2wd to 4wd conversion

[joelzi]

Anyone ever convert a 2wd to a 4x4 without cutting the frame and welding on a 4x4 front frame section? I purchased a complete 4x4 frame off of a 72 and was planning on taking the spring hangers, front spring mounts, and transfer case cross member and putting them on a 70 frame for the conversion. I planned on putting them in the same location as the 72 frame and then putting on the leaf springs and front axle. It is not possible to use the 72 frame complete for the conversion. I need to use the 70 frame for the finished conversion. (the 1970 is a crew cab long bed F350)

[flyboy2610]

Welcome to the site! Glad to have you with us!
If you want a 4x4, by far the easiest way would be to mount the 72 cab and box on the 70 frame, unless the rear of the frame is trashed. You would have to pull the engine and tranny, and remove the entire front clip off the 72 any way, The 72 will bolt right onto the 70 frame, and it would be easier.

[fordman]

i would say it depends on how determinded your were about doing it. i would think that it could be done with alot of extra work.

[FORDification]

It really WOULD be a lot of work....though it can be done. The front crossmember, suspension and mounts, steering box/linkage, steering column and engine stands are all 4WD-specific.

I understand (to a point) your concerns with cutting the frame, but if you're absolutely determined to do this, splicing the two frames would be the easiest way IMO.

Either way, I'd suggest taking LOTS of measurements, photos and notes before you turn the first bolt. And definitely take pictures as you go along on this project and share them with us. I'm sure there are definitely a lot of folks who would be interested in hearing about how things go.

[rjewkes]

hmm. I had that thought and then thought, nah. But i had looked into and a pro said something about the crssmember upfront being shorter and the oil pan being a rear sump.

And as far as suspension i beleive you'd remove the i beams and drill the holes for the leaf spring shackles to be installed. and i believe the 4x4 steering system is an outside of frame mounting system for the gear box.

[oldhalftons]

Alot of people are afraid to cut a frame and weld it.
ford frames (at least all the older ones ) are just un-heat treated mild steel.

I'm currently building an 84 bronco on a shortened 87 F250 chassis.

I'm staggering the cuts and after they are welded, i'm bolting a 1/4" thick 6"x12" plate to the outside of the frame with 2 7/16" bolts on each side of the first weld. then running a bead around the plate, welding it to the frame. This is the method ford used to cut and extend frames for the really long WB vans. So I'll see if the method works for shortening frames too.

[zakt]

I have a 67' F350 crew Im converting to 4x4 and I have 85' and 95' crewcab frames which are 6" to long and thought about just moving the body over... nobody local recommends or will cut the frame and splice it because of the liability. So, Im moving all the hanger mounts off my 85' to my 67' since I already have the 10"front and 12" rear leaf springs and rather not buy new ones at $100 an inch... so far so good the rear is changed over but the front is still in progress. I have my own theory about putting the off road unlimited reverse shackle kit in the front and cut it to width but will have a 79 front clip for back up measurements and hangers... Im just not sure how the 85' front leafs will center in the wheel well of the 67'....

Todd

[71Ford]

Instead of converting it a 4x4, you could probably buy a lift kit, $700 worth of 35inch BF Goodrich Mud Terrain Tires, and a Ramsey Winch and go the same places a 4x4 goes and be a lot less trouble.



Shawn

[72hiboy4x4]

better add a locker to that list. other than that I agree, a 2wd, properly set up, will go almost everywhere a 4x4 will. And you may have more fun getting there!

[1970F250]