Have a 2003 supercrew xlt 4.6l v8. Sadly 2wd. I've read up and yes I am aware this conversion seems nearly impossible, but my truck means a lot to me and I don't wanna just sell it to get another one. My truck was my dads and he passed away so it's my baby now and if there's a 4x4 conversion out there that anyone is aware of please help me out. Would swapping out the rear for a electric locking differential be worth it? Keep in mind I wana be able to go on the beach without getting stuck along with snow also.

 

If your serious about it then you might as well do a solid axle swap

 

for what your going to spend keep your dads truck and go buy a norther truck. for the same as a 4x2 to 4x4 conversion. you'll find a nice truck plus there wont be any of the problems that come from such a conversion. if you start your dads truck and jack something up then its a junk pile. or if you run out of cash and don't get it done you wont have a basket case! but hey thats just my $0.02

 

Alot of people have seen alot of luck with a rear locker and good meaty tires. I mean i wouldnt say to do the conversion cause there would probly be alot involved. I have seen alot of nice 2wd trucks and the lifts are cheaper. My truck doesnt see 4wd much unless im wheeling hard. My buddys modo is "i make my back tires spin so fast they make up for the 2 front ones not spinning" i have seen him go through some pretty wild stuff in 2wd. Keep your dads truck nice and dont beat on it, the same situtation happened to someone i know where he got his dads truck and he passed away and hes beating it into the ground. Its sad to see. When the truck totally fails him he will look back and wish he hadnt done it.

 

Do you Want a lifted 4x4? Or are you just wanting a stock 4x4? How much money do you have to spend? Can you weld/fabricate? Do you have a place to work on the truck and another vehicle to drive well it's down?
Lots of stuff to consider... But with time and money it's very doable.

 

It's your dads truck. He bought a 2wd. Keep it that way. Buy an old beater 4x4 to wheel. Don't beat on your dads truck. Take care of it. Just my opinion.