MusicBro

Hi everyone. I've got a 95 f150 extended cab 2wd with the 4.9 I plan to convert to 4wd using parts from a 96 bronco. Got everything pulled just need to put them on now but I had a question about transmission. Do I have to change mine out or can I just change the output shaft? I would rather not have to take the tranny out of I don't have to or just have a shop do it for me. Any ideas? Also since I got a bronco transfer case it's a fixed yolk so where would I get a driveshaft for it?

GhostriderI

I think they used the same frame for both, if so the bronco drive-shaft should fit. As far as transmission, the tail-section (part from transmission to gearbox) might be different

Hope this helps

65mechanic

I used a Bronco for my 4wd swap as well. It is fixed yoke, correct. I had a driveshaft shop extend the bronco driveshaft. My truck is standard cab/short bed, but the wheelbase is definitely longer. I wanted to stay with the fixed yoke (stronger, won't fall out on the trails, you can run front wheel drive in case you break a rear driveshaft joint, etc).

MusicBro

Thanks for the reply. Will the driveshaft shop just know what size or do you have to tell them? If you do how do you know what size when you can't really measure because you don't have the t-case on for that extra distance? About how much did that cost? Also, on your swap did you have to change transmissions?

65mechanic

You'll have to measure the distance between the t-case flange/differential flange. Whatever you measure, just be sure to tell them where you measured from and they should know what length it needs to be. The front shaft will bolt in (no modifications needed).

You're going to have to have the trans/t-case bolted in to know the correct measurement.

It cost me a little over $100 to have it lengthened.

Yes, I did swap the entire transmission. Unless you know someone that can give you a steal on swapping the tail shaft out on your transmission with a 4wd tailshaft, it's much easier to just swap out the whole thing. I got lucky and found a bronco with good front and rear axles and the same transmission as mine (just 4wd).

Couple tips: If you're not re-gearing, try to find a truck with the same gear ratio as yours, and you'll be able to swap just the front axle in.
Also, it's a lot more straight forward finding a 4wd truck/bronco with the same transmission type as well.

MusicBro

So I'll be without the truck until I can get the driveshaft made? The bronco and my truck both have E4OD so no problem there I just didn't want to take the chance of there being something wrong with the bronco tranny. Any advice? Should I have it serviced first? And yes I plan on regearing to at least 4:10

Chris_1

iTrader: (1)

From about the back of the doors forward, Bronco and F150 are identical.
Driveshaft should bolt right up unless your truck is lifted more than the Bronco was.
Be careful about the trans, they're bothe E4OD but they are computer controlled and 95 is OBD1 and 96 is OBD2 plus there were modifications happening constantly from year to year in the electronic transmissions- do some extensive research before bolting that puppy in.
You will have to get your rear driveshaft length changed - neither one of the drivshafts you have will be right.
I think the only big difference in 2WD and 4x4 is that the rear springs are wider in the 4x4.
You want the manual shift transfer case for this swap - the electric shift will be a wiring nightmare.

65mechanic

Correct. But like Chris said, make sure it's the EXACT same trans. I.e. How it's controlled, etc. There's not really anyway to tell if your trans will need a service, other than checking the fluid for color and/or metal particles. I did a filter and a fluid change on mine after I installed it. Still runs fine today.
Whatever gear you decide to go with, just make sure the front and rear match up.

MusicBro

Thanks for the info. How long were you without you truck once you put the new tranny in and waited for the driveshaft? In your conversion thread you mentioned you had a full time job and you needed your truck to go to work. How did you make it work? I ask because I will be in the same boat.

65mechanic

I believe it took around a week to have the shaft made. I might should've been more clear, but at the time I had a spare vehicle and my job provides a work van for me to use. If i remember correct, I mentioned the full time job because I didn't have much time to work on it at the time.