too, and don't forget that some of the little things may need investigating (like cab mount bushings, floor pan, electronics, dash lights, etc.). With a 351HO you will have an awfully fast 4wd.

 

The TTB is a direct bolt in, with the most work being finding the parts. The only problems are that you may have two different bolt patterns, and bolting up a transfer case may not be easy either.
Once I get the parts lined up, I'm going to convert my 82.
Evan MacDonald