I just bought an 82 f150 2wd with a 302 and the explorer package. Im converting the thing over to a 4wd truck. I took it through a small mud pit the other day and realized how pathetic a 2wd open dif truck is. Does anybody have any suggestions, Im trying to go cheap. I was looking at powertrax no slip, or some detroit locker. I really am looking for something cheap, i dont have any of the toold to do intense diff work. Also considering putting in a junkyard limited slip. Im new to this forum. This is my first ford. And i have been so impressed with the way ford does things over gm. Ive always been a gm person. Thanks a lot.

 

maybe go to a junkyard and buy all the 4wd parts off a doner truck. Should be able to get it pretty cheap. Or look around for a real cheap doner truck somewhere else. That would be the easiest way to get all the parts you need.

 

For the ultimate in cheap/easy, a mini spool is what your after, full time lock however and somewhat a pita on the street.

http://www.drivetrainspecialists.com...s/mini-spools/

 

Most say you are better off buying a 4x4 right out than trying to convert from 2x2 to 4x4. Do a quick Google search : [convert 2wd to 4wd] to see what you are up against

I would get one of the fully locking differentials like the ARB Airlocker. I have had one on my 4x4 for near 15 years now. A fully locking differential is about the cheapest way to get near to 4x4 without actually converting to 4x4. It's great to be able to go form fully open to fully locked by flicking a switch. It's way faster and easier that locking the hubs and shifting into 4x4 mode.

I had a factory LS diff but burned out the clutch packs when I had a blowout and the spare tire I put on and drove 300 miles on was not the same size as the other tires. The LS did not work after that.

 

I was offered the truck for 750 bucks. After inspection the only thing wrong with it was the brake shoes were too worn. I know it would be easier to buy a 4x4 but thats not what im about. Id much rather put the effort into it. I'm doing a modified lifted ttb setup. The air lockers look like theyd be ideal but are way out of my price range.