Converting from 2wd to 4wd

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Jan 16, 2002 | 11:41 AM

ackusackus

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Converting from 2wd to 4wd

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 16-Jan-02 AT 12:53 PM (EST)]Is it possible to turn a 2wd into a 4wd? If so, can any body tell me what I have to do, and what parts I will have to get? I have an extended cab with a 460 and auto tranny. I realize at very least I would be completely pulling off the front suspension, and I have to get the transfer case in there some how, plus prolly put a hole in the floor for the shifter....it is otherwise a "bolt up" operation?

One other thing....it appears I do not have a "POSI" rear end....what is involved in changing that?

thanks in advance,

ackus

Jan 16, 2002 | 11:45 AM

Mil1ion

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Converting from 2wd to 4wd

With all the Money in the world,Anything is possible.
Personally, I think it is a waste of money.
Why not just find a 4x4 and fix it up?

Also, "POSI" is a GM term as it applies to GM's.

Ford is "Limited Slip"
Maybe even, Traction Lock.

Dennis

Oh....Please Don't Ask Me Any Tough Questions As:
"I'm Saving Up MY Memory For When I Develop Alzheimer's"

78 F-150 429CJ C6 ,Silver w/Explorer Pkge
641/2 Mustang,Pre-World's Fair Car #8092
64 Fairlane S/C waiting for a 390-4spd.
68-Mustang.Sunlit Gold 80,000 miles

Jan 16, 2002 | 11:47 AM

dfisher1

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From: Gainesville, FL

Converting from 2wd to 4wd

Ack,
The best way to convert a 2WD to a 4WD:
1. Open Hood.
2. Remove Radiator Cap
3. Back 2WD out of way.
4. Pull 4WD up and replace cap.
Seriously, go buy a 4WD. What's wrong with having two Ford trucks?
The Highway is my way.
KingFisher

Jan 16, 2002 | 11:51 AM

ackusackus

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Converting from 2wd to 4wd

ooops...well, POSI is stuck in my head cause Firebirds are my favorite old muscle car..... Any way, where I live, finding a 4wd extended cab is damn near impossible....finding a 2wd is pretty doggone hard (at least one in decent shape). MY neighbor had the truck I have now, so I know its history...and I am about to be moving up near the Canadian border, so I need to get this a little more snow friendly.

Jan 16, 2002 | 01:45 PM

martinb

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Converting from 2wd to 4wd

Four Wheel and Off Road did a series of articles on the '77 Autofab desert racer that was converted to 4wd using a Dana44 straight axel. I'm not sure of the particular issues but the articles wern't really a how to do it type. The 2wd frame has a crossmember which runs down and under the engine, which is not present on the 4wd. The way they got around this is to add a pretty high lift (6" maybe) and notching and reinforcing the crossmember. Another interesting note is that they used a divorced NP205 so there were no modifications to the engine or transmission. They used a GM front axel (pumpkin on the right) but retained coil sprung suspension, I'm not sure how this worked. You might want to look at the autofab web site to see if any information exists there.

Jan 16, 2002 | 02:59 PM

Mil1ion

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Converting from 2wd to 4wd

Canadian Border Huh?
Why not just come to Calgary and buy your 4x4 .
Canadian Money Would be an even greater Deal for you.
We have lots of 4x$'s up here.
Take your pick.

Dennis

Oh....Please Don't Ask Me Any Tough Questions As:
"I'm Saving Up MY Memory For When I Develop Alzheimer's"

78 F-150 429CJ C6 ,Silver w/Explorer Pkge
641/2 Mustang,Pre-World's Fair Car #8092
64 Fairlane S/C waiting for a 390-4spd.
68-Mustang.Sunlit Gold 80,000 miles

Jan 16, 2002 | 05:17 PM

dinosaurfan

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From: SW Michigan

Converting from 2wd to 4wd

Ackus, of course you can. If you have a truck you like it may be easier than trying to find a similar truck that already has 4wd. But we already know that finding a nice supercab 4wd is impossible so.......this is only slightly easier. Can you weld ? Can you cut with a plasma torch ? Having some fabrication skills would be helpful. You probably need to visit Steve from Nova Scotia. He converted his E350 diesel van to four wheel drive. He has a web page that tells everything he did. Your job will be less hassle than his van, cause pickup truck parts are more findable. He really is the 'Best' man for you to talk to. Find him at http://www.glinx.com/~sbest/ DF