I have a 2 wheel drive 69 F250 and I would like to convert it to 4 WD. It has been suggested that I just swap the body onto another frame. Short of doing this, can anyone tell me what front end, transfer case, steering column, etc. can be "borrowed" from another truck? Thanks.

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 06-Aug-02 AT 01:26 PM (EST)]All you need to do is take the front axle from a 4x4(try and find one with your same year model, I don't know anythign about the older ford trucks 4x4 systems), you will need the cross member, transfer case. You're gonna need the same gears in the front as you have in the rear. It's pretty much all bolt up except you have to get the tranny modified to except the t-case, I think they just swap output shafts and some cone for the output shaft to accept a t-case.

Check out https://www.ford-trucks.com/articles/april2001/2x4_to_4x4_conversion.php and https://www.ford-trucks.com/dcforum/DCForumID39/3705.html(VERY informative thread)

 

fiend is slightly off-base with advice. it is not a "bolt -in" until 1980. on early models, you have to spread the frame and move the front crossmember!! lots of work.

 

 

I agree with the before post it is not a bolt on coversion at all. You have to find a leaf sprung front axle and try to make it work. You have to take in to consideration the frame width and moving the spring perches around. Look for a chevy 10 bolt-dana 44, front axle as that may be the easiest way to go, but you have to find a transfer case to work since the diff is on the other side, looking for a passenger side drop t-case. Look at the geometry of the frame and the axle and see which way the spring perches would work out best. Ford didnt start running the TTB until the 80's but they did run the TIB for many years. My suggestion would be to find a 4x4 in that year that is already built how you like it, or swaping the body may be the most resonable way. All in all its a lot of work, if not skilled in custom Fab work with welders or torch i wouldnt suggest messin with it. My two cents...

Dan "Mudinford" MacDonald

'86 Ford F-150 4x4 w/ a spooled mono Dana 44/a spooled 9" running 38" TSL. 300ci, Clifford Intake and Headders, .05" Milled Head with SBC valves, port work
500 CFM Edelbrock, Clif. 290* cam with Rhoads lifters, .040" TRW Pist w/ Moly rings.
Future plans: A draw through Twin(or big single) Turbo setup (to help with the upper end)