1995 F150 2wd conversion to 4wd

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Jun 25, 2007 | 08:43 PM

Straight 6 Kitch

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1995 F150 2wd conversion to 4wd

Hey guys,
I have a 2wd truck with the 300 straight 6 and a solid body. I've been wanting to convert it to 4wd, well for now get the front axle and suspension set up so i can drive it. My buddy has a 1977 F150 Ranger with the straight front axle, after taking measurements i found it would fit under my 95 after scrapping my IFS front end. When i put this new front end in i want to give it a mild lift (atleast give it the stance of an F350 of the same year) so i was debating hooking 95 F350 leaf springs up to the truck. After looking at the frame of my truck and my dad's 1997 F250 HD it doesnt look like the front leaf spring shackles would mount to the frame the same way. After seeing this I'm starting to wonder if it would be easier to hook the 1977 front axle and suspension parts to mine with bigger springs. The hard part about this is i need the truck to go from 2wd front end to 4wd front end in one day(It's my daily driver), I've got the money, I've got the friends to help, all I need is to know what parts I need and what path I should take(leaf springs or coil springs).

If anybody can help me with this it'd be greatly appreciated.

Jun 25, 2007 | 08:49 PM

Bruce R Leech

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From: Mulege south Baja ca. Mx.

it has been done many times and it is fairly straight forward. but by far the easiest way is to get a Donner truck about the same year and wheel base

Jun 25, 2007 | 08:51 PM

mikeyswood

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From: Cincinnati

If you have the front end from a 87-97 it will bolt right up. You will also want the rear springs and spring mounts as they are wider on the 4x4 package.

I have all of the front suspension parts that you need if you are near Cincinnati. Otherwise, get a parts truck and plan a weekend to do the swap. You will run into a LOT of rusted bolts. Budget some time to fight with those and run to the hardware store to replace them.

Good Luck,
Mike

Jun 25, 2007 | 08:57 PM

Straight 6 Kitch

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What is a Donner truck? and also would it be easier for me to bolt up front leaf springs or try to figure out the front end dimensions and where to mount the trac bar and raduis arms?

Jun 25, 2007 | 09:11 PM

lostin90s

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From: Central PA

Quote:

Originally Posted by Straight 6 Kitch

What is a Donner truck? and also would it be easier for me to bolt up front leaf springs or try to figure out the front end dimensions and where to mount the trac bar and raduis arms?

It a parts truck and will be cheaper than buying all parts separate. . You can put a 70's F150 under your truck. But if going with leafs and want a basic bolt in application , Get a like year truck at least 87 or newer. You will have all brackets ETc to do swap . This is a weekend or longer project if you dont have all parts sitting there to start with. If you have all parts go for it better yet sell yours and buy a running 4x4 truck you can do that in couple hours . And allot cheapper in long run .