Pre-1997 Models

Turning my 1986 2X4 into a 4X4?

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Old 04-04-2010, 09:59 PM
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Turning my 1986 2X4 into a 4X4? W/ Pictures!

Ok I have a 1986 2X4 F150 and a 1985 4X4 F150. Would it be that big of a deal to put the 1985 four wheel drive on to my 2X4?

Reason I want to do it is because the 1985 is rotted out, and the 1986 is mint, but I want four wheel drive. All the brakets look like they are in the same spot and looks like it will be an easy swap.

The 1985 is a manual 4 speed, and the 1986 is an automatic. I will be putting in the manual from the 1985 into the 1986.

Can anyone here give me some information on this deal?

Thanks you all, Clint
 

Last edited by Clint C; 04-27-2010 at 09:26 PM. Reason: Added to title
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Old 04-05-2010, 01:17 PM
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I have never done this, but I would think it would be easier to swap all the good stuff from the '86 onto the '85 than to go the other way.
 
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Old 04-05-2010, 06:42 PM
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I have never done this, but I would think it would be easier to swap all the good stuff from the '86 onto the '85 than to go the other way.
Well that was the original plan, but the frame on the 85 has a crack and it is rusting away. The 86 frame is like new. The cab and everything has no rust on it. The cab on my 85 looks like swiss cheese. I'll get some pictures up in a bit.
 
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Old 04-06-2010, 12:44 AM
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it'll bolt over pretty much like factory. 4wd trucks have 3" wide rear leaf springs so swap them over as well it'll be some work but very doable.

the front suspension will swap over, take the transmission/t-case/crossmember/driveshaft and rear leaf spring/hangers.
 
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Old 04-06-2010, 02:10 AM
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Yup, actually a bolt over swap. And super easier since you have the donor truck already. But for the work I'd go for a solid axle instead of the TTB.

Adrianspeeder
 
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Old 04-06-2010, 07:52 AM
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Cool! Thats the responses that I was looking for. Not to much info on the web about doing it. Just a bunch of people saying to buy a new truck, lol. I'll take plenty of pictures as I do it.

Awesome, Thanks you all, Clint
 
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Old 04-06-2010, 08:02 AM
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I see a lot of people say this will cost lots of money to do. Just thought I would add that right now I have $1000.00 into both trucks.
 
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Old 04-07-2010, 12:03 AM
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u'll end up spending more money on cut off wheels (if u use a grinder for the rivets) and hardware...
 
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Old 04-27-2010, 09:22 PM
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Some pictures of the trucks and new tires.









 


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