4x4 conversion- part 1

[ICEMAN6166]

seems to be a few folks interested in this and since i have done a whole bunch of them i thought i would start an article on it.

going to start out with a simple body swap, your 2wd cab and bed and a 4x4 frame.

the easiest , fastest and most factory-like conversion is a 61-64 f100 or f250 cab and a 61-63 longbed installed on a 61-65 f100 or 61-66 f250 4x4 frame. this includes the longbed unis. these 4x4s are 4 speed manual trans with divorced dana 24 gear driven transfer cases.

no engine use problems to speak of, this is all bolt up stuff.
61-64 will have a 223 or 292 engine, the 65-66 will have a 240,300 or 352. it is possible with the movement of 1 crossmember to use the 292 on a 65-66 f250 4x4 frame that had a 352. it is also possible with the correct bell housing and front mounting bracket to use a 240/300 352 in a 61-64 4x4 frame.

it is an advantage if you also have the steering column/ gearbox and under dash mounting bracket from the 4x4 along with the trans hole cover plate with the extra hole for the 4x4 shifter.i had a wrecked cab on the 4x4 frame so i had all that.

the above listed 4x4s have the battery under the passenger floor with a trap door to access the battery. the listed 2wd cabs have the battery on the firewall, with the inner fender indented for the tray.
way i see this part is personal choice.
you can cut the hole in the 2wd cab floor and get a trap door and a 4x4/f350 inner fender or leave the battery on the firewall and remove the underfloor tray from the frame.that is what i did, not wanting to cut a hole in the floor.
the cab and front clip will bolt directly to the frame with no modifications.
the bed will bolt up to the frame, you will need to resize some of the wood blocks in the bed rails underneath as the 4x4 frame is flat and the 2wd frame is arched over the rear axle.
the 2wd and 4x4 steering box and column are not interchangeable on the frames. the column bracket under the dash is different for each but interchangeable on the dash.
the cover plate on the floor for the column is also different for each column.

you will need either a 4x4 transmission with the mounting for the transfer case shifter on the side or you can make your own mounting bracket.

if you buy a new floormat you will have to deal with the steering hole in the wrong place as the aftermarket mats are designed for the 2wd f100 and f250.

i will get some pics for this article shortly.

part 2 will cover the 66 f100 4x4 frame and a 65/66 f100 or f250 cab and bed.

[don morris II]

i think this will be helpful to alot of people thank you

[Anthony]

I am very interested in this article Iceman. Keep the info coming.... .Anthony