I have found a 87 4x4 f150 that I was thinking about buying for cheap, for the 4x4 parts to convert a shortbox truck I have, over to 4x4.

I thought i read somewhere that the 87's had flanged hubs or something, and they werent very good for 4x4'n.

Im not looking to build a super duper rock crawler or anything, but I would like in the end to have a better 4 wheel drive truck, then a poorer one.

I do have a 91 4x4(not a parts truck though!) with good front and rear diffs, and I guess i could swap the ones from the 87 parts truck to that one, then use the diffs (and complete 4x4 system) from my 91 onto my shortbox project, but that seems like a hell of alot more work(even more then I already have lined up!)

Plans are to use the front and rear diffs/suspension from that 87 parts truck, and attach them to the shortbox frame.

Im not looking for opinions about how hard its gonna be, or how it would be cheaper to go buy a shortbox (400 dollar shortbox, and a 100 dollar parts truck is cheap minus the labour!), just looking for thoughts an opinions on if the 87 parts truck would be a good one to get, or if I should hold out for a newer year. Thanks.

 

For like a year or so instead of full length spindles, stub shafts, and hubs with internal lock outs they had what I would call an external lockout. It was like a late 86-early 87 thing. Only ever seen 1-2 at PnP on 87 broncos.

It's kind of like a 2wd rotor/hub with a short spindle and stub shaft sticking out that a Stove Top Hat looking external lockout sits on top of. It is sandwiched in between the rim and rotor and held together with the lug nuts.

I can't comment if it is any stronger or weaker than other designs, but I'm sure it has zero aftermarket support. If you break the hubs you're looking at finding a specific item at the junkyard or trying to find discontinued OEM hub assemblies for primo $$$ more than likely.

But, you should be able to get regular hubs/spindle/stubs to work from any other TTB 44 to work in the spindles if you ever decide to change them out later. . .

EDIT: Here you go. . .



$385 for ONE from Bronco Graveyard. . .be sure not to break them, lol!!

 

Thanks man, sounds like I should be looking for at least an 88 then. I dont wanna have to mess around THAT much with it in the future if it ever broke!

 

My '88 F-150 has those hubs that look like that and come loose when you remove the tire. I haven't had any problems with them other than you have to be careful not to get dirt in there when removing the tire. I've read about them before, can't remember what years had them, seems like it was 87 and 88 or 88 and 89. If you wan't to stay away from those hubs, I suggest you examine before you buy.