Hey guys I've been trying to figure out whether or not I can convert my '89 F-250 reg cab long bed from 2by to 4by. I'm very attached to the truck itself or I'd pull the 460 out of it and buy a junk 4x4 to throw the motor in. I've heard different stories concerning the matter so far so if someone has done it I'd love to hear about it.

I'm guessing from my reading is I'd need a donor 4x4's solid front axle, leaf springs (weld or drill brackets/shackle to hang on my frame), F & R driveshaft with xfer case (and new gears in rear or whole rear to match front). I've done a bit of research on it and have only found mixed posts on the matter.

I've seen a few posters in here who have really awesome pics of some older F's that have been converted so I'm very eager to see what's been done and what I can do or what my limitations are. Thanks in advance!

 

I would say the absolute easiest way would be to get a D60 out of the same era F350, get SKY manufacturing's shackle reversal kit, and the stock rear spring mount for the front springs. Stock F350 leaves and youll end up with about 4-6" lift. For a t-case it depends what tranny you have, if its a 5 speed (ZF) then id keep it and run a divorced 205, if its auto (e40d) then id look for a 4x4 tranny/case combo.

Youll want matching gears in the diffs. The sky kit gives you a mounting point for the springs (search up on it) and the rear spring mount for the front springs will match with this and should bolt in. Might have to drill a few holes.

The tranny and t-case depend on what youre able and comfortable doing. If you dont like pulling trannies but can weld, then a divorced 205 with custom driveshafts and a custom x-member would be the way.
If you have no problem pulling trannies but cant weld, then id say stick to a stock setup that will bolt in.


there is another way for the front suspension, you could use 1/2 ton TTB beams they use the same coils and mounting places for everything that your 250 uses...but smaller brakes and not 3/4 ton strong. But if you just want 4wd and not an extreme 4x4 then this may be the way.

 

I could see going through this on a older truck, but for the truck you are talking about, there is alot of work to be done, would be easier to get a beater and swap motors

 

Sure it could be done but if was me I would think about finding a truck of the same vintage that has 4x4 already that the body is about to fall off of and put your body and engine in it

 

nevermind. best bet is to get a donor truck.

 

Yup. Same vintage truck...
Heck get one that is rolled, and swap bodies and motors..

 

Hey thank you so much for the detailed description of what needs to be done and that it can be done! I know I should just get a 4x4 and swap the internals out but as I've said before I'm very attached to this truck. My old man bought it new in '89 and has carried 3 generations of my family around and a good friend and I (who passed away) use to throw the boat in the back and get it stuck all the time. The truck is straight absolutely no play in steering no wrecks nothing. I'd like to keep the "truck" and make the mods to it I'm not looking for the easy or cheap road. I know I'll have to get a tranny/xfer case because I have an automatic so it would seem like getting the D60 and doing it right the first time would be best. Money is not an option and neither is time I have my whole life to complete this I just simply cannot get rid of this truck (hell I have an '02 4x4 7.3L PSD) but every time I sit in that old truck it takes me back yall know what I mean.

 

You can swap out the tailshaft to a... shorter one I believe? I've never done it, but I saw it on X-treme 4x4. Probably would be easier just to swap the transmission for a Junkyard one though.

And everyone says swap the body.. have any of you ever tried that? Its not for me! I envy whoever wants to do a body swap haha.

 

Ive done body swaps a couple times. Its not that hard ya sissy. lol

 

Hahah. I don't deal with transmissions. I've grown to hate them.

If I could go without I would. :P