Hey everybody, I have been wondering about something. My truck is a 91, a shortbed and a 4X2. However, I am craving a 4X4. First off, I'm not selling my current truck to get a 4X4 because it has an extremely high sentimental value to me. It was my grandfathers truck, then my fathers, now mine. And someday I plan to pass it to my son (if I have one that is). So in lieu of simply getting another truck I was wondering about converting mine to a 4X4. I was hoping someone here has either done it or knows something about it. I kind of want ya'lls opinion on it. If you think it'd be easy, that's fine, just tell me why. If you think it's too hard, that's fine too as long as you tell me why. If you'd like to tell me I'm an idiot for considering it, that's less ok, but as long as you explain why then I'm cool.
Thanks guys.

 

I dont think your an idiot but I think it will cost just about as much as buying a used 4x4. If you look around these trucks are selling pretty cheaply since they dont get 30 MPG. And it would save alot of time and head aches since its not a direct swap from one to the other. Youve got to think about not only the front end, theres also the problem of getting a transfercase,2 new drive shafts(one front and a shorter one for the rear), and a way to engage the transfercase. Im not for sure but the tranny might also have to be replaced unless Ford made them all capable of bolting on a transfer case but I dont think they did. Anythings possible though if your willing to spend the time and money. They build space ships now!!LOL!!

 

You will need the front axle, Transfer transmission combo, front driveline, check the rear driveline, front springs, rear spacer, new shocks, and new brakelines. The nice thing about these trucks with the twin I-beams is that they use the same mounts as the four by trucks. Usually the rear drivelines are interchangable given that the transmission in two by truck has a extension housing and long tail shaft to cut back on the length of drivelines needed.

 

Okay, so I know that this is an old thread, but the same transmission was used in the 4x2 and 4x4 models, with a different main shaft and tail shaft..
IT COSTS AROUND $300 TOTAL FROM A PULL IT YOURSELF JUNKYARD!!!!!!!!!!!!!
In order for the transfer case to bolt up, you will need an adapter for your tail shaft.. So, all you would need is a front 4x4 assembly, transfer case, and the transmission components.. I've considered doing it myself, the thing that keeps me from it is that I have the 2.73 axles in the rear, and since they didnt make 4x4s in that ratio, id have to regear in the rear also.(The front and rear ratios need to be the same)
Ford used the same mounts for the I-beam and ttb axle, so it is 100% bolt up.
Good luck if you decide to do it...
Here's another link that's kinda helpful.
http://www.ford-trucks.com/article/i..._F100150s.html

 

Another thing to think about is the front midship gas tank if there. The midship or front tank will not mount up on a short wheelbase with 4x4. the transfer case needs to occupy some of the same space. This is only affects the standard cab short bed trucks.

 

Well then good thing mine is a longbed

 

Well the funny thing is since my original post, I've gone through a job loss, job hunt, new job, and finance restablizing...so my interest in spending the time and money to convert mine to a 4X4 has waned considerably. Add on to that that I'm not exactly the most technically inclined schmuck around. I suppose once I'm fully back on my feet and stabilized I might purchase a 4X4 rather than fooling around on my old truck. Anywhoo thanks to those who responded, I really appreciate your imput.

 

honestly....

find a parts donor and just make one truck...I am sure you have more time than money so doing the work yourself will be most enjoyable...or like said just find a 4x4 for a play toy and drive the 4x2 for regular stuff...

I havent been much of a Ford guy ever but after getting rid of my little nasty 4x4 a few years back I have had the craving to get another...

Even after driving this Ford I wouldnt mind finding a decent 96 or 96 with MAF and putting a nasty little 347 in it and go playing....I used to have a ton of fun with my 78 GM....that thing went everywhere but a farmers ditch...lol

 

from what I understand of it, this is expensive no matter how you do it, although i have never done it before. on a side note, its the males genes that determine boy or girl :P

 

Brining this thread back to life because I want to do this conversion. I have a 1987 F150 4x4 XL donor thats an automatic, but my truck is a manual 2x4 shortbed. What parts can I take off of this truck? I read this http://www.ford-trucks.com/article/i..._F100150s.html

But i was wondering if there is anything missing in that article as far as parts needed from the donor or if that is all...

Also i read something in this thread about the front/rear fuel tank getting in the way? is thais true?

If anybody can provide a list of what i need to make make the swap happen or point me in a good direction where i can find a list of only the parts i would need that would be great. I understand it is all bolt on, but i dont want to have to remove anything that i dont need from the donor.

Thanks in advance!