Another conversion questions
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 218
Likes: 0
Another conversion questions
I have already searched and read about 2x4 to 4x4 conversions.. and they are well and good if you wanna do a body swap. My question is though, if you have a 65 with i-beams, what all needs to be done to convert it if you have parts from a 79 f150.
I would assume the whole steering system, would need to be replaced, the radius arm drop brackets, but what about the tranny.. It's a NP 4 speed.
The only two other problems i could see would be pumpkin clearance and coil tower spacing....
I would assume the whole steering system, would need to be replaced, the radius arm drop brackets, but what about the tranny.. It's a NP 4 speed.
The only two other problems i could see would be pumpkin clearance and coil tower spacing....
Last edited by FE352; Apr 10, 2010 at 07:55 PM. Reason: spelling
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 218
Likes: 0
So Bill... Would you foresee any logistical problems? I'll measure my perches tomorrow, but just curious now. I live very very rural in western nevada... 2 wheel rat rod isn't exactly practical. And I would like to enjoy my truck more.
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 11,564
Likes: 4
From: Tucson
YES.
your crossmember will have to be removed, (then where will your engine perches mount?) your coil spring buckets are not correct, your frame does not have front shock mounts for the 4x4 front end, your radius arm mounting brackets are in the wrong location's you would need to install a 4x4 front crossmember, your steering box will not be in the same place.
Q: do you have the whole 79 truck or just the front end?
this is the reason most people do a frame swap to have 4 wheel drive with a slick body..... unless your lucky enough to have an original one,
i would do a frame swap.
a quick search found this pic of a 4x4 frame to show you what you would have to do to your frame.... lot's of work!
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 24,552
Likes: 74
From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
I have already searched and read about 2x4 to 4x4 conversions.. and they are well and good if you wanna do a body swap. My question is though, if you have a 65 with i-beams, what all needs to be done to convert it if you have parts from a 79 f150.
I would assume the whole steering system, would need to be replaced, the radius arm drop brackets, but what about the tranny.. It's a NP 4 speed.
The only two other problems i could see would be pumpkin clearance and coil tower spacing....
I would assume the whole steering system, would need to be replaced, the radius arm drop brackets, but what about the tranny.. It's a NP 4 speed.
The only two other problems i could see would be pumpkin clearance and coil tower spacing....
Cab/front clips have 6 mount points that are the same between the years. While lifting the cab/front clip look huge it is not. Beating your head against a brick will wall will draw blood,
we are advising against that. You are putting your life and maybe someone else's in harms way should you not get your swap done correctly. Bolting the sheetmetal on a different chassis is much easier and safer.
John
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 218
Likes: 0
FE352, We really could give a big rats azz how you swap things on your truck. Peeps come here and ask, we try to help.
Cab/front clips have 6 mount points that are the same between the years. While lifting the cab/front clip look huge it is not. Beating your head against a brick will wall will draw blood, we are advising against that. You are putting your life and maybe someone else's in harms way should you not get your swap done correctly.
Bolting the sheetmetal on a different chassis is much easier and safer.
Jophn
Cab/front clips have 6 mount points that are the same between the years. While lifting the cab/front clip look huge it is not. Beating your head against a brick will wall will draw blood,
we are advising against that. You are putting your life and maybe someone else's in harms way should you not get your swap done correctly. Bolting the sheetmetal on a different chassis is much easier and safer.
Jophn
Now the whole reason I have decided against a body swap, if I even decide any of this prudent enough to attempt is 3 fold. The truck has 55,000 miles on, the rear axle is a dana 60 with limited slip from the factory. The last but not least of my reasons is, it's my great grandfathers truck, which he ordered new to his specs.
Now I stated that I wasn't going to do it for sure, but that i was just curious. I couldn't find anything else anywhere about how to do it. Everyone just said it's easier. Nothing about safety.. But anyway. I've got my answers. Everyone have a nice day.
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 11,564
Likes: 4
From: Tucson
Now the whole reason I have decided against a body swap, if I even decide any of this prudent enough to attempt is 3 fold. The truck has 55,000 miles on, the rear axle is a dana 60 with limited slip from the factory. The last but not least of my reasons is, it's my great grandfathers truck, which he ordered new to his specs. Everyone have a nice day.
If you would have said it's your great grandfathers truck with 55xxx miles i would have said leave it alone in the first place.... you should go buy a 1000 buck beater to ride the trailes in.... and, if you have been here for 6 years you should know by now that Jophn is the way he is to get a point across. dont let him rub your skin like 60 grit. just sayin
Trending Topics
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 24,552
Likes: 74
From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
Well way to be a dick about it.. It's not like I'm asking what tire size I can fit. This an actual technical question. It might not what you would view as practical, but then again, nothing about owning a truck that is older then time is. It also isn't like I joined, just to post this thread, I've belonged to this forum for close to 6 years. So if you wanna be crotchety go somewhere else to do it. I am not your grandchild, and would expect a little more respect.
You go ahead and do it your way and I hope it goes well and you don't kill someone because your half azz upgrade attempt comes apart.
John
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
I have to agree with garbz2. This is a not a hard swap if you have some fair fabricating skills. You can upgrade with aftermarket coilovers and radius arms pretty cheaply since you are changing mounts.
I would leave it 2wd and build it myself.
I would leave it 2wd and build it myself.
