4x4 Conversion
09-29-2009, 03:48 AM
#11
Senior Member
I know this is an old thread, but I just read it, and feel that a lot of the people on here need a bit of an education on pre-97 F150s. Converting a 2wd to a 4x4 does NOT cost $2000. It is NOT super expensive. It does NOT require a single bit of welding. If you can operate basic hand tools, its actually a pretty simple swap.
Find you a 4x4 F150 or Bronco 4x4. From 80-96. I'd shoot for as new as one I could find. I'd also try to find one with some Warn Premium manual locking hubs. Unbolt the front suspension. Steering is identical. Easiest way to remove it all is to undo the: upper coil spring retainers, the radius arm end nuts, and the pivot bolts.
Installation is the same as removal. The 2wd and 4x4s use the SAME BRACKETS. If you don't believe me, check ProComp part numbers on their lifts. The only difference between a 2wd lift and a 4x4 lift is the way they lift the back of the truck. 4x4s have 3" wide leaf springs. 2wds have 2.5" wide leaf springs.
After you swap in the front axle, swap in your trans and tcase. (for the hole in the floor you need for the tcase shifter, there is a plate you simply unbolt). Be sure to grab the 4x4 crossmember. Its slightly different.
Install your driveshafts and you are done! you don't need the dual shock mounts up front. In fact, not all 4x4s had them.
Anyone who wants to tell me I'm wrong, go for it. I've done the swap. I did some shopping around for good deals on used stuff, and I got my d44TTB, 6" procomp lift with extended radius arms, ZF-5 transmission, bw1356 transfercase all together for less than $1000. had I not upgraded transmissions, or installed the lift, I could have done a 4x4 conversion for about $300.
Find you a 4x4 F150 or Bronco 4x4. From 80-96. I'd shoot for as new as one I could find. I'd also try to find one with some Warn Premium manual locking hubs. Unbolt the front suspension. Steering is identical. Easiest way to remove it all is to undo the: upper coil spring retainers, the radius arm end nuts, and the pivot bolts.
Installation is the same as removal. The 2wd and 4x4s use the SAME BRACKETS. If you don't believe me, check ProComp part numbers on their lifts. The only difference between a 2wd lift and a 4x4 lift is the way they lift the back of the truck. 4x4s have 3" wide leaf springs. 2wds have 2.5" wide leaf springs.
After you swap in the front axle, swap in your trans and tcase. (for the hole in the floor you need for the tcase shifter, there is a plate you simply unbolt). Be sure to grab the 4x4 crossmember. Its slightly different.
Install your driveshafts and you are done! you don't need the dual shock mounts up front. In fact, not all 4x4s had them.
Anyone who wants to tell me I'm wrong, go for it. I've done the swap. I did some shopping around for good deals on used stuff, and I got my d44TTB, 6" procomp lift with extended radius arms, ZF-5 transmission, bw1356 transfercase all together for less than $1000. had I not upgraded transmissions, or installed the lift, I could have done a 4x4 conversion for about $300.
09-30-2009, 01:09 AM
#14
its right lol but does the 4x4 come with dual front shocks just woundering you could have swaped shock towers to yeah 300 sounds right thats what it is costing to convert my 87 f150 to a f350 just got to finish it first then do the conversion on the side cause i need to also change the driveshaft for the stearling rear to fit
09-30-2009, 01:24 AM
#15
Senior Member
There isn't really any reason to swap the coil buckets. The dual shocks really aren't an improvement over a good single shock. Its definitely not worth your time or energy to grind rivets, and bolt the new buckets on.
09-30-2009, 01:38 PM
#16
Senior Member
Only a few trucks came with the dual shock set up, and those were an option ordered from the factory. The only difference between my single shock and my neighbors dual shock it the tower. I have the two shock mounts on my front axle but only room for one on my tower. He is right about the suspension using the same bolts on the frame and about the F250 using the TTB front axle. Some older 250's use a dana 44 front axle with leaf springs, even the heavy duty 250 may have the 44. I know this because I happen to have one, it also has a factory Dana 70 rear that is heavier than most of the dually axles of the same year.
09-30-2009, 01:42 PM
#17
Senior Member
Only a few trucks came with the dual shock set up, and those were an option ordered from the factory. The only difference between my single shock and my neighbors dual shock it the tower. I have the two shock mounts on my front axle but only room for one on my tower. He is right about the suspension using the same bolts on the frame and about the F250 using the TTB front axle. Some older 250's use a dana 44 front axle with leaf springs, even the heavy duty 250 may have the 44. I know this because I happen to have one, it also has a factory Dana 70 rear that is heavier than most of the dually axles of the same year.
09-30-2009, 11:28 PM
#18
true there is no reason but whats the reason to convert it to a 4x4 its easier to buy one just like im goint to turn mine into a 350 is it nessary no but its some fun on the side and i have to actually remove my front rad mounts and put new ones in but im chosesing to rerivit instead of bolt bolting works just as good but i want factory look and strength