4wd conversion
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Junior User
Joined: Aug 2010
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4wd conversion
i have a 1980 f150 2wd in my shed its a project truck. i want to know if its possible to build your own 4x4 system, i know this is not recommended but they have the same frame and i was thinking i could swap over my axels and get a new tranny, drive shafts, transfer case, also do i NEED a new tranny or could i run off my t18 borg warner. also what do i need to know for getting bigger axels id probobly just go to the junkyard and strip an f350 if possible. any answers help this is not about personal opinion tho i know alot of people like to call this a waste of time and money and i realize that but im interested in learning and this is the project i want to do as long as its possible thanks
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 4,990
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From: Florida
Swapping in 1/2 ton 4x4 stuff is pretty easy. You can use a front axle from any 1980-1996 F150 or Bronco. 3/4 ton and above stuff is alot harder and takes alot more time, planning, and good fabrication skills. It can be done, but you have to decide if it is really worth the trouble.
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2010
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From: northern va
im looking at the same style thing and i plan on stripping the front frame rails and welding leaf spring perches from the truck i get the axles from where they would need to be to keep the front tires in the same location. am i missing something?
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Junior User
Joined: Aug 2010
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thanks for your replys, do i need to replace both axels or just the front? also do the new axels have to be from a f150? is it possible to upgrade size to a 250 or 350? also do i need a new tranny?
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2010
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From: northern va
i would get front and rear axles from the same truck so you dont have to change the gears for 4x4. i am going to measure the width for 1978 f250 axles and compair them to my f150 as soon as i can and try to get back to you but thats what i want to do also
This space for rent...
Joined: Apr 2009
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From: In the garage
you're going to want to stick with a f-150/bronco front axle. the 3/4 and one ton are 8 lug pattern, so you'll have different lug patterns/wheels/tire size from front to back. the 3/4 and one tons take 16 or 16.5 size rims to clear the calipers. it's far easier to swap in the ttb, bolt in from what i understand. going to a straight axle involves a lot more time, fabrication, and patience getting pinion angles, wheel alignment in the wells right, and shackle angles right if you go with a leaf sprung front. you could try finding a coil straight axle d44. there's a lot of good information out there on the web. i'm in the process of swapping over a d60/10.25 onto a bronco frame. also, x2 on making sure you have the same gear ratio front to rear. good luck!
