coverting a f250 diesel from 2wd to 4wd

1ofakindgt

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I just bought a 2wd sonic blue 97 in mint condition which i posted a thread the other day about it got it for 5 grand 177k. Anyway so how bad it the swap from 2wd to 4wd. If its not bad what do you think a ball park price would be to convert it. How hard etc.
 

AK Rover

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You'll spend more getting all the parts you need to do the conversion than the you paid for the truck. if it were me I would trade the truck for a 4x4 and forget about converting it.
 

DaveBen

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I totally concur that it would make a lot more sense and cents to buy a 4 X 4. Conversions are fun if you have the money and the room to have a truck layed up for many months.

Dave
 

BJS

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the swap presuming you have an automatic transmission:

1. 4wd transmission or at rebuild time have a 4wd output shaft installed & purchase trans to t-case adapter
2. transfer case - manual shift t-case with all shift linkage will be the easiest
3. t-case shift boot
4. wiring harness for 4wd indicator lights - most of this wiring is already in your truck you just need the very end that goes to the t-case and this is only if you want lights
5. Front axle - I would suggest for ease of installation purchasing a solid axle from an F-350 w/ steering, springs & spring hangers Hopefully with gear ratio matching your existing rear.
6. Drive shafts, Front & Rear
7. drop pitman arm from F-350 if using that axle
8. F350 rear blocks (1" taller than F250) to bring rear up to proper height w/ front
9. 4wd trans cross member & skid plate
10. 4wd shock towers

It is time consuming not overly difficult all holes are there in the frame for you to attach everything to, you will need to clean up the brackets from your I-beam suspension. And depending on how you go about the swap and buying pieces & parts it can be rather expensive or inexpensive if you have space to buy parts over the span of a year or so then you are likely to be able to find deals if you keep your eyes open on the big ticket items. One benefit of being in OH is that 4wd is far more common and the salvage yards are less likely to think that it is made of gold, maybe only gold plated. As far as time is concerned I have done 4wd conversions including custom fabrication in a 3 day weekend, granted I had all of the parts and pieces I needed and it was all labor.
 

t wrex

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1ofakind

I have been researching the same thing but for a 06 I have been able to locate what I need for $1600-2100 for my swap. Later plans call for a 5.9 12 popper.
 

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