1970 2X4 to 4x4

[Special_Nick]

Hello Gents,

First post here. I have a 2WD 1970, F100 Ranger XLT Heavy Duty Special. As far as I know, everything is numbers matching 100% original. I'm still going through to verify that but I've yet to come across any hickups. I'm the third owner, my uncle bought the truck off the original owner who brought it to Ohio from Given Ford out of Provo, Utah back in 98, and I have owned it since 2000. The only major issue with the truck is that it was in an accident at some time in its life, and as a result, it tracks funny going down the road. It does NOT have a salvage title, though I suspect the frame may be slightly out of line. To make a long story short, I'm thinking of converting it over to 4WD. To my understanding, any 4x4 in the 67-72 time frame will work just fine for a frame swap in regards to body mounts...can anyone help verify this? Is this going to be that terrible of a project?
Anyone out there who has experience in this area I would greatly appreciate your input. Also does anyone know where I can find the numbers for 1970 Builds? How many f100s, how many of those were ranger XLTs, how many of those were royal burgundy...etc.

Thanks in advance!

"Special Nick"

[cstoyer]

Nick

The rear cab mounts are different from 2WD to 4WD on the F250 but are the same for a 2WD and 4WD F100. However, all the standard cabs have indents in the rear floor section for the alternate F250 4X4 cab mount locations. So you can simply drill them out and plug the others if your going to a F250 4X4 frame, other wise they are already there. Also Keep in mind to buy the appropriate rubber/urethane mounts for the frame you are going to keep. And most importantly the VIN is stamped to the frame, not the cab so make sure you get a clear title with your donor frame or you and the DMV will not get along.

F100, F250 2WD Cab Mounts
http://www.fordification.com/tech/image ... mounts.jpg

F250 4x4 and F350 2WD Cab Mounts
http://www.fordification.com/tech/image ... unts02.jpg

cstoyer

[cep62]

welcome to the site.

Another thing to consider.
'76-'79 F150s have power steering , disc brakes, and a two speed transfer case.
'78'79 have a better tierod set up.
they also have a heavier axle with 31 splines.
The drawback is the wheelbase is two inches longer , and the rear of the frame is wider , so that poses a problem with the box.
nothing that can't be compensated for.

1) You could graft your back half to the front of the later frame. or,
2) You can move box back an inch and depending on how high you lift it the wheels should look ok in the wheel well.

P.S. depending on where you live, the DMV may never check the frame numbers.

[basketcase0302]

"Special_Nick"]Hello Gents,
First post here. I have a 2WD 1970, F100 Ranger XLT Heavy Duty Special. As far as I know, everything is numbers matching 100% original. I'm still going through to verify that but I've yet to come across any hickups. I'm the third owner, my uncle bought the truck off the original owner who brought it to Ohio from Given Ford out of Provo, Utah back in 98, and I have owned it since 2000. The only major issue with the truck is that it was in an accident at some time in its life, and as a result, it tracks funny going down the road. It does NOT have a salvage title, though I suspect the frame may be slightly out of line. To make a long story short, I'm thinking of converting it over to 4WD. To my understanding, any 4x4 in the 67-72 time frame will work just fine for a frame swap in regards to body mounts...can anyone help verify this? Is this going to be that terrible of a project?
Anyone out there who has experience in this area I would greatly appreciate your input. Also does anyone know where I can find the numbers for 1970 Builds? How many f100s, how many of those were ranger XLTs, how many of those were royal burgundy...etc.
Thanks in advance!
"Special Nick"

You might be going through a lot of unecessary work to correct an issue that can be repaired pretty easily. Our 4 X 4 bump era trucks are know to "dog leg" down the road due to a few common issues-mainly tracking of the front axle as it aligns with the rear axle.
The VIN is in fact located on the drivers side door as well as the PS front frame rail like in this pic:



Here are the production numbers for the 1970 year-but they don't break it down into variations or paint codes:

http://www.fordification.com/tech/production.htm

[Special_Nick]

Thanks guys, I appreciate all the info. Sounds like I just need to find a donor frame and/or truck, start removing body parts and go from there. The goal is to go the route with the least amount of fabrication as possible. If anyone knows or comes across any early 70 (preferably 1970) 4x4s in a few hrs distance from Dayton OH please keep me informed. Thanks again!

[Lone Ranger]

This sounds like a cool project. I'm just curious how you know it's a heavy duty special? I wouldn't think a f100 would be a HD special but I learn new things about these all the time. Do you notice any differences between your truck and other trucks?

[Bill Ramsey]

rear cab mounts? I know what has been repeated here many times. I put a 1968 2wd body on a 1969 4wd frame and all the cab mounts were exactly the same. the only problem I had was the stock bedside tool box was hitting the front spring hanger and needed a little convincing to fit. I find highboys around here all time in the 1-2k dollar range. Grandpas old truck is just that, an old truck that needs getting rid of.