2x4 to 4x4 conversion
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 23,174
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From: Stephensville WI
I'm sure it has been done in the past. Current 4 wheel drive programs on cable channels seem to indicate this sort of thing is easy. Just find a wrecked 4WD truck from the same vintage and swap parts.
Your AODE would probably work, but you may have to swap output shafts and housings to mate it with a transfer case, unless of course you decide you want a divorced style transfer case. Then, the sky is the limit. Throw in a bulletproof case and Rockwell axles under your truck, if you want.
My question to you would be why would you want to do this? Used 4 wheel drive trucks are fairly cheap right now, especially 19 year old trucks.
Your AODE would probably work, but you may have to swap output shafts and housings to mate it with a transfer case, unless of course you decide you want a divorced style transfer case. Then, the sky is the limit. Throw in a bulletproof case and Rockwell axles under your truck, if you want.
My question to you would be why would you want to do this? Used 4 wheel drive trucks are fairly cheap right now, especially 19 year old trucks.
Post Fiend
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 10,007
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From: Central Florida
I think it would take a lot of work. I looked at doing the swap on my 89 F150. I figured on needing the transfer case, linkage, 4wd tailshaft, both driveshafts, the front cross member, front axle, and most of the front suspension. I had found a website chronicling the job, and it took moving the radius arm brackets as well. It was a lot of work to still end up with a IFS.
If this is a toy, then like Redford suggested, get some heavy axles, an atlas or bigger transfer case, big leaf springs and build a toy. If this is your daily driver, your looking at a bit of downtime while doing the conversion.
If this is a toy, then like Redford suggested, get some heavy axles, an atlas or bigger transfer case, big leaf springs and build a toy. If this is your daily driver, your looking at a bit of downtime while doing the conversion.
Super Moderator
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 24,308
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From: SW Virginia
Agreed with all of the above. You could also look for a good 4x4 chassis with complete running gear and just swap your body onto it. There are considerations though, such as the transfer case shifter, etc. If you really, really want to convert your truck, this might be the most affordable option. Or, like Redford said, 4x4s are pretty cheap right now depending on the year, etc. and you could probably get one and keep your 2WD.
You Keep What You Kill
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,902
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From: Huntersville, NC
I have a 1997 F250 4x4 that I wanted to convert to a solid front axle. Now, I was told that I could bolt-in a Dana 60 high pinion axle from a F350 4x4. Quality parts are hard to find on these older trucks and you have to consider all of those shipping charges that add up but do nothing for the truck. I looked for months for a quality front axle (no excessive rust). The few I found were either sold before I could make an offer or they were so high priced that I couldn't justify the purchase. I did the math and found that I could buy a newer model truck (2005 F350 4x4) for no more than all of the mod's I had planned for my 1997 F250 4x4.
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New User
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 8
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From: Middle of nowhere PA
Thanks guy appriciate the feed back I know it would be a lot of work but im an automotive student in college and it sounded like fun if the money comes around i might if not im selling it for a 79 f150 thanks
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From: Middle of nowhere PA
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Junior User
Joined: Feb 2008
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From: Farmington, IL
lovemylariat I personally dont think its to hard of a job. I did the SAS on my truck which if you wanted to make ur 4x4 then that is the way to go less parts but the axle is alil harder to find. Mine was origanally out of a 78 bronco. Then yeah trans and transfer case and drive shafts. But I bet you and a freind or 2 could have the job done in 2 weekends easy once you get all your parts lined up. With yours being 3/4ton you could use a coil sprung D44 line I did and just change the knuckles and stuff to keep it 8 lug. I could go on more but that should be some more stuff to think about.