4x4 Swap
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Joined: May 2006
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4x4 Swap
I have a 1985 f-150 that is only 2 wheel drive but it runs. I also have a 1985 f-150 that is 4x4 that is in a lot worse shape than the 2 wheel drive. 4x4 still works. I was thinking about dropping that 4x4 in the 2 wheel drive truck. Are the frames the same?I know I would have to swap the transfer case and the front end but what else?Or does this just not seem like a good idea. Tips and Comments on this idea please.
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I have changed out tranny's, transfer cases, and front ends before so I know how to do that more than the body itself. I have a lift in my garage and every tool neccesary to swap stuff out. I did it on a buddy's truck. But all I need to know is if the frames are the same. I don't want to go buy the 4x4 truck from my friend and waste 200$ when the frame is different.
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2004
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From: Billings Montana
The frame should be the same between the two wheel drive and 4x4 frame, but as 83 said, it might be easier to swap the 2 wheel drive body to the 4x4 frame. The worst part of doing a swap like that is trying to lift the cab and bed onto the frame, but if you have a lift in your garage, it's going to be a lot easier.
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Joined: May 2004
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From: Edwards Air Force Base
The frames are the same. I did the swap from an 85 bronco 4x4 into my 2WD 86 F-150 and it was a snap with all the work done in one weekend.
I posted all about it here somewhere so you should be able to just find my old post with a search.
Worst part is grinding all the rivots that hold stuff together since the 4x4 leaf springs are wider than the 2WD leafs thus you must grind off the spring brackets and replace the rivets with grade 8 bolts. If the 4x4 has dual front shocks, you will want to grind those rivets off also to get rid of the 2 shock setup and upgrade.
You will have to make sure you swap the tranny support bracket as the 4x4 one dips downa bit farther than the 2WD one to give you clearance for the transfer case and front drive shaft.
Like I said, it only takes a weekend. While you have it apart, I would replace most of the suspension parts. all my new arms, tie rods etc were much tighter than both the old sets.
FWIW - All 80-96 are swapable as long as you only swap F150 and Broncos among themselves and then F250s-350s with themselves. You just cant use anything pre-1980, post 1996 or swap between F-150 and F250/350.
When you go t cut the hole for the transfer case shifter in the cab floor, it should be easy to do since you will be happy to discover that there is already molding to show where to cut once you lift the carpet up. A few nutplates and a nibbler and it is only about 5 minutes to get a perfect cut.
I think there are a few pictures in my gallery of when I was doing my swap.
Good Luck,
Lee
I posted all about it here somewhere so you should be able to just find my old post with a search.
Worst part is grinding all the rivots that hold stuff together since the 4x4 leaf springs are wider than the 2WD leafs thus you must grind off the spring brackets and replace the rivets with grade 8 bolts. If the 4x4 has dual front shocks, you will want to grind those rivets off also to get rid of the 2 shock setup and upgrade.
You will have to make sure you swap the tranny support bracket as the 4x4 one dips downa bit farther than the 2WD one to give you clearance for the transfer case and front drive shaft.
Like I said, it only takes a weekend. While you have it apart, I would replace most of the suspension parts. all my new arms, tie rods etc were much tighter than both the old sets.
FWIW - All 80-96 are swapable as long as you only swap F150 and Broncos among themselves and then F250s-350s with themselves. You just cant use anything pre-1980, post 1996 or swap between F-150 and F250/350.
When you go t cut the hole for the transfer case shifter in the cab floor, it should be easy to do since you will be happy to discover that there is already molding to show where to cut once you lift the carpet up. A few nutplates and a nibbler and it is only about 5 minutes to get a perfect cut.
I think there are a few pictures in my gallery of when I was doing my swap.
Good Luck,
Lee
