I have a 1971 F100 shorty 2wd. It already is updated to 79 F150 front PS and disc brakes. I have a 1978 Bronco parts truck ready to sacrifice and want to know if anybody here has ever converted a 2wd half ton frame over to 4wd. Frame boxing, steering in front of crossmember, track bar mounting, which coil buckets to use. This truck will be a 3.9 cummins w/ZF 5spd and a 205 case if I can get the steering in front. I may even do steering move first and 4wd later?
Thanks in advance for your input!

 

2wd frame conversion to 4wd frame will require lots of parts and lots of work.
Better off starting off with a 4wd frame and upgrade that 4wd frame.

 

Most people on this forum figure the cost and time to do this is prohibitve.

It is felt by many if you want a 4x4...just buy a 4x4

 

2wd and 4wd frames in those years werent the same--so use the ones suggestion--get a 4x4 frame--and then build it--but remember--theres serials numbers stamped on those frames--the DOT may want to know--and your ins co also--been there--

 

Thanks for the "find a 4wd frame and use that " , that may be fine if you have unlimited resources and time but in the year I've been a member here I have only seen 2 67-72 F100 shorty 4x4s for sale and they were both in AZ and way too much money to use as a build up! The only option I can think of is to shorten an old "Highboy" frame down to 115" and put 77-79 supercab 150 4x4 axles under it. The main info I was looking for was anyone moving the steering in front of the axle instead of behind like a stock 65-79 twin Ibeam half ton. That would be great help if someone has.
Thanks again

 

I had this discussion a while back about my 79. i'm in the same situation, i don't have the money or resources to buy a whole other truck and work fromthere. There are a few people that have done this conversion. MY mecahnic and i are working on it now with mine, first we're putting in a 90 AOD w/ Transfer case. Then we're going to get the strait axle mounted with some custom made radius arms/mounts and larger coilsprings/shocks. Then the steering is all that is left.

 

Hey, I got your e-mail, but my account was acting funny, so I couldn't reply. It is just as easy to post here. I have been pretty busy with school, so haven't been to ford-trucks.com lately Anyway, I can give you a rundown on what I did, and what I think will work.

First, you already have a bronco front, so you are set as far as parts. I ended up using an entire F-150 frame and front end when it was said and done. However, it appeared that the framerails are the same, just different crossmembers welded in. I hope you can weld.

What I would do if I were you is to take careful measurements from the front cab body mount and see where the stuff goes. I ended up using the F-150 4wd coil buckets and track bar, and the steering box. I saw pics of a truck that they carefully cut out the 2wd engine crossmember and slid in the 4wd one from a parts truck. You could do that, or just notch and reinforce the the 2wd one to clear the front diff.

As far as the steering box, if you keep the 2wd crossmember, you will need to box and sleeve the frame where it goes. I would really study the bronco frame and try and make something of a replica if I were you.

Finally, thanks for the compliment! It has taken me lots of time and rustoleum to get it where it is today. If you have anymore questions, feel free to ask!

 

Terran, in response to your PM, I used an F150 frame. At the time it seemed the easiest. Really, the options are unlimited. You could fabricate one, or notch the 2wd one. You will most likely need a lift to clear the crossmember, even notched.

 

How hard is a frame swap?

 

What i mean, is that i'd really like to convert my truck to 4x4 before the winter, because it's a cheaper alternative to buying a new truck, and i'm already getting a new tranny in it next week. I ordered a tranny with a T-case just in case i decide to use the current frame. I'm not going to be doing any serious off-roading, i'm just using it for snow and dirt roads. So would i be able to get away with a light lift and cross member clearencing?

 

Do you already have most of all the 4x4 parts? I would suggest just doing what you said, making your current frame a 4wd. A frame swap isn't hard, but most likely you will find lots of issues, such as busted body mount bolts and stuff when you go to do the swap. Since your goal is a 4wd daily driver and not a project, I say use your current frame. You would have to measure, but I would think that if you cut the bent down sides of the crossmember (the front or back) and then sculpted a piece of 1/8" plate to make a new lip for reinforcement you would be fine. Then swap in the axle with the stock springs and see how close it is. A set of 2" springs from JCWhitney is $149, if I remember correctly. After this, though, I would install the front axle bumpstops lower too, just to make sure the axle won't hit the crossmember.

 

That makes me happy to hear, yeah, travel ain't a issue, snow and work sites are! i figure i'd get a 3" or so lift anyway.

 

Please post lots of pics of the swap. I like to see other's projects

 

Definantly, there's not enough detailed descriptions on this site. And this seems to be a very sought-after subject.

 

How about the F-250 2wd frame? I had a F-100 before, and my current F-250 frame does not seem to be any different. I wish I could do a side by side comparison. Will the F-150 stuff swap in the same way?