converting to a 4x4...

[Jarrod]

K I have this thought that I am wondering if its just a pipe dream. I would love to make my slick into a 4 wheel drive. My thought is this. I have a 65 and can I use the front axle out of a 70s half ton with the coil spring and radius arms. If I use say 3 inch lift springs, will the pumpkin hit the 2 wheel drive cross member. Is the steering box in a similar location? Or am I just crazy and would I be better off pulling the complete chassis from a short bed 70s 1/2 ton 4x4. I know there is more to it than just swapping axles but I would want to use an Atlas transfer case and I could divorce mount it to my existing trans. Thoughts, concerns...

[HiBoy63]

If your 65 is a two wheel drive body you would be better off to swap it onto a later model 4wd frame. Im sure the conversion you are talking about has probably been tried before. I would also guess that it has more than likely been abandoned out of sheer frustration. You are probably getting into some uncharted waters with that kind of conversion the only person on this board that may have tried that would be Iceman. There have been others that have done the body onto a later model 4wd rolling chasis and been very succesful. Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

[ICEMAN6166]

best to find a 4x4 frame and put your cab/bed on it.

the 4x4 front axle with coil springs and radius arms do not bolt up to a 2wd frame, also the front crossmembers are entirely different.

good pics of the 4x4 frame w coil spring front here
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=25634

now go look at the frame of your truck and you will see.

[Jarrod]

That frame was exactly what I was looking for as a reference. I think I will keep what I have. I can always build another. Thanks guys.

[FORDMANLCRACKEL]

X2 on the frame swap! Very easy.


Lonnie