2wd body on 4x4 frame

[cghstrojan08]

I have a 1969 f100 single cab long bed. I was wondering if my body would fit on a 4x4 body? How many mods will need to be done. Is it worth it or should I just try to fix the other truck up. I don't know what year it is. It is like a 70-72. Need to go back to the junkyard and look.

[ICEMAN6166]

sure will fit.
some differences in the years of the 4x4 and things like type of transfer case and front end but go find a 4x4 from 67 to 72 for the easiest conversion.
you can go up to the 79 model year with some minor mods.
i have done many.

if you get one the same year as yours with a body and title, then you can take the correct 4x4 vin tag to match the frame vin.

[FORDification]

Yep, it's pretty much just swapping parts from one to the other. The 2WD inner fenders will need a little trimming along the bottom, and since you'd probably go with a 4-spd you'll have to cut out the transmission tunnel and add the bolt-on tunnel cover for clearance. You'd have to use the 4WD steering column (or at least the main shaft from it in your 2WD column).

[averagef250]

Hey Keith, are F-250 4x4 inner fenders the same as 2wd? All the bumpside F-100 4x4's I've seen have had a different driver side inner fender, but all the F-250 4x4's have been identicle to 2wd's.

[Tallboy]

Average is on to something.... When I did the body swap from my donner truck 72 f250 2wd, to my 72 f 250 4x4 frame everything went across well. I did not have to clearance the inner fenders. Only mod was the cab back mounts. So 72 2wd and 4wd inners were the same.... I don't know about f100's though

[FORDification]

That's actually a good question...I do know the F100 inner fender is different between the 2WD and 4WD. It's possible that since the F250 sits higher there wasn't a need to clearance the inner fender like what's necessary with the F100 piece. However, I've never had an F250 4x4, so I'm not sure.

[67highboy]

I didnt know anything about the inner fender thing on the f 100's but on my 250 I just put a set of 2wd fender wells in with no mods...



John

[averagef250]

The steering box on an F-100 4x4 looks like it might interfere with a 2wd inner fender.

[ICEMAN6166]

unless you used the f100 4x4 front end which is not as heavy as the f250s or modified one of the 80- ups i dont think its possible as a bolt in.
IMO too much work to adapt all that stuff when in a day or 2 you can put your cab/bed on the 4x4 frame.

[averagef250]

Anything's possible, but the 2wd frame just doesn't lend itself to apapting a front axle easily. Steering is completely different, the front crossmember is in the way of everything and if you actually plan to use 4 wheel drive like most use thier old 4x4 trucks, the 2wd frame simply is not nearly as beefy as the 4x4 versions.

If you have an F-350 2wd then it's a slightly different story, the F-350 does have plenty of beef to build off of, but you still have to fabricate everything.

[ICEMAN6166]

i think the only real way to do a 2wd would be the napco unit which is a 2wd converted to 4x4.
theres a nice one up here ive seen a few times but its a 350 which is a beefier frame.

i have done several body swaps from 2wd to 4x4.
even the early 2wd straight axle trucks require lots of fab to get 4x4, i looked at doing it, then i found the correct 4x4 frame for $400.

i am doing a 2wd to 4x4 conversion on a 61 f500, but using 1942 marmon-harrington axles and transfer case.the transfer case has its own subframe that fits inside the truck frame so i only had to drill some holes
in my frame to mount it.the rear axle width was correct but the front was narrower on the 42 truck frame so i had to do some fab work to fit the 61 springs.had the frame of the 42 not been hacked to use a chebby column and box i would have used it and put the 61 cab on.

[cghstrojan08]

OK. The truck I found at the junkyard is a f250 4x4. It has a automatic that had a 360. I can buy the frame with transmission, transfer case, front in, and rear end for $400. I would use my f100 body and engine. Is this just gonna be a bolt up job? I know I will have to trim the inner fender. Is there stuff I need to make sure that I get, linkage, etc? If I put a 3 inch body lift, how do I hookup the auto trans? Mine is three on the tree. My dad is telling me though that I have Shi... for brains. They are going to crush it in about a month. If I would get it, I would wait till summer to do anything. I really need help deciding, is it ethical to do? I only have $1200 to my name. Thanks

[averagef250]

Try to get the steering column, e-brake cables, front bumper brackets and tranny tunnel cover for that price as well and you're in business. $400 wouldn't be a bad deal. You won't need to trim the inner fenders. your 2wd ones will fit fine. The core support and radiator from the junkyard truck would be another smart thing to get, but your 2wd stuff will work.

Body lifts get the job done, but they have alot of drawbacks. If you can swing it, try to shoot for a suspension lift. Even just re-arcing the factory springs will raise most trucks nearly what a 3" body lift does.

[ICEMAN6166]

i see all the posts about not being able to use the fan shroud with the 2wd support but why not?
the distance between the fan and radiator can be changed by changing the spacer between the water pump and fan, there are several sizes for the fe alone fron a long one to a real short stubby one.
please clear this up for me if you can,thanks,

[cghstrojan08]

So this isn't going to be hard? I am only 17. Is there going to be any issues or is it just bolt up? I also need to replace the cab mounts.