I know this question has been asked alot on how to convert a 2wd into a 4wd truck. It seems almost impossible for me to the conversion safely and effieciently. It seems like the normal question is to put 4wd components onto the original 2wd truck, but what about buying a junker 4x4 and taking off the body and engine and replacing it with the 2wd truck?

I have seen a few of "not running" 4x4's and since my 2wd f150 runs perfectly and is in very good condition with original paint and pretty much no dents, I was thinking of getting one of these "junkers" get rid of the body and fix any 4wd parts, and replace it with the 2wd body and engine.

I am curious if this is a reasonable solution to 4x4 conversion other than just buying a 4x4 truck.

Thank you,
Rob

 

It would be alot less work to make a 2wd a 4wd than take the complete body and engine from a 2wd and put it in a 4wd

 

That's the better way to get a 4x4 IMO, the body and engines are the same for 2wd or 4wd so swapping those parts is easier.

 

I think so too Conanski. I want the truck to be relaible, as it is going to be a daily driver and off roader too.

Diesel Brad - For some reason I think putting a 4wd components under the 2wd seems difficult and requires some time and skills that I dont have. I know a few things but doing a project like that is not something I can do. I may be able to the swap, but I dont know yet.

Thanks again guys!

 

i should think that if you can do a cab and motor swap, you should be able to install the four wheel drive components. the difference is adding a transfer case, swapping the TIB for a TTB front axle, related suspension components and installing the controls for the transfer case. vs. undoing all the wiring and connections for everything in your truck, using a lift to swap the bodies off, using a second lift for your motor, and putting it all back together again. IMO, far, far, far less hassle to just put the 4x4 parts in. and i forgot that you would probably have to reroute your exhaust around the transfer case.

 

i might add that if you have the knowhow to swap a cab and motor, you have the knowhow to add 4x4 parts for the conversion.

 

Thanks guys! Appreciate the help... looks like the project will be put on hold till I have some free time and money...

 

is there ever any time or money?? lol.

 

At first glance i thought you said "free money and time"

 

I wish I had some free money though...

Hard to find time... but I think this would be a cool project though

 

Doing the body swap is not as difficult as one might expect. There are 10 or 12 bolts that hold the body/bed to the frame, a handful of electrical connectors, and then the brake, throttle and steering connections. The bed is light enough to have a few guys pick up and move, the cab will either require more people or some ingenuity. If you have a solid, flat work area where you could have both trucks and space for the body parts next to one another, that will certainly help.

I am in the middle of a body-swap 4wd conversion, though mine was different since it was a van. The company that converted it to 4wd made changes to the frame (plus the frame is a 350, versus my 150), so swapping the drivetrain was not really an option. One benefit to having the body off is that you have great access to any part that needs cleaning or replacement!

 

I am in the middle of a frame off resto and i know what is involved w a cab swap, it is not as easy as it sounds. I would swap an axle, t-case and trans in a day and a half if not less, A full body swap is more time consuming than that. And an 80-96 F260 use the same frame 2wd and 4wd so everything is a dirrect bolt on, no fab work at all
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Cool projects!

Well since I still need my F150 for everyday commute... it looks this project is ending before it even began sadly... Oh well...

I have another plan though, buying a 4x4 and converting to carb, and only using it on offroad purposes... maybe a better option... but I ll see how the girlfriend acts lol

 

I am working on the same situation, where I am picking up parts for a 2wheel to 4wheel drive conversion. I know that picking up the body and engine can be made pretty easy if a person has the know how. Swapping out the front suspension and adding the transfer case along with making sure measurements are correct for putting on a two wheel frame can be done to. There is the steering issue to address to.

Myself, I am going the route of taking the components off of a 4wheel and putting them on my 2wheel. My reason, is that this is on a 1 ton dually crew cab. This adds a challenge as the frame is longer along with the driveline. Finding a junker to do this is nearly impossible, as I will be paying out the @** in buying another one of the same. Not to mention, finding one in need of parting out has been impossible for quite some time as many of them already have the entire front end missing or just not out there. My best luck is that my neighbor has a SRW F-350, that he will sell me cheap so I can take the front axle, springs and 4wheel train off of to put on mine. I will have some hub converting to accomodate my dual wheel set up, but its the best I have available at a reasonable price.

The F-150's seem to be so much more available for junker pricing.

 

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