4wd ?
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Post Fiend
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From: North of Normal
4wd ?
I know this has been asked in the 80-86 forums. But I wanted to ask here. I know it would be cheaper and easier to buy a 4X4 but how hard is it to convert a 4X2 to a 4X4?
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Wichita KS
Well I have never looked at it to see what is involved. Apart from gettin a whole TTB set up, T-case and right tranny. I would wonder if the coil buckets, radius arm brackets and pivot brackets are the same.
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Post Fiend
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From: North of Normal
Originally Posted by fordnut1985
Well I have never looked at it to see what is involved. Apart from gettin a whole TTB set up, T-case and right tranny. I would wonder if the coil buckets, radius arm brackets and pivot brackets are the same.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2004
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From: Wichita, KS
I don't have any knowledge on the full size but the little Bronco II is said to be one of the easiest. The pivot arm brackets are different, but if you are going to put a lift kit on, many kits have new brackets so that is not a problem. The BII has a dummy t-case so you can get a real t-case and use the tranny thats in it. Rear drive shaft is then usable if you don't lift it and just swap out the 2wd TTB brackets for the 4wd brackets. And many folks upgrade the front axle any way so part of the cost is upgrades folks make anyway.
I would say that unless you have all the parts including shifters it would be cheeper and easier to just buy a 4wd truck. And some would say if you go to that trouble and expense to go with a SAS front and get rid of the TTB.
You would need a complete front axle. Drive shafts. T-case and tranny or adapter to mount a t-case on your tranny. T-case shifter. And maybe a longer speedo cable.
I would say that unless you have all the parts including shifters it would be cheeper and easier to just buy a 4wd truck. And some would say if you go to that trouble and expense to go with a SAS front and get rid of the TTB.
You would need a complete front axle. Drive shafts. T-case and tranny or adapter to mount a t-case on your tranny. T-case shifter. And maybe a longer speedo cable.
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Wichita KS
Jack makes a good point, if your that far you can do a solid axle swap and be done with it but it all depedns on what you want a 4x4 for. If ur just gonna use it to get around in the winter than stick with the TTB, they ride nice and contrary to what most will tell you they are a very durable set up. If your gonna wheel it like no tomorow and put 35" or larger tires than go with a SAS
Carpenter Local 745
Joined: Apr 2006
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From: on da beach
Reb, you will probably need to get a donor truck that is preferably rear ended/damaged. Take what you need and convert to a solid axle front end.
I am planning to do a similar conversion with my 99 Ranger, I may go and get a transfercase tonight, but I am looking for an early Bronco front end too.
Here is a parts compilation for a full size SAS, but I think you will need a donor truck for the tranny and TC. A fullsize SAS needs at least a 6 inch lift too.
http://77cj.littlekeylime.com/Mr.N44...rdware%20List:
I am planning to do a similar conversion with my 99 Ranger, I may go and get a transfercase tonight, but I am looking for an early Bronco front end too.
Here is a parts compilation for a full size SAS, but I think you will need a donor truck for the tranny and TC. A fullsize SAS needs at least a 6 inch lift too.
http://77cj.littlekeylime.com/Mr.N44...rdware%20List:
Last edited by khadma; Mar 28, 2008 at 10:40 PM. Reason: info
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Post Fiend
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From: North of Normal
As soon as I can I will look for a Donor Truck. I would rather have a SAS but have no welding skills at all. I do want to go 4 wheeling next year.
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Lead Driver
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From: Wichita, KS
Wish I was able to be at the April GTG. I put you in Green or Jr. and "force" you to drive up to Randolph.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: North of Normal
Originally Posted by HappyJack
Wish I was able to be at the April GTG. I put you in Green or Jr. and "force" you to drive up to Randolph.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Northwest, Arkansas
not for sure on those exact years but have found in the past it is not the easiest thing to do. Most of the ones I have seen are not setup to just swap in a 4x4 setup and need some fabrication to make it all fit right and work.
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2004
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From: Abilene Kansas
Originally Posted by fordborn
not for sure on those exact years but have found in the past it is not the easiest thing to do. Most of the ones I have seen are not setup to just swap in a 4x4 setup and need some fabrication to make it all fit right and work.
in other words, u can farmer engineer it to work.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Newton America :-P
I've seen some farmer engineered stuff work better then ole' Henry has come up with. Reb if you start a project and get in a bind I am sure some FTE Elves could pitch in and lend a had.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2004
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From: Wichita, KS
I know a guy in Denver that has a Ranger with a SAS and he drives out to the trail and back. http://www.fordoffroad.freehomepage.com/ The Skyjacker Extended Radius arm cross member just happens to locate the full size SAS radius arms. And then all you have to do is weld on a bracket for the track bar. Many of the other SAS set ups are for trailer queen, off-road only rigs and never see highway speeds. If the radius are brackets are the same or are in the same location on the full size that would make it easier and doable for highway speeds with out some kind of frame machine to locate the front axle properly.
If you do get out this way and want to wheel at Tuttle Creek you will find the departure angle of a full size a draw back. Seems for a few hundred dollars you could find a little BII and it would get you around at Tuttle much easier than the full size and just keep your full size for a tow vehicle and daily driver. And no issues with damage or breakage to your daily driver.
If you do get out this way and want to wheel at Tuttle Creek you will find the departure angle of a full size a draw back. Seems for a few hundred dollars you could find a little BII and it would get you around at Tuttle much easier than the full size and just keep your full size for a tow vehicle and daily driver. And no issues with damage or breakage to your daily driver.
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Post Fiend
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From: North of Normal
Thanks for all the great information. They are having a Job Fair at Ft.Riley April 17th we are going to try and stay long enough so my wife and one of my sons can attend it if things are going to plan.