2WD-4WD Conversion question's

shotgunred

TEAM LOGAN
Location
Magna
I have a 1977 ext cab F250 that is my pride and joy (I havent told my CJ this little secret-_-). The only thing that is left in its full restoration is the 4WD conversion. I want to start buying/fabbing parts needed for this project so I can attempt it in the spring. Has anybody here pulled this project off ? What Is the best way to start 1-Find a parts truck and use the frame and running gear or 2- Buy the axels, TC and tansmision I want and peace it together? Will my body fit on a 80's model frame? Is the frame of my 2wd the same as a 4wd or will I need to weld or drill for the front spring hangers? I guess I am just looking for some conversation on this to prepare for any major headaches I may have before I get started. Thanks for the help
 
Last edited:

Tacoma

Et incurventur ante non
Location
far enough away
4 Wheel and Offroad did that exact conversion a few years back. It was pretty involved to reuse the 2wd frame... and since Ford spent all that money putting brackets and stuff where it goes, I'd use the 4wd frame.....

not that I'd waste the time on a FORD hehehehehe
 

Bart

Registered User
Location
Arm Utah
Seriously, I'd look for an early Dodge with cummins, maybe even one that's rolled, then make your Ford body fit it.
 

a4t1rat

New Member
Location
Payson
I have done this conversion a couple of times, not too hard. the frames are different but it will work. you need to remove the 2x4 crossmember and the rear radius arm brackets. get the ft spring mount and rear shackle frame mounts off a early 70's 4x4 frame measure and install them on your frame you will need to drill 2 large holes in your frame fro the shackle mounts. you will also need the steering box and linkage as it is different. the frame motor mounts are different also you will need them. as for the cross member I made a template off the stock one welded it and boxed it in to look like the stock one. depending on what you do as far as the t-case mated 77 and later or divorced 76 and earlier you will need to get cross members. dont forget axel, u-bolts, brake lines and ect. I have also just swaped frames to do the same and if I could find a nice early 70's 4x4 frame I would go that way. as far as the 90's ford 250-350 trucks there frame are pretty much the same as I have done that conversion as well. my 2004 f-350 4x4 looks as it is basickly the same also. hope this helps and good luck.
 

my4thjeep

Registered User
Location
Lehi
4 Wheel and Offroad did that exact conversion a few years back. It was pretty involved to reuse the 2wd frame... and since Ford spent all that money putting brackets and stuff where it goes, I'd use the 4wd frame.....

not that I'd waste the time on a FORD hehehehehe

There is a jeep version of this upgrade in the latest issue of 4 wheel and Off road. I just got it yesterday... It was quite detailed and might help you figure out what exactly you need to do before you start.
 

Kiel

Formerly WJ ZUK
There is a jeep version of this upgrade in the latest issue of 4 wheel and Off road. I just got it yesterday... It was quite detailed and might help you figure out what exactly you need to do before you start.

Totally different though. The Jk uses the same frame and brackets just has an empty front axle housing and no t case. All they had to do was bolt on a t case and get a real 4wd front axle with stock brackets. Bolt and go
 

Brad J

Registered User
Location
Woods Cross, UT
http://www.ksl.com/?nid=218&ad=2121710&cat=&lpid=

May be useful to you. May not. Check it out though, it's FREE. ;)

Strange, it has a passenger side 5 lug front diff:confused:

2724117.jpg
 
Top