Sorry people - I am leaving the 2WD family

[Daryl 32]

Started my 4WD conversion this week. I have had the parts for over 3 years now so it is time to put them on.

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Our truck - 1999 F250 with 7.3 engine had a 6" Fabtech lift in it. The front end was completely rebuilt 5 years ago and is now for sell.
New bearings, new seals, new calipers, rotors, ball joints, poly bushings, tie rods, and other little things like the caliper hardware.

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Looks a little un-nerving to see the truck with no front suspension!

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[The other Sean]

How complicated is the conversion? I had a 2wd Ford Ranger Edge years ago and it seemed Ford built it on the same 4wd chassis, they just left the front parts and transfer case out. So, it was almost a "bolt in" conversion.

 

[Daryl 32]

How complicated is the conversion? I had a 2wd Ford Ranger Edge years ago and it seemed Ford built it on the same 4wd chassis, they just left the front parts and transfer case out. So, it was almost a "bolt in" conversion.

ALMOST - I have a 99 and I am putting in the front suspension and axle out of a 2008. 99 4wd were leaf spring front ends and the 2005 and up are coil front ends.

So far the only big issue I have found is the track rod mount - looks like a frame change 2006 or 07 to 2008. I may have to do addition and some welding of 1/4" thick metal to mine for one bolt.

But for the most part it is a matter of drilling out rivets and such and then bolting up the 2008 parts.

 

[Daryl 32]

Got some more of the 2WD parts off and one of the new 2008 brackets installed - almost.

Drilling/enlargeing 7/16" holes in a frame to 5/8" is not fun, easy or safe. But with a few bruises, scarps and cuts later I got the PS radius arm bracket mostly installed.

 

[Munga Brown]

Very cool!

 

[Daryl 32]

Very cool!

Thank you - I just need to keep telling myself it is going to work - hour after hour of "why am I doing this-pain stacking stuff?"

 

[Daryl 32]

Got closer this week - may be able to drive it again tomorrow!

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[Dilldog]

Looks awesome.

 

[Lanlubber In Remembrance]

Thank you - I just need to keep telling myself it is going to work - hour after hour of "why am I doing this-pain stacking stuff?"

Because you can ! I'm lazy now and would have sold the 2wd and bought a 4wd. I've done similar things so I'm not knocking you. If you capable why not !

 

[Lanlubber In Remembrance]

Got closer this week - may be able to drive it again tomorrow!

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Very very nice job. I bet you cant wait to try it out.

 

[Daryl 32]

Well it drives on the freeway pretty nice. We drove it yesterday morning to Orange County for the Four Wheel expo. Got to hang out with some other OB members and see some great rigs.

Even made it back home - so 72 miles or so on the front end!!!

 

[ThundahBeagle]

Ho-ly-SMOKES!

I agree with LanLubber. I applaud your skill sir! I would have been left searching for a different vehicle with 4x4.

Should have called you before I junked my old Blazer for frame issues

 

[Daryl 32]

Ho-ly-SMOKES!

I agree with LanLubber. I applaud your skill sir! I would have been left searching for a different vehicle with 4x4.

Should have called you before I junked my old Blazer for frame issues

Thanks. Not sure why - but I have always modified my vehicles in ways most people would not. To me it is the challenge and the idea of just having it the way I want it.

Started with my first car at 15, 57 chevy 4door wagon and never stopped.

 

[Daryl 32]

Got it driving a week ago today. Still have some things to iron out but it moves, steers and stops!

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[Lanlubber In Remembrance]

Thanks. Not sure why - but I have always modified my vehicles in ways most people would not. To me it is the challenge and the idea of just having it the way I want it.

Started with my first car at 15, 57 chevy 4door wagon and never stopped.

You started out right. I ditched school when I was 13 and worked in a near by junk yard pulling parts and working as a pit man for my boss at the dirt race track. I was driving race cars and building them the next year.

 

[Daryl 32]

Did someone say "RACE CAR"

@Lanlubber now you OPENED the can of worms!

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[Daryl 32]

Originally bought our F250 to tow the Orange one and our R/V trailer. Then heard the word "Overlanding"

 

[Lanlubber In Remembrance]

Did someone say "RACE CAR"

@Lanlubber now you OPENED the can of worms!

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Yes, my can of worms is crawling all over me. I love race cars and trucks. My nearest race track (a new one) is 140 miles away and I dont go any more unless I can spend the night at the track in my travel trailer. The races are never over until 1:00 am and I am just too tired to drive back home. Is this your race car ? Absolutely a great little car. What kind of racing do you do with it. It's first class my friend. Love the Ranchero too. Always wanted one but never could work it into my car budget especially with 4 boys to keep wheels under.