Question '02 2WD to 4WD

[locopny]

from what I can gather in threads here...

Is it really a 'simple' swap to convert a 2WD into a 4WD (effectively making an 02 leaf sprung 4WD from an 02 2WD)? Dad's rig is an 02 F250 SC LB and will sit most all of the winter. Plenty of time for me to make the swap I'd think. Its also only got about 50K miles on it--SuperDuty with super easy miles..mostly back & forth from CA to ND and NO RUST . Looking under my rig and his to compare front mountings it looks like the brackets are there. Am I seeing it right? Did Ford make it easy to add a front axle?
I do see rigs up for sale here occassionally that are wrecked or have blown motors that seem 'cheap' that makes it an attractive consideration.


front leaf spring set--brackets?
front axle D50
drive shafts
transfer case
rear transmission adapter

other parts I'm not considering?
Threads I missed in my search of 15 pages???

Cost & time factor aside,
Maybe I'm more interested in doing this as something to keep the building bond between Dad and I rather than how much cheaper/quicker it might be to buy one done already.

Thanks for any input.

 

[DaveBen]

It should be just as you see it. I have done this many years ago and it is still a lot of work. Lots of running around to the junk yard for things like sway bars or pan-hard bars, etc. Get a good manual for your truck and then you can get an item by item list of what you will need. You can find FORD manuals here: Service Manuals, Owner Manuals, Wiring Diagrams, Service Bulletins - Helm Incorporated

Dave

 

[locopny]

I do have a Haynes Manual which may not be the best, but it has saved me a couple trips to the dealership and in turn a few $$.

So there isn't any real pitfalls other than parts accumulation?

used the search term "4wd conversion" and "4wd swap"? anything better to use?