miataman

I have a 93 2x4 XL std cab long bed with very little rust but the syncros are out in the M5R2.

I picked up a complete but wrecked 96 4x4 (std cab long bed, Manual transfer case and lock hubs) pretty cheap for the transmission. I am now considering the 2x4 to 4x4 conversion. I'd really rather have a 4x4.

Has anyone really done the 2x4 to 4x4 conversion?

I have messed with cars all my life but am relatively new to the F150's.

I'd like to know the full scope before starting.

Are there snakes hidden in the grass or is it relatively straight forward?

Manuellabour247

The easiest thing would be to swap your body over to the 96 frame....I say easy, but it's still a lot of work. If you were to swap just the trans and transfer, I'm sure it would work. You'd also have to completely remove your front end and install everything from the donor truck. The main problem you'll have is the electronics between the two. Just do some research on youtube and make sure you plan the work out before you start anything. That way you can make an actual plan on what you want to do whether it's swapping the body or just installing the 4WD system. It's definitely a beginners task to do, but everybody has to start somewhere.

Chris_1

iTrader: (1)

You can approach it in halves. Transmission, transfer case and rear driveshaft, you should then be able to drive the truck.
The front diff and driveshaft can be a separate project. Not a whole lot more involved than putting on a lift kit would be.
Either job can be done first, then join them up with the front driveshaft.
It's fairly straightforward. There may be a couple small issues to straighten out, but with a manual transmission and transfer case you shouldn't have any major problems, as long as all your bolts come undone.
Keep the donor truck until you're done.

miataman

Thanks guys.

The 96 has a tweaked frame and much more rust than my 93.

I know the radius arm and tie-rod end on the driver's side need to be replaced. What other parts are suspect with a left-front impact (it took 2 posts out of a highway cheese-slicer).

What about the spring/shock mount or I-beam/axle mount? Are they the same?
Ford has a nasty reputation of changing stuff that looks like it should fit.

The transmission will definitely be first, so I can drive it again.

The rear leaf springs are wider and 2-stage on the 4x4 too. I still need to check & see if it is a limited slip. If so, I will definitely swap it over.

Funny tale: I pulled over at the side of the highway today to take a phone call and felt the work truck (2013 Chevy) sink when I stopped. Only had 2 wheels off the pavement but had to put it in 4x4 to get out, limited slip alone wouldn't do it. I really hate the clay in this part of MO.

Manuellabour247

Is the 4x4 under the 96 leaf or coil? If it's leaf you should be able to put the mounts on your frame and do the swap that way. Just make sure they are put in the proper position for the front axle position. It's been a while since I've messed with the front ends on these year trucks.

miataman

Both trucks are coil spring.

My purpose for considering the conversion is to avoid situations like I ran into yesterday (needing 4x4 to get un-stuck). This truck will likely see 80% paved roads. In the last week, I've needed 4x4 twice and wasn't off-roading at all.

ngraham2010

Its so easy to convert. Dont overthink it. As long as its half ton to half ton the axle bolts right in. The trans is as easy as swapping it over if keeping the same trans. Ive done three conversions so far.

94FordI6

I have, along with a few others on this site. It's all bolt on stuff, strip your parts 4x4 truck and have the parts waiting, front end will swap over in a day at the most and it took me a long weekend for the tranny although I also did a 5 speed swap. If it has a manual shift transfer case there won't be any electrical needed.

Best to get a parts truck with the same wheel base, (engine as well if possible).

CDavis9

I was planning on doing this to my 93 I'm taking my body, motor and putting it onto a 91 f250 frame zf5 speed I've been told that would be the easiest way but that's what I'm going with

Chris_1

iTrader: (1)

That should work. Make sure the 91 diff has the right speed sensor and you should be golden.