Project Oddball. 1996 F150 4x4

[OGRE81]

Hey all new guy here. I have some free time ahead so I've decided to challenge myself to do something a bit different. I know it's not the best tool for the job but I've decided to use my winter truck a 1996 Ford F150 4x4 XL for the build. I've got the truck stripped down for the most part fixing some rust and painting so now I'm just waiting on a mass of parts before I start to reasemble. Below are a few pics of the truck and an overview of the plans for it. Thanks for the great site!


-Cummins 4BT conversion new transmission and transfer case
-Refresh and regear front and rear ends with new diffs (unsure of what I'm going to use most likely ARB air lockers)
-4" suspension lift w/new rear leafs and Bilstein shocks
-33"x10.50" BFG MT
-Dual batteries
-Onboard Air
-Front winch bumper w/12k winch
-Lighting upgrades
-Refresh and insulate the shell and add a roof rack.
-Sleeping and storage platform
-Solar and battery system
-Freshwater storage
-Trail fridge
-Cooktop
-Nav and comm equipment
-much much more!

 

[ADKdakota]

Nice truck. A friend of mine's father had one a few years older with the straight 6 for like 300,000 miles as well as another friend of mine as his winter vehicle. The straight 6 is bullet proof but is definitely power starved. What motor is in that truck now? I noticed the cummins 4BT swap, that'll be awesome regardless of what motor you're coming from.

 

[OGRE81]

Thanks. It has a 5.0 in it now that is actually in great shape. The truck has 118K on it now and I've considered leaving the 5.0 in it but I have a low mile
4BT with no place to call home. If it had the 6cyl I would leave it in there those things are bulletproof.

ETA: That Dakota of yours is a pretty popular platform for a 4BT swap

 

[Ala5ka]

great to see another F series on here...we are slowly taking over the ExPo scene :truck:

 

[marshal]

great platform to start with, i cant wait to see your progress. glad to see another F-series on here

 

[mustangwarrior]

nice truck, will definatly be following this build, been working on my '96 lately trying to gear it more towards expo, just wish i had an extended cab

 

[marshal]

you should post pictures of all the body work you're doing

 

[OGRE81]

Lucky for me my only real body rust is the usual wheel arches that always rust on these trucks.


Core support is gone. Does anyone have any feedback on the thermoplastic ones as a replacement?


When lift install time comes I'll have to take care of the mounts


Interior is in great shape no tears or cracks anywhere just needs a good cleaning. The bench will be coming out in favor of buckets and a home built center console. I need to strip this down to take care of the soundproofing and I might as well start since I'll be waiting for parts for other things.


The factory 5.0. It runs great and has good compression. I would love to keep it after a good inspection and refresh but I think the 4BT will be better suited for my needs.

I have piles of parts starting to come in but just not everything I need to finish any one job right now. I know I am going overboard replacing parts that are currently fine but it's a peace of mind thing and I can clean up the old and have them as a backup for the trail.

 

[OGRE81]

you should post pictures of all the body work you're doing

Will do. My plan is to take care of the rust and then Duroback the rockers and arches. I may Duraback the whole truck just not sure yet. The frame only getting a good wire brushing and then painted with POR15

 

[poriggity]

Nice start brother! All these fullsize builds are making me feel better about my Project Land Mass!

Very nice truck.
Scott

 

[mustangwarrior]

can't wait to see the 4bt swap, better suited for you, dont forget just how plain cool it is! haha, wish i had the cash to do one in mine, and with a turbo you should be gettin pretty good mpgs too

 

[marshal]

That looks like a good pile of parts there

 

[Chili]

I would hate to give up that bench seat in case you ever need to throw a 3rd person in there. Have you thought about swapping in a later model f250 / f350 bench with the fold down armrest? You gain some storage and a place to sit your arm but can flip it up if you need another seat. They should be bolt in for that truck.

 

[OGRE81]

I have thought about that but have not found a bench I find comfortable. I'm thinking about doing a nice Corbeau bucket at least for the drivers side. The only passenger would be a dog more than likely. I'll bring tie downs for anyone else who wants to come along.

 

[poriggity]

:sombrero::wings: tie downs hahaha... Awesome. Personally, I'd go with some nice buckets in the truck, and screw the 3rd person!
Scott

I have thought about that but have not found a bench I find comfortable. I'm thinking about doing a nice Corbeau bucket at least for the drivers side. The only passenger would be a dog more than likely. I'll bring tie downs for anyone else who wants to come along.