Ok I know this may be a stupid question. I am just wondering about changing my 05 2wd Screw into a 4wd. I have been told by people that its not hard and doesnt cost that much. I dont know how true this is so thats why I am asking. So far all they said I would need is the transfer case from a 4wd wich can be located at a juknyard. So if thats the case then I may convert. So what I am trying to findout is this true and how much time would it take. I have a full auto shop that I can use anytime. If this is not true what all parts would I need and if anyone has a ballpark estimate of what it would cost minus the shop hours i do all my own work dont wanna pay allot of money to a mechanic when I can turn wrenches. All comments welcome.

 

There's a LOT more to it than that. You essentially need a whole donor truck.

 

I'm considering this myself. You would need: transfer case, new driveshaft, front axle assembly, front driveshaft, front c.v. shafts, 4x4 front knuckles and different rotors for the knuckles. I also found out that the 2wd has a different rack and pinion than the 4x4, but I'm not sure what the difference is. To get the suspension the same you would need: rear 4x4 blocks, new rear shocks, front 4x4 struts (the springs are the same) and 4x4 sway bar links. I'm told the upper control arm mounts are located in a different position between 2wd and 4x4. I still haven't confirmed this, but relocating the mounts is one more thing to consider. And, don't forget about all of the extra wiring and switches. You may even need a new pcm.
This is all off the top of my head, there may be more that I haven't thought of.

 

Good info anyone got any ideas on a price just a ballpark estimate. Thanks

 

2wd to 4wd can be done much easier than anyone thinks.

You just have to ditch the IFS, get a D60 or D44 swap that under the truck, decide what suspension you want to run. Once thats setup all you will need to complete the swap is matching ring and pinion gears from front to rear and a divorce transferrcase. You mount the t-case in a cradle or diaper, which is secured by the frame. Then you have a small driveshaft from the transmission to the t-case then one from the t-case to the front axle and from the t-case to the rear axle. Then make room for your shifter levers, and you have a working 4x4. This is much much easier than trying to swap in an IFS based 4wd system.

prices would definitely vary, depending on if you decided to run a D60 or D44 and what front suspension you went with. There is alot of fabrication involved so if you cant do that then you might aswell add another 2-3K to the price for a shop to do it.

IMO, if you dont plan on running overly large tires, a D44 would be a decent swap, then to keep it simple set it up on leaf springs. Now the front crossmember will be in the way unless you lift it 8", so if you dont want to go that high I would recommend making a new front crossmember and cutting the stock one out. Then the only thing you need to worry about is clearance from the axle to oil pan. THis swap could be done for as little as 3k if you get good deals, but it could also run all the way up to past 15k if you get all new parts and big name stuff, all depends on your mechanical know how.

 

Also, pretty sure the frame is different on 2wd vs. 4x4's.

 

The only difference I am aware of is the location of the upper control arm mounts, and I'm not even sure about that. Do you know specifically what other parts would be different?

 

I've heard many times the entire front section of the frame is completely different.

 

No kidding? I have to make a beer run today, maybe I'll stop by the local Ford dealer and stick my head under a used 4x4 while I'm out.

 

Sounds like time to trade.

 

Well, I looked under a 4x4 and the frame looks exactly the same to me, including the mounting location for the control arms.

Yetti, I can't speak for the OP, but trading in my truck is not an option. I inherited it from my grandfather when he died, so it has sentimental value.

 

i know the 2wd 97-03 Frames are different. The crossmembers are different

 

Yea, you would be better off just getting a 4x4, instead of tearing apart your 2wd. Would probably be cheaper, faster, and a lot lest of a headache.
Or, find a junked 4x4, and swap all your crap onto it's frame.
Just the electrical wiring alone would make me steer clear of this, but I HATE dealing with wires.

 

Ok. Yeah, I was looking at the 04-08 style.

 

They might look the same at a glance, but the frames are definitely different. You'd need to swap frames to make it work.