i gotta 76 f100 two wheel drive im wanting to make it into a 4x4...Can this be done? Or should I just take my engine, cab, and bed and stick it on a 4x4 frame?

I have a np435 transmission can this work with a transfer case or do i need a new transmission?

 

I'm surprised you asked this.

I have said for years.. Unless you have The facilities,time,knowledge,money etc.....

if you want a 4x4 ...Then BUY a 4x4 .

It's easier to swap CABS then converting chassis'

 

thats what I thought Dennis...

So are the cabs beds and everything on my f100 capable of fitting onto a 4x4 frame? along with my 302? I can find just any 73-79 4x4 frame and work with or does it need to be specific? Thanks everybody

 

There are a few choices on 4WD frames, shop carefully. I personally would shop for something with a front axle that has disc brakes, is open knuckle, and married transfer case namely a frame that is 76-77 to 79. Your 2WD bed will not bolt up to a 77 and older frame, you will have to modify it. The cab has divets in it for bolting it up to a different frame, assuming its different widths than your new frame. You need to change your mainshaft in your transmission to make it a 4wd, and drill/tap holes for the adapter. I would sell your trans to a early bronco guy for about $400, and buy a 4wd one for $100 or so, plus the transfer case, assuming your frame did not come with one. Now if you find a frame, and it has a divorced transfer case, then I think you don't have to buy another transmission, however I have no experience in making a 2WD trans work in a highboy. The big sticking point is finding a truck with the open knuckle, and disc brakes. If you go 3/4 ton, avoid the power assist trucks.

Its easier and less of a headache to just buy a 4WD truck, that the frame is not rusted out. If you spend a few dollars more, find a nice truck (around $1500) and sell yours to offset the cost, and don't fool around with busting your knuckles ruining a truck. I am in the same boat. I have a 79 crew cab that I want to make into a 4wd. My challenge however is finding a 4wd frame for it. They are as hard as hens teeth to find. I have found a 4wd front half that I did plan to graft into my frame, but now I am leaning twards using a front axle with radius arms, and chopping out the offending crossmember, and cobbling something together to deal with the steering.

 

direct swap over to a F150 4x4

FWIU, The frame is different (narrower) on F250's compared to F150's so cab and box mounts would be different.

 

the frames are narrower on 77.5 and older models by about 4". Supposedly the frame widths are the same as 2wd on the 77.5 to 79's.

 

The only frames that are narrower are the 73-77.5 4wd f-250s (highboys) Correct me if im wrong Dennis. As far as a 2wd tranny in a highboy: The higboy tranns had a piece at the rear of it for the 4wd shifter to pivot on then a long rod that ran back to the transfer. If you use your tranny youll have to fab up a mount. Masterbeavis: if you use radious arms a a 6" lift you wont have to modify the 2wd crossmember. I didnt know if you were lifting it just thought id let ya know.

 

My opinion on which route I am going to go with changes on a daily basis. I have 4" TTB lift coils, and lower coil buckets from a 76 F150. I am now the proud owner of that frame half, I have no clue what I am going to do with it now.... I had to take it, or the yard owner would have gotten upset that he saved the truck for me, and put more work into it... Getting more favors would have been a chore. *sigh*

 

Lol i know the feelin man. My plan of attack changes daily too. Been changin everyday for a year.