if i was you i would find a solid front axle instead of the a arm style, i think Klitch did it on his truck, but it already was a 4x4, and it was a 97. im sure it can be done, and i can get why your name is attitude... back on topic... try to find a S/D donor and convert it to 8 lug and solid front axle.

 

alot of work to convert a 2wd to a 4x4...you said you had got a great deal on the truck...sell it...take the extra money you made off it and buy a 4x4....be alot easier and less stressful...

 

OK, time to chill this thread down just a little bit. Could a talented mechanic like the OP convert a 2WD truck (of this vintage) into a 4WD truck? Absolutley. In fact if you were really into that kind of thing, it might be kind of interesting. It would take quite a bit of time though.

Now for the reality. There are a ton pf parts needed for the swap and unless you got a great deal on them one at a time, you'd be pretty well buried in part costs alone. If you could buy an entire donor truck, you'd be far better off. But you're still talking a pretty complicated task here.

Many years ago, I converted a Toyota Corolla from an automatic to a 5 speed. I bought an entire donor car and jacked them up side by side. Not only was it pretty straight forward, but it was kind of fun. Of course since I didn't have the money to fix the busted automatic and the entire donor car was $300 - and I was pretty broke at the time - it was the only way to fly.

Fast forward to today and this post. This conversion is quite a bit more complex due to the sheer complexity of newer cars and trucks. Heck, just swapping a 5.4 into a 4.6 truck is way more complicated than just swapping the motor.

Realistically, you're probably going to eat up all of the money you saved on the 2WD truck converting it to a 4WD truck. And when you sell it, nobody is going to pay you extra for all of your hard labor. So unless this one is a labor of love, you probably are going to end up upside down in the deal. And that's just one man's personal opinion.

 

just a matter of adding a t-case which i don't think a divorced case would be to hard to adapt but going to a factory trans w/ t-case would be ideal.

SAS is fairly simple if you want leaf springs assuming you have the basic knowledge on how to set everything up.


as far as i know, the only vehicle that is a bolt on 2wd to 4wd swap is a toyota tacoma pre-runner.

 

Do it and take pictures! I'm on your side!

 

For an update, I think I will take some of your advice. I cleaned it up this week and parked it out by the road!!!! I think I will sell it and by a Fusion!!!! If gas hits $5.00 like THEY say, I wouldnt mind having 30mpg. Considering I have an 04 F150 FX4 and an 04 Nissan Armada LE 4x4, and my boy has a 61 F100 2wd all original!!(although we are considering a late model drivetrain swap and maybe 4x4)



Shane

 

Smart choice. Believe me, I used to want to swap my 4.6 to a 5.4 until I searched around and realized it's not as easy as swapping a 350 into an old Chevy.

On a side note though, if I ever sell my truck for Fusion y'all can shoot me dead, the Harley's my 30mpg ride!

 

so you are going from having a 2wd f150 to wanting a 4wd f150 to wanting a fusion.

make up your mind nancy.

 

Yeah kinda. I like the truck, It just sits on the ground (I know, So will the Fusion!! lol), but I like my trucks lifted or at least sitting up. Im used to lifted or at least leveled 4x4s. So it bugs me as low as it, and It seems even lower being the longer bed (6.5'). So I was wanting to mess with it. But you guys are right, I dont really want to spend that much money on it. Although I was looking forward to the challenge, it wouldnt be feasable. And with the talk of gas hitting $5.00 again!!!! I think the smarter choice would be get something LIKE a Fusion. Of course the wife will be driving it, as she drives alot more than my 3miles to work.


Shane

 

somebody woke up on the wrong side of the bed

 

maybe

 

How much are you asking for it? Text me with some pics if ya would.

 

Pics on Wichita CL.

 

Attitude that '04 is a beaut' Did you dip the interior yourself or did you pay someone to do it?

 

The camo? That is one of my old trucks, Its an 01 and thats a Husky Liners dash kit. And vinyl headliner.

My 04 is a bright red FX4, cant get pics to load. too big.