hello all,i have a question regarding converting a 1982 ford f-150 2wd to 4wd are the frame rails on the front the same and the f-150 4wd models? . is it a direct bolt in for a 4wd front axle? any help on this will be greatly appreciated

 

ahh yes the age old question can I change my 2wd to 4wd. To answer your questions yes and yes. it is a fairly straight forward swap from a donor vehicle. I did it about a year ago with no problems. I will give this statement. I hope you have air tools and a good set of ear plugs for all those rivits. I had a air chisel and went pretty well. Look in the past posts to find out more on this topic. good luck to you on this project. scott

 

I've done it and I'll tell you right now that unless you have a donor truck, the swap really isn't worth it. There are so many little things that you don't even think of until you're up under there and go "dang it, i really should have nabbed that too."

You also have to watch out for what year span your donor is from due to brake differences. Since you have an 82, you'd need to stick with an 85.5 or older truck to make your calipers a direct swap. However, if you use the calipers that come with the axle ANY front end will work since they all use the same brake lines.

However, if you get yourself a donor truck the swap is totally worth it. The actual front end swap over only took me about 6 hours working alone with a torch to take care of those pesky rivets and rusted bolts.

Lifting the rear end takes about 3 hours, and then trans and transfercase should take about 4. But then the truck is down until you get a driveshaft(s). that's part of why a parts truck is handy, especially one that's the same wheelbase as the swap candidate.

I'm actually getting ready to do this swap again, this time on an 86 SCSB. Once i get a TTB lined up (which i have a good line on) it should all just start rolling along.

Justin

 

ive got an '83 ford bronco for this swap,pretty much have everything except the rear drive line...will a bronco work? my reasoning for this swap is because i need a 4wd on occasion but dont want 2 vehicles to have to tag,sticker and insure this this will save me money in a long run..i know everyone says to get one already equipped but finding an 80-86 4wd thats in decent shape is a nightmare and i dont really want a newer one or payments..

 

I used a bronco for my swap as well and the only thing it wont have is the blocks that goes between the leaf springs and the axle to give it the lift you will need to level out the front and back suspension and give you the correct angle for your drive shaft. You will need those blocks. Other than that I see no problems.

 

well im about to do this swap....what kindof bolts did you use putting it back together ..grade 8's,or did you re-rivet it? what little things are you talking about that you run into underneath that you dont think about until you get under there? sorry about so many questions but i wanna have as much dirt on this as i can before i dive in and screw up a perfectly good running truck and be a foot..lol

 

I can't think of any bolts you need that you can't re-use? If you have the donor Bronco there, then you will have everything you will need except the rear driveshaft.

 

I would sell the bronco to someone who will use it and use that money towards a winch
and some block and tackle, a lift kit, a regear and locker for the rear end and some
wider tires. I hardly use the 4wd and can make it through most things in 2wd and it
is a heck of a lot cheaper in the long run to just have 2wd!!(parts count$, fuel from
drag$ fuel from the extra weight$) OF course if you have the time it is nice just to
throw that lever back and go through whatever is in front of you with out a worry!!

 

While you may harldy use 4wd, the one time you need it is is worth it to have gone through the effort of the swap (or just buying a 4x4 truck).

The time it comes in most handy (seriously) is when hooked to a trailer on flat ground with wet grass. That and a boat ramp.

It's really frustrating being on flat ground and having one tire that just wants to turn because of the grass. I like just being able to flick a lever and be on my way instead of having to either be pulled out or take the time to shove stuff under the tires to get traction.

Having had both 4x2 and 4x4 trucks, I will never own another 4x2 for as long as I live (Unless it's a hotrod)

Justin

 

the bronco T-case i think uses a bolt on yoke instead of a slip yoke. certain years do anyway. just remember that if you're lookin for a used rear shaft. i know i had a 90 f150 4x4 that had a bolt on yoke but i think the older ones were slip yoke