I have a 1990 f 150 2wd that I am thinking about turning into a 4wd. What kind of headaches will I have on a swap like this? Would it be easier to put the 4wd running gears under the 2wd or switch the body over to a 4wd chassis? The 2wd has a great body and a very clean frame. This is my first time so I accidently posted this on another forum first. Sorry!

 

Welcome to FTE.

For my money, just buy a 4x4.

The economy, auto makers woes, the recent memory of and the second coming around the corner of $4+ gas make trucks a bargain these days.

You have a nice 4x2? It will never be worth more than it is now, and a home built 4x4 is bound to pay dividends in the future. Not the kind you take to the bank either.

Stand by for 20 posts about how easy it will be if you just buy a 4x4 donor truck and transfer all the parts over to your truck. Of course, the donor would be a crashed or worn out truck, so figure some percentage of the parts will be no good, so maybe two donor trucks would make it an easy swap.

Good luck whatever you decide.

 

I second 85e150six4mtod's recomendation to just buy a 4x4 unless you have a particular attachment to the truck you have. Take my truck for example, my grandpa bought it new and it was around since I was a kid and he gave to me 2 years ago. I plan on keeping it around. If your truck has no particular sentimental value, ditch it and buy a factory 4x4.

 

I actually swaped a frame out on an 86' F-150 because of rust. This involves swaping cab, bed, engine, and drivtrain. Very dumb. I had fun with the truck when I was done and I had a lot of new parts in it but It still wasn't worth $500 when I was all done. I agree with the guys, just buy a 4X4. If you still want to take on the task add up every single thing you think you will need to complete the job, then multiply it by three and that's about what it will end up costing you.

 

Food for thought, you will also need to replace your trans if you go 4x4, the 2WD version would need to be completely disassembled to get the right parts in there....

 

don't know anything about the front axle on the 2wd trucks but if it has leaf springs just toss in a dana 60 get a trans with a transfer case attached and get a custom driveshaft made up i'd say maybe 300 for driveshaft 500 for the trans and transfer case (used or rebuilt) and about a 800 for the dana 60 and all the steering componets

 

Sure is easy to spend somebody else's money, isn't it?

No such thing as a 2wd 1990 F-150 with leaf springs, BTW.

I agree with the 'just buy a 4x4' crowd. It's doable, but it's a lot of work and more money than you think.

 

Thanks for the advice. You guys are probably right. Just an idea I had been playing with.

 

i always love spending someone else's money lol

 

I have a buddy that did a conversion on an older Ford (1979) and he said it was totally not worth the money. I had actually been tossing the idea around too until he told me what a pain it was to do it. It is entirely possible, but probably not worth the effort when you could get a running 4wd for the same amount of money. If you are looking to have better traction, maybe consider a locker. You may not make it up the trail quite as far as the four wheel drives, but who cares about the last twenty feet anyways?

 

not true need trans t-case and front D44 out of a 78-78 bronco or reg cab 77-79 f150. the front end will be the same as doing a SAS which isnt that bad and once that is in get the trans and t-case in and get some drive shafts made.

 

I don't see what can be so tough...
I've got an air compressor with more tools than I can shake a stick at, thick skin, thicker head, and beer at every corner store.
Seems like a no brainer to me....but then I just like tearing stuff apart and putting it back together again.
But in all seriousness, I am not planning to do it per say, but I don't think I would pass on the opportunity to do it. Also if you end up having to replace bad parts,....I would be happy knowing that all my suspension parts are up to snuff when that rock face give me the finger as I pass it on the trail.
I used to have a camera mounted in my old Trooper just to document such madness.
Anyway, most of you are right, it would be easier to just buy a four wheel drive, but it's all relative.......
Also, if I think I was going to do it....I would go sas

 

Like i said... He would need a different trans....

 

here is a nice read on someone that has done it...
Ford F150 4x4 Conversion Nearing Completion!
seems to be just a parts swap for the F150.
The fun part is when you go from a coil front to a leaf front. Alot more work there.
Having recently run across most of the junk that is being sold (they don't want to fix it, so they sell it) if your truck is in pretty good shape, decent motor and interior, you might be better off doing the swap, than having to completely rebuild a freshly bought one.
Unless you get a killer deal on one in good shape.

 

For those of you who would rather buy something that someone else has already put together......It is already Four wheel drive


Monster Limo Truck 4x4 Limousine consider all trades of value

No offense intended....
Looks like something the boys in my neighborhood would build.