4WD conversion
Thread Starter
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New User
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
4WD conversion
I have a 78 F250 2WD, I want to make it 4WD. I would like to keep the rear axle in it,so I need ideas on 3/4 ton conversions in order to keep eight lug front axle.Also will my 2WD manual transmission attach to a T-case or can it be modified by changing output shaft? Last problem is steering the 2WD gearbox is up close to the fire wall, all the 4WD I've seen the gearbox is at the front of the frame.In the little research that I have done the 1/2 ton 4WD frame looks simalar to my 3/4 ton 2WD but i do not want coil spring suspension.I did find a 79 1/2 ton 4WD(supercab)with leaf sprung front suspension, is this a modifacaton of did ford build this truck?(I thought that all 1/2 ton were coil sprung)
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 2,415
Likes: 3
From: Comox Valley, Canada
4WD conversion
From what I have heard and learned over the years this is not a simple swap. It would be easier to get a 4WD rolling frame from a 73-79 3/4 ton, and swap all the missing parts from your 2WD over to it.
I beleive that the frames are quite different between the 2 and 4WD trucks, as is the drivetrain and frontend components, such as steering boxes steering columns, axle mounting points etc etc.
Of course this is only my opinion and I am sure the swap is possible. But I think it would be more work than it is worth.
Good luck with your choice.
I beleive that the frames are quite different between the 2 and 4WD trucks, as is the drivetrain and frontend components, such as steering boxes steering columns, axle mounting points etc etc.
Of course this is only my opinion and I am sure the swap is possible. But I think it would be more work than it is worth.
Good luck with your choice.
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 2,297
Likes: 1
From: Indiana
4WD conversion
I agree with sparky. You can buy these old Fords fairly cheap now, I'd sell yours and buy what you want. Your going to have to have a 4X4 parts truck any way, so just buy the one you want. And it WILL be alot of work to change it over.In my area the difference between the price of a parts truck and a running truck is only $300. to $400. Not enough to go to all that trouble.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 24,552
Likes: 74
From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
4WD conversion
Doogie, Dittos on the others.
The engine and its related items are about the only thing changeable. If you have read this list for a while, you will notice swaps are recommended 2 wheel to 2, & 4 wheel to 4 wheel drive.
As stated the frames are different, The rears need to match the front gear, etc.
My suggestion, if you have a good engine, and a good body, find a 250 that needs those items and transfer them over to the new chassis. This would make a good winter project. Find a truck with the same family engine.
If you have an engineering degree from the school of hard knocks, and the ability to make all the parts that will have to be made, then by all means go for it.
Either way Good Luck,
John
The engine and its related items are about the only thing changeable. If you have read this list for a while, you will notice swaps are recommended 2 wheel to 2, & 4 wheel to 4 wheel drive.
As stated the frames are different, The rears need to match the front gear, etc.
My suggestion, if you have a good engine, and a good body, find a 250 that needs those items and transfer them over to the new chassis. This would make a good winter project. Find a truck with the same family engine.
If you have an engineering degree from the school of hard knocks, and the ability to make all the parts that will have to be made, then by all means go for it.
Either way Good Luck,
John
Thread Starter
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New User
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
4WD conversion
Thank for the replies and info.
The reason I want to do this swap is, 21 yrs ago my dad special ordered this truck and Ive waited this long to get it,well I finally talked him into a new powerstroke and now my wait is over.Also the main reason for trying to just add 4WD to my chassis is the original and exceptional condition of this truck.
thanks again
The reason I want to do this swap is, 21 yrs ago my dad special ordered this truck and Ive waited this long to get it,well I finally talked him into a new powerstroke and now my wait is over.Also the main reason for trying to just add 4WD to my chassis is the original and exceptional condition of this truck.
thanks again
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 2,297
Likes: 1
From: Indiana
4WD conversion
Doogie, I know exactly where your coming from on your Dad's truck. Don't carve on his truck you'll regret it down the line, keep it and take good care of it. Just buy you a good old Ford 4X4.
Freshman User
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
4WD conversion
if your still considering doing the 2-4 wd dont do it the 2 and 4 wheel frames are totally different . steering boxes as you noticed are not in the same place and the trans will not bolt up to transfer case unless its a in/out box with a 4 bolt pattern . the transfercase has a 5 bolt pattern atleast with np205 part time transfer the np203 is a full time case and has a 4 bolt pattern. yes you can modify your trans case to a 5 bolt but its easier to change to different case for this application .yes you do have to change your trans output shaft they are different .new out put shafts are about 170.00 just for shaftnot labor .its apain in the *** i ran across all these same problems when i did mine . i had a 79 2 wheel drive and wanted to convert it but found out one of ny friends had a 77 4wd chassis and running gear and doing it this way i was glad and you will be to . no matter what is a major head ache and cost alot of money. i now have a 77/79 4x4 that i have totally redone and learned a lot . i dont wanna do it again ill tell ya. you can email me at havoc cre8r(No Email Addresses In Posts!) if you like and ill give you a lot more info on it if your still doing it
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