Has anyone done a 4x4 conversion on a lightning? I thought I had seen an article on it in a magazine a few years ago. I am thinking of doing such a conversion on my 94 Lightning.

 

good luck doing so! You can do it, but it would cost less, to just replace your lightning or buy an older 4x4. I can see why you need 4x4! I have a friend up at Pierre.

If you do decide, I would advice getting a wrecked donor. You would have to do frame mods get all new drivetrain(minus rear axle)from the tranny back. Plus alot of extras...Expect to pay at least 3 grand.

 

I have got a 78 4x4 and thought about using the sold axle. My local tranny shop said he would trade me a rebuilt AOD and transfercase for the tranny out of my lightning and the 78's C6 so I think I can get this done fairly cheap I would still need a suspension lift what is a good brand to go with? I want about six inches because I have a set of 35" tires from the 78. Oh ya there is about a foot a snow on the ground man I miss having a 4x4

[This message has been edited by Koepke (edited 02-18-2000).]

 

I am not much of an expert on this. My personal favorite is SuperLift. I think Ford used a dana 44 solid on the 1/2tons in the 70's. Your computer is gonna give you alot of problems swapping to a AOd or a c-6 though. Solid axle is the way to go with a lift. So your on the right track! Problem is I don't think your speedo will hook up to a drivetrain pre-92.

I posted some messages from other people on this subject:

1) The swap will involve removing and rewelding spring and shock seats and a custom drive shaft.In the front there will also be steering linkage mods.Staying within the boundries of what was available to your truck from the factory can make it simpler due to the fact that many parts will be available from junk yards.It doesnt mean that you will be spending your valuable time and money to build the most performance vehicle though.You should buy some off road mags and get familiar with some of the more impressive swaps that are being done.There are reasons why different front and rear axles are being demanded by off road enthusiasts.Just because you finaly hook up 4WD to your 2WD truck doesnt mean youll be happy with the end result.Once you know what you want to build,(front and rear axle,transmission,transfer case,gear ratio,lockers,suspension,steering up grades,etc.Then you can call a company like Advanced Adapters who can help you meld almost anything onto any other thing
*

 

Sure sounds like a bunch of work, time and money to do this mod!

Will the 4x4 mod have a severe impact on performance?

------------------
2000 F-150 XLT, 4x2, 5.4L Supercab, Styleside, Black with silver two-tone, 3.55, class III towing package with heavy duty cooling package, 4 wheel disk ABS, overhead console, sliding rear window, keyless entry, dark graphite interior, in dash CD, Pendaliner bedliner, K&N air filter, rubberized undercoating, cabin filtration system, Bugflector II, 5W-30 Mobil 1, engine build 10/4/99

 

Why not just get a Roush Supercharged 4x4 f150?

 

for starters...not everyone can afford a new truck, and I am not sure Roush makes a 4x4 version...Mumbly?

IT is a time consuming job, but it can be very rewarding. In addition you can make your truck stronger, by not cutting corners like ford did.

FYI, The dana 44 IFS from 80-96 isn't a good axle.

 

Here ya go, ROUSH 4x4, pretty nice if I must say.
http://www.roushperf.com/vehicles/f150/
[This message has been edited by mudder (edited 02-19-2000).]

[This message has been edited by mudder (edited 02-19-2000).]

[This message has been edited by mudder (edited 02-19-2000).]

 

Hey cool! Are the Roushs' just in Texas? I have never seen one ever in Kansas, or Nebraska or even Oklahoma. I asked my dealer friend, and he had never even heard of one.

 

Did they upgrade the site? Looks pretty good Mudder. Do they offer superchargers for them? They dont have it listed as an option.

[This message has been edited by fast46triton (edited 02-20-2000).]

 

If I just bought a new ford that would be to easy. I love trying new things and giving my self and challenge to build something cool that is what makes your truck your truck. That is my I am wanting to do the 4x4 conversion on my 94 lightning and I know I can build one bad lightning 4x4 cheaper than buying a new one. Now how about some suggestions, thanks guys.

 

Your allready heading in the correct area. Stay with the solid axle on your 78. Is your 78, although I don't know what the axle specs are. you might even be able to use the axle and transfer case from your 78. You'll save a considerable amount of money, using the parts from your old truck. Good luck! Can't wait to see the pictures!