Switching a 2WD F250 Camper Special to a 4WD

[usmcjones1988]

I have a 4WD 1969 F100 with a 460 C6(I think), NP205, and a Dana 44 front. I also have a 1969 F250 Camper Special that was my father and I want to switch it to 4WD using the parts out of the F100 that I already mention above. With the class differences Im not sure if it will work so that why Im asking you guy. Can anyone give me some pointer or has anyone done it before?

[forrestbump]

Chassis components from the firewall forward will need to be swapped to accomplish your goal. Not impossible, but certainly not a weekend project either unless you have fully stocked work/chassis shop at your disposal.

Down side to F100 4WD is coil spring front suspension and single speed transfer case (in-n-out only) plus you'll lose the weight carrying capability of the F250. Some may argue that F100's ride better but front leaf springs are more stable and a simpler system.

If your goal is to convert your Dad's truck to 4WD, my opinion is to find a complete F250 4WD chassis that's of the proper year spans to swap with your 2WD chassis. F250 4WD chassis's are significantly stronger than F100 4WD's.

Proper years are 1965 to 1972 for easiest conversion, than comes 1973 to 1977-1/2 F250 which require slight body mount modifications. These are all referred to as "High Boys" and have divorced two speed transfer cases which give you high and low range.

[usmcjones1988]

Down side to F100 4WD is coil spring front suspension and single speed transfer case (in-n-out only) plus you'll lose the weight carrying capability of the F250. Some may argue that F100's ride better but front leaf springs are more stable and a simpler system.

My fathers truck it already front coil spring and the transfer is a High Low NP205 not original on the F100.

[forrestbump]

I was referring to the coil spring HP Dana 44 front axle housing found in F100's. The spring towers are different between 2WD and 4WD.

One of the biggest challenges you'll face is the removal of the 2WD front cross member to allow the 4WD F100's front axle and suspension to be installed. Since you already have everything you'll need from the F100, it should be pretty straight forward to convert.

[fordman]

I have a 4WD 1969 F100 with a 460 C6(I think), NP205, and a Dana 44 front. I also have a 1969 F250 Camper Special that was my father and I want to switch it to 4WD using the parts out of the F100 that I already mention above. With the class differences Im not sure if it will work so that why Im asking you guy. Can anyone give me some pointer or has anyone done it before?

a f250 4wd and f100 4wd transmssiions and transfer cases are different and moutn in different places. the F100 4wd is a married (bolted to) the transmission. the F250 is usually divorced (not bolted to the transmission). so you can use the F100 4wd drivetrain inthe F250 4wd frame easily enough. if above is a typo and you meant a 2wd F250. then you have alot of frame mods to do. in order to make the swap. there are plenty of 2wd to 4wd threads check them out. zack is doing one to a F350 i think.

[usmcjones1988]

the F250 is a 2WD with the independent front suspension. How far of frame mods are we talking about just like drilling some holes, can i take the cross member out of the F100 for the front and put it in the F250, are the cross members welded in or just bolted in?

[forrestbump]

2WD front cross members are welded into the front frame rails. I've never owned or had any experience with F100 4WD's so no answer from me there.

You ARE talking major surgery to remove the 2WD cross member, but, again, it's not impossible, just a lot of work.

[usmcjones1988]

a torch and a prayer can take care of that i hope.

[averagef250]

I was thinking drop the F250 2wd body onto the complete F100 4x4 chassis, use the 4x4 steering column and you're done.

I don't see any particular reason to deam the F-100 4x4 chassis less desireable/weaker than the F-250 2wd chassis.

[usmcjones1988]

I more of the fact that the F250 has been in the family from when it was first bought